Jess's Dream a Reality as Rachel Alexandra's Foal Wins on Debut
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Jess's Dream rallied from last in the stretch to win his debut by a length. (NYRA photos)
Edited press release
Stonestreet Stable's Jess's Dream won his long-awaited career debut in dramatic fashion, making an eye-catching move from last to first for a one-length victory in Monday's sixth race at Saratoga Race Course.
The first foal out of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra by two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, Jess's Dream broke a step slow from post 6 and lost contact with the field down the backstretch before sweeping seven wide turning for home.
Under a drive by Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, Jess's Dream reeled in front-running 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 seconds.
"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."
JESS'S DREAM
Sent off at 3-1 in a field of seven 3-year-old maidens, Jess's Dream paid $8.50 for a $2 win bet. 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 long 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. "It was like a Grade 1. 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."
JESS'S DREAM DEBUT RACE REPLAY
Courtesy of NYRA