Jackson Bend Records First Forego Move
Jackson Bend had his first work since posting a convincing 2 ½-length victory in the July 23 James Marvin Stakes, covering four furlongs in 49.30 on the Oklahoma training track with exercise rider Maxine Correa.
“He went great,” said Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito, who has circled the Grade 1 Forego at seven furlongs on September 3 as the next start for the 4-year-old Hear No Evil colt. “He was literally pulling Max out of the saddle. I told her to go easy, and it was :49 and change. We’re happy about that.”
The James Marvin was Jackson Bend’s first victory for Zito, who last year sent him out to second-place finishes in the Grade 1 Florida Derby and the Grade 1 Wood Memorial as well as a third-place finish in the Preakness. The colt spent the winter in Florida with Stanley Gold, his original trainer, and when returned north, Zito and owner Robert LaPenta elected to shorten him up and aim for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile as a year-end target.
“We’re looking forward to the Forego,” said Zito. “I just hope he stays the same way. He’ll have a couple more breezes, and have a real good workout on the 27th.”