DEL MAR, CA – Zayat Stables homebred Bob and Jackie made a desperate, last-gasp surge to win on the wire in Saturday’s $65,000 Wickerr Stakes at Del Mar.
Sent from post 5 under Heriberto Figueroa at 8/1 odds, Bob and Jackie initially fought three-wide for the lead but tucked back to save some ground heading into the clubhouse turn. Kiwi’s Dream held sole command through opening fractions of :21.76 and :45.08 while the 5/2 favorite Voodoo Song gave closest chase.
Moving three-wide around Voodoo Song heading into the far turn, Bob and Jackie came under a drive at the 1/4 pole and had the pacesetter within his sights at the top of the stretch.
Kiwi’s Dream fought gamely as the wire neared, but in the final stages, Bob and Jackie surged to get up in time for victory. The Richard Baltas trainee completed the firm turf mile route in a final time of 1:33.36.
“He ran really well,” said Figueroa, who has been aboard for all 7 career starts. “When he changed leads, he dug in. He was running hard at the finish and I knew I was going to win. One time last year when he was training, he hurt himself a little bit as he was changing leads, and since, he’s still a little shy about it, but once we get him to do that, he comes on.”
Though nailed by a neck, Kiwi’s Dream held second by a 1/2-length over Murad Khan, with Big Score just a head further back in fourth. Voodoo Song, Souter, Jasikan, New Year, and Bolo completed the order of finish.
Bob and Jackie’s win was his third at the stakes level, having won the 2018 Eddie Logan and the 2019 Let It Ride. The 4-year-old Twirling Candy colt improved his overall record to 6-4-1-0 (including a perfect 3-for-3 locally) and increased his earnings to $176,551.
“I knew there would be a hot pace, but I told (Figueroa) don’t strangle him, let him go,” Baltas said. “He can be a little headstrong, but he’s a free-running horse. Credit to (Figueroa); he did a good job. (Bob and Jackie) has had some issues and it’s been a long time (between races), but he’s sound now and it’s good to see him win.”
Bob and Jackie returned $18.40 to win, $9.60 to place, and $7 to show. Kiwi’s Dream brought back $5.80 to place and $4.40 to show, while Murad Khan paid $9.40 to show.
