Wildman Jack Clearly Best in Palos Verdes

ARCADIA, CA – Trainer Doug O’Neill’s Wildman Jack drew off in the stretch to prove clearly the best in Saturday’s $200,000 Palos Verdes Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park.

Wildman Jack broke from post 2 under Abel Cedillo at 5/1 odds and sat just behind early leader Captain Scotty, who posted opening fractions of :22.01 and :44.52.

Wildman Jack attacked two-wide in the far turn and took command by the top of the stretch, then powered home to a 4 1/4-length score while completing the 6-furlong fast dirt sprint in 1:08.98.

Shashashakemeup rallied to take second by 1 3/4 lengths over Pyron, who necked out the 3/1 favorite Ax Man for third.

Captain Scotty, Take the One O One, Shooters Shoot, and Kneedeepinsnow completed the order of finish.

Wildman Jack’s win was his first on dirt and improved his overall record to 14-5-3-1 with $559,505 earned for W. C. Racing (who also bred him) and Glenn Sorgenstein. The 5-year-old Goldencents gelding is a 2-time Grade 3 winner in turf sprint stakes, including last May’s Daytona over the local lawn.

Wildman Jack returned $13.20 to win, $6.40 to place, and $4.20 to show. Shashashakemeup brought back $6.80 to place and $4.20 to show, while Pyron paid $3.20 to show.