|
|
Bob Black Jack strikes in wire-to-wire Malibu
"He cleared right away and threw his ears up. Nobody else seemed liked they were in a hurry, and he was doing it so easily," Flores explained. "He finished up really strong, and I just hope he stays good and sound and that we have another big year with him." "Today, it seemed like he really had it all his own way the whole way," Kasparoff said. "When challenged, it was nice to see him respond." Into Mischief, who rated off the pace in midpack, rallied wide into contention in the stretch and finished up well for runner-up honors, 1 1/2 lengths clear of third-placer Georgie Boy, who edged Colonel John by a nose on the wire. A slight 2-1 favorite in his career finale, Into Mischief paid $3.40 and $2.80 for his gallant effort. Georgie Boy, the 3-1 third choice, totaled $3.40. Colonel John left the starting gate as the 2-1 second choice and was followed under the wire by Guns on the Table (Carson City), Nownownow (Whywhywhy) and Golden Spikes (Seeking the Gold). Owned by Jeff Harmon and Tim Kasparoff, Bob Black Jack secured his first graded victory. He captured the California Breeders' Champion S. and Sunshine Millions Dash S. last winter over restricted rivals before joining the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail with a third in the San Felipe S. (G2). In the Santa Anita Derby (G1) next time out, Bob Black Jack turned in a big performance to miss by only a half-length to Colonel John, earning a trip to Churchill Downs with his second-place showing, and set the early pace in the Kentucky Derby before weakening to 16th. The dark bay would not be seen again under silks for nearly seven months, reappearing with a fifth in the six-furlong Vernon O. Underwood S. (G3) that served as the perfect tightener for the Malibu. Bob Black Jack has now earned $594,925 from a 10-4-2-1 line. "He needed his last race, no doubt about it," Flores said. Bred by Gary & Marlene Howard and Bruce Dunmore, Bob Black Jack hails from the winning Native Prospector mare Molly's Prospector and counts the soon-to-be juvenile filly Stormy Victory as a full sister. This is the female family of Grade 1 winner, Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) runner-up and $1 million earner Taste of Paradise (Conquistador Cielo) and 2003 Triple Bend Invitational H. (G1) victor Joey Franco (Avenue of Flags). The Malibu is the first leg of the Strub Series for four-year-olds of 2009. The second leg is the 1 1/16-mile San Fernando S. (G2) on January 17, and the 1 1/8-mile Strub S. (G2) concludes the series on February 7.
 Send this article to a friend
|
|
