Sisterston to saddle first stakes runner in Arlington Lassie

Trainer Jack Sisterson scored his first career victory as a trainer with debut winner Next Dance at Belterra Park on August 12, and on Saturday she will give him his first start in a stakes in the $75,000 Arlington-Washington Lassie at Arlington International Racecourse.

A graduate of the University of Louisville’s Equine Industry Program, Sisterson worked for trainers Todd Pletcher and Eddie Kenneally, as well as Doug O’Neill when he campaigned Kentucky Derby winners I’ll Have Another (2012) and Nyquist (2016). 

Sisterson now serves as a private conditioner for Calumet Farm. In his first year as a standalone trainer, he has scored three victories in 18 starts.

“It’s exciting not only for me but for the whole barn and Calumet as well,” Sisterson said. “Doug [O’Neill] himself will be excited as well. He’s been a huge supporter of me going out on my own. Every day he asks me how I’m doing and how he can help. From a barn standpoint, we’re all excited to run.”

The Calumet Farm-owned daughter of Oxbow breaks on the outside from post nine in the seven-furlong event for 2-year-old fillies. Mitchell Murrill has the mount aboard Next Dance who has been giving the morning line selection of 12-1.

“When she came into the barn she was precautious,” Sisterson said “Gene Recio (of Lynwood Farm) broke her in Ocala with his father (Bill Recio). He sent her to us in great shape and did a very professional job in getting her ready. We just had to keep her happy. Sending her to Belterra was more of a timing thing; we thought she was good enough for Ellis [Park] or some other spots but the timing of the race at Belterra came up perfect with her work pattern. She did it well and came out in great shape. We’ve been a little harder on her now to get her 100 percent fit for the Lassie. She should improve a ton.”

Sisterson praised the training style of his former boss Doug O’Neill.

“He’s really focused on the horse’s best interest,” Sisterson said. “He developed a whole team to, first and foremost, work together to get the most out of each horse. He’s good at spotting talent and placing horses in the right spots. If it weren’t for Doug, I wouldn’t be here. It was such a team environment; everyone is a part of it. I spent every day working with Doug for a long time and I’ve been very fortunate.”

Next Dance is a Calumet homebred out of the Capote broodmare Dance Away Capote, who was a multiple stakes winner on dirt and turf.