Ward ‘n Jerry has yet to see a turf marathon he didn’t fancy.
The 8-year-old gelded son of Lucky Pulpit – bred in California by long-time successful proponents of racing in the Golden State, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams – seeks his third straight victory next Saturday when he runs in the Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at 1 ¾ miles on turf at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif.
“This has been my destination race for him and he’s ready to roll,” trainer Mike Puype said.
Ward ‘n Jerry, a committed closer in a career of 27 races, of which he has won eight and earned $468,259, turned in an uncharacteristic performance in last year’s San Juan, setting the pace before finishing third, beaten five lengths.
“He’s doing good,” said Puype, enjoying a typically solid meet with 27 victories from 124 starts, a 22 percent winning average, with earnings of $1,201,884.
“The horse ran off a little bit in the race last year but he’s not doing that anymore, so he should be all right this time around.”
Ward ‘n Jerry worked five furlongs on the main track Saturday morning in 1:02 flat.
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