Tropical Park Derby winner Jackie Wackie will arrive Tuesday at Arlington International Racecourse to begin preparations for the Grade II American Derby Aug. 3.
The sophomore became a sensation last fall and winter in south Florida when he put together an impressive nine-race winning streak, blemished only by a disqualification to second in the Davie Stakes at Calder in November.
He faltered in the biggest race of his career, the Grade I Florida Derby March 18 at Gulfstream. Jackie Wackie was the second betting choice behind eventual winner Fly So Free, but ran a badly-beaten seventh. Later it was discovered the son of Hostage was ill, and he was given time off for rest and recuperation.
Since coming back, the gelding has yet to win in three Calder starts. He ran second in a mile allowance race June 12, third in the 1 1/16-mile Hollywood Handicap June 22 and third beaten a half-length in the Delray Handicap at 1 1/8 miles on the turf July 7.
Mr. Turf: Defending Arlington training champ P. Noel Hickey continues to burn up the Arlington grass course. He has won 11 of 27 starts on the Cramer Turf Course this year for a sizzling 40.7 win percentage. Last year Hickey recorded 28 of his meet-leading 49 wins on the grass, and recorded an impressive 29.8 win percentage.
Hansel ships out: Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner Hansel will fly to Monmouth Park on Monday.
”(Trainer) Frankie (Brothers) hasn`t said anything, but it sounds like we`ll probably run in the Haskell (July 27th at Monmouth),” said assistant trainer Todd Pierce. ”Hansel took a 2-mile gallop (Sunday) and he`s ready to go.”
Pierce said the Jim Dandy July 28 at Saratoga is under consideration as an alternate spot to run.
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Hansel is being pointed to the Grade I Travers August 17 at Saratoga.
Weekend preview: Stars and Stripes winner Blair`s Cove received high weight of 117 pounds for Saturday`s Grade III Laurance Armour Handicap. Other posible starters include Lazaz (116 pounds), Dual Elements and Jetskier (113), and Brownsboro, Cameroon and Super Abound (112).
The Armour, at 1 1/2 miles on the turf, is the longest stakes race of the meet.
Arlington Classic winner Whadjathink and Nowork All Play head the list of 19 nominees for Sunday`s John Hertz Stakes. The 3-year-old test for state-breds may also lure Al Bing and Blue and Blue, both stakes winners at the meet.