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JESS JONES DEFEATS DEFENDING CHAMP IN SLM BIG DADDY STAKES
Jess Jones, bred by Fred Stanley, wins the $51,000 SLM Big Daddy Stakes on Satuday at RemingtonPark.
Dustin Orona PhotographyOKLAHOMA CITY, OK—MARCH 13, 2010—Jess Jones used a solid start and a powerful run throughout Saturday’s 550-yard SLM Big Daddy Stakes at Remington Park, reaching the finish a length in front of Vital Winner who won the event a year ago.
Owned by J.D. Anderson of Froid, Mont. and trained by Monty Brooks of Blanchard, Okla., Jess Jones rolled home in the $51,000 SLM Big Daddy Stakes with plenty left to hold off a late charge by Vital Winner. Anderson once worked as an assistant to Brooks for 15 years.
With Cody Jensen aboard, Jess Jones crossed the finish in 27.15 seconds over a fast track.
"That horse really did (have a good trip out of the #1 post). This horse just handled it extremely well tonight,” Jensen said. He was able to get on top of the racetrack and handle the inside post position. I was really impressed with the way he ran tonight.”
After a rough start with contact from rivals on both sides, Vital Winner was next to last in the opening strides of the race before making a huge move over the final 200 yards to gain second.
Somewhat dismissed at 10-1 odds in the wagering, Jess Jones paid $22.60 to win, $7.20 to place and $3.80 to show. Vital Winner, the beaten favorite at 4-5 odds, paid $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show. SM Country Cowboy was another length back in third, paying $7.80 to show.
Bred by Fred Stanley of Madill, Oklahoma, the 6-year-old horse by Mr Jess Perry from the Disco Jerry (TB) mare Disco Del Rey, Jess Jones won his fifth career race from 22 attempts with all of the victories taking place at Remington Park. The winning check of $30,000 pushes the lifetime earnings for Jess Jones to $92,818.
The SLM Big Daddy Stakes is named in honor of the two-time American Quarter Horse Association World Champion. The gelding came to prominence with dominating stakes scores in the biggest Remington Park events in the late 1990s.