Jackie’s Warrior all heart in Allen Jerkens S. (G1) victory

Jackie’s Warrior showed his relentless drive to win once again in Saturday’s $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens S. (G1), turning away the previously undefeated Life Is Good to win by a neck.

The future Spendthrift stallion owned by Kirk and Judy Robinson now has six graded stakes wins, three each Grade 1 and 2 events. The top three finishers of the Jerkens have connections to Spendthrift: runner-up Life Is Good is by Into Mischief and third-place finisher Following Sea is owned by the farm.

Saturday’s spotlight belonged to Jackie’s Warrior though. Away from the gate in good order, Jackie’s Warrior closely pursued Life Is Good, who led through the first quarter-mile in :21.97. The hot pace continued on the turn, when Life Is Good opened up by two lengths with a half-mile in a torrid :44.16. Jackie’s Warrior came back along the inside to take over the lead in upper stretch. Life Is Good made it close in the end, with Jackie’s Warrior digging in to get to the wire first in 1:21.39 for the seven furlongs on a fast track.

The bay colt earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 107.

“‘Jackie’ continues to make us proud,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “He’s incredible. The thing you love about him is his demeanor and the way he goes about everything.”

A winner of seven of 10 starts with earnings of $1,333,964, Jackie’s Warrior was bred by J & J Stables in Kentucky out of Unicorn Girl, who was bred to Into Mischief for 2022.