Gallant Bob Proves Little Challenge for King Jack

It's taken just under three months for Michael Stinson's King Jack to go from maiden winner to black-type earner.  

After just missing his first attempt in stakes company last out in the Shared Belief Stakes, the son of Jimmy Creed  executed a textbook stalking trip Sept. 21 to win the $310,000 Gallant Bob Stakes (G2) at Parx Racing. 

Sent out in the six-furlong sprint under jockey Joel Rosario, King Jack settled just off the rail in third behind frontrunners Strong Will and Landeskog. King Jack slowly whittled away at their leading margin and got up for second as the half-mile went in :44.60.

King Jack and leader Landeskog pulled away from the rest of the field by an impressive seven lengths. King Jack continued to press Landeskog, who tired in the final furlong. 

Under steady handling from Rosario, King Jack kept the momentum going and won by 1 1/2 lengths. 

Landeskog took second, 12 lengths ahead of Trophy Chaser in third. Strong Will, Bulletin, War Bridle, and War Tocsin completed the order. The final time was 1:08.89. 

Bethlehem Road and Get Hammered flipped in the gate during loading and were injured prior to the start. The two horses were scratched late by the stewards on the advice of track veterinarians. 

A $100,000 purchase by Stinson from the consignment of Small Batch Sales to the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, King Jack broke his maiden on debut for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer June 1 at Santa Anita Park. One start later under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, the 3-year-old took a July 17 allowance optional claiming race at Del Mar by 1 1/4 lengths at seven furlongs. His only loss came next out in the Shared Belief at Del Mar. 

Bred in Kentucky by Spendthrift Farm, King Jack is the first foal out of the Tapit  mare Light Shine. The mare has an unraced 2-year-old colt by Temple City , a yearling filly by Brody's Cause , and a Brody's Cause colt foaled Feb. 20. 

Video: Gallant Bob S. (G2)