Ward ’n Jerry won by a head in Leg Two of The Tin Man Series on Feb. 20; Four-race series concludes on the turf April 24
ARCADIA, Calif. —With the Grade III San Luis Rey Stakes positioned two races hence, racing fans were treated to a top quality opening act at a mile and one half on turf Saturday at Santa Anita, as Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams’ veteran 8-year-old gelding Ward ’n Jerry rallied for a gutty half length win in leg three of The Tin Man Starter Distance Series. Trained by Mike Puype and ridden by Flavien Prat, the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit got the distance in 2:27.47.
With fellow Cal-bred Irish Heatwave showing the way to the three sixteenths pole, Prat waited mid-pack until the quarter pole, where he angled out three-deep while fifth, about two lengths off the lead, and won in a driving finish, giving the hot-riding Frenchman his third win on the day.
“He’s a cool horse and he likes these longer distances,” said Prat, who also guided Ward ’n Jerry to head victory in Leg Two of The Tin Man series at a mile and one quarter on Feb. 20. “From a mile and a quarter to a mile and one half and probably further, he’s very tough.
“I was happy with the way the race set up. I thought I was in a good spot all the way around and he gave me a good kick through the stretch.”
The second choice in a field of eight older horses at 2-1, Ward ’n Jerry paid $6.20, $3.20 and $2.40.
“This horse is just so honest and he loves these longer distances,” said Puype. “He knows where the wire is and this series is perfect for him. The final race is a mile and three quarters on April 24 and you can count on it, we’ll be there.”
Out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, Ward ’n Jerry, who won last year’s San Luis Rey, is now 27-7-2-4. With today’s share of $33,840, he increased his earnings to $468,259.
Lure Him In, who sat second early, was able to out-finish favored Red King on the money to be second by a head. Off at 10-1 with Edwin Maldonado, Lure Him In paid $8.80 and $4.00.
With the winner to his outside at the top of the lane, Red King had to wait for room between horses a furlong out, which allowed Ward ’n Jerry to get first run. Off at 6-5 with Umberto Rispoli up, Red King paid $2.40 to show while finishing 1 ¾ lengths in front of a tiring Tartini.
Fractions on the race were 25.68, 49.80, 1:14.51, 1:39.12 and 2:03.36.
Tin Man Starter Allowance, Leg Three Replay
Press Release
Photo: Ward ’n Jerry with Flavien Prat aboard (Benoit)
