Jess's Dream Wins Long-Awaited Debut

Stonestreet Stables' Jess's Dream, the first foal out of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, won his highly anticipated career debut in dramatic fashion Aug. 24 at Saratoga Race Course, making an eye-catching move from last for a one-length win.

 

The son of 2007 and 2008 Horse of the Year Curlin   broke a step slow from post 6 with John Velazquez aboard in the sixth race and lost contact with the field down the backstretch before sweeping seven wide turning for home. The colt reeled in front-runner Securitiz and edged clear to hit the wire in 1:49.06 for 1 1/8 miles, getting his last quarter-mile in :23.66.

 

"I broke today and left him alone until he was ready," Velazquez said. "At the half-mile pole I started getting after him and he started catching up to horses. Once he caught up to the group, he knew it was time to run."

 

Sent off at 3-1 in a field of seven 3-year-old maidens, Jess's Dream paid $8.50 to win.

 

Upon returning to the winner's circle, he received an ovation from the crowd.

 

Jess's Dream is named for late Kendall-Jackson wine magnate Jess Jackson, who owned both Curlin and Rachel Alexandra and had ong anticipated their mating, but died in 2011, a year before the dark bay or brown colt was born. Stonestreet is now operated by his widow, Barbara Banke.

 

"It wasn't easy to get him to the races. We've had him for a year, but it's taken a year to get him here," trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said of the colt, whose training had been delayed by injury. "It was like a grade I. It was pretty special because of who it is, and listening to the fans clap. It's great to win here at Saratoga with this horse because they appreciate him."