Jackson Hole graduates on debut Saturday at Gulfstream

Jackson Hole, a $1.3 million yearling at Keeneland September last year, graduated at first asking Saturday in a seven-furlong maiden special weight on the Gulfstream dirt.

Trained by Todd Pletcher for owners WinStar Farm, CHC and First Go Racing, Jackson Hole was bet down as the 4-5 favorite. Under jockey John Velazquez, he broke from the seventh and outermost post and tracked the early pace set by Ramajay. Velazquez began to push him along into the turn, and he chased the leading pair of Ramajay and Maykomotion around the bend.

Approaching the head of the stretch, Jackson Hole made his move outside that pair. Though he ran somewhat greenly, he caught Ramajay just inside the eighth pole. He kept on to win by a length, stopping the clock in 1:25.10 for seven furlongs on fast dirt. Ramajay held second over late-chasing Municipal.

Jackson Hole is a 2-year-old colt by 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist out of the winning Bernardini mare Spa Treatment. He is the third starter out of his dam. Her other two runners include five-time winner Laconia, a 4-year-old Kantharos filly and four-time winner Venik, a 3-year-old Maclean's Music gelding. Jackson Hole's second dam is stakes winner and Grade 1-placed Silver Knockers and his fourth dam is Grade 1 winner Joe's Tammie.