Jules Journey Hungry for Crystal Water

Jules Journey missed winning last year’s Crystal Water Stakes by a length and a half in a solid effort.

Trainer Jim Cassidy hopes things go better the second time around, when the gelded son of Good Journey runs in next Sunday’s $100,000 Crystal Water at one mile on turf. The race is restricted to California-sired or California-bred horses ages three and up.

“He’s OK at a mile, even a mile and an eighth,” said Cassidy, who owns a share of the 5-year-old bay along with husband and wife Kieron and Mary DeLahunt. “He runs well about every time.”

Added Brice Blanc, who rides Jules Journey for the third race in a row, winning once and finishing second the other time: “He’s a very nice horse. I really like him. The last two times I had a really good trip. He’s got tactical speed. If he has comfortable pace in front of him, I know he’ll make a run.

“He’s very genuine, he tries hard and he should be very competitive in the race.”

Bred in Kentucky, Jules Journey has been in the money 13 times from 17 starts, winning three times and finishing third eight. He has earned $197,490 and seeks his first stakes win in the Crystal Water.

“Good Journey is a good sire, especially with grass runners,” Cassidy said. All three of Jules Journey’s victories have been on turf, including one two starts back at a mile and an eighth.

Probable for the Crystal Water: China Prince; Heat Flash; John Scott; Jules Journey, Brice Blanc; Mega Heat, Corey Nakatani; Pathway to Yes; Rock Me Baby; Rousing Sermon, Elvis Trujillo; Soi Phet; Unusual Heatwave; and Valley Cat.