Maker sends four in Gulfstream turf marathon
Photo: TheFreePPs.com
Going into Friday’s featured $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes for 3-year-olds and up going 2 miles on the turf, trainer Mike Maker has sent out twenty six horses since the start of the meet.
Of those, he has managed to lead only one horse to the winner’s circle.
In the feature race on Christmas Eve at Gulfstream he’ll saddle four of the nine horses entered to go the marathon distance hoping to improve on what has been less than his best record of success.
Made the second choice in the field is Maker’s three-time winner Bluegrass Parkway at 7-2.
Bluegrass Parkway has had success at Gulfstream earlier in the year winning a $35,000 optional claiming race on turf. And was third in his most recent start at Belmont against stakes company.
The other three Maker runners will be starting for the first time at Gulfstream.
Ajourneytofreedom (9-2) was a winner at Saratoga going 1 1/2 miles on the inner-turf course in July. He was fourth in the G2 Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs two back. And eighth in his most recent start at Keeneland.
At 5-1 is Jarreau. Owned by Three Diamonds Farm, of the four stablemates he’ll be taking the biggest jump in class. On paper he’s a two-time winner on turf in $40,000 maiden claiming company at Belmont. But was placed first through disqualification for one of the wins.
Malthael has been made 8-1 to open wagering. He was a winner two-back as a slight favorite going 1 1/2 miles at Keeneland. In that race he prevailed by a neck over Fantasio (3-1) the lukewarm morning line favorite in this race.
Abaan will set the pace for Pletcher
Abaan, a 4-year-old son of Will Take Charge was a front-running winner in his last start for trainer Todd Pletcher who is sending out winners at a 50% clip on the meet.
Since taking over his training, Pletcher has conditioned Abaan to two victories and was twice the runner up in five starts.
Expect him to set the pace with a chance to take them all the way.
Post time for the H Allen Jerkins is scheduled for 4:32 PM ET and will go as race 10 on the Gulfstream Christmas Eve card.
