Jackson Bend Continues Forego Preparations

Jackson Bend, who won by 2 ½ lengths when cut back in distance for the seven-furlong James Marvin on July 22, continued preparations for the Grade 1 Forego on September 3 with a 48.77 four-furlong breeze on the Oklahoma training track Thursday.

Trained by Hall of Famer Nick Zito for Robert LaPenta, Jackson Bend was a veteran of the 2010 Triple Crown trail, finishing second in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial and third in the Grade 1 Preakness. The Marvin was the 4-year-old’s first start in a sprint since August of his 2-year-old season.

Based on his Marvin performance, the gelding’s connections have decided to focus on shorter races like the seven-furlong Forego.

“Somebody told me the other day, ‘You should stretch him out,’” said Zito. “And I said, ‘What for?’ Seven-eighths, I have to run again.”

When asked if races like the Breeders’ Cup Sprint or Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile could be viable long-range targets for Jackson Bend, Zito responded, “We’re thinking about that. Right or wrong?”