Pat Day Mile (G2) goes to Jackie’s Warrior in thriller

Jakcie’s Warrior prevails in the 2021 Pat Day Mile (G2) – Coady photo

Jackie’s Warrior set ultra-fast fractions then held off Dream Shake in an epic stretch battle to win the $500,000 Pat Day Mile (G2) on Derby Day at Churchill Downs.

Jackie’s Warrior, who will join Spendthrift Farm’s stallion roster at the conclusion of his career, has won five of his seven lifetime starts and earned $868,964. Among his victories are the Champagne (G1), Hopeful S. (G1) and Saratoga Special S. (G2).

Facing a field of 10 fellow 3-year-olds on Saturday, Jackie’s Warrior rent right to the front and blazed through a quarter-mile in :21.75 and half in :43.68, with Dream Shake less than a length behind at that point.

The torrid pace continued around the turn, with the six furlongs coming in 1:07.97. Dream Shake and Jackie’s Warrior were inseparable down the stretch, with Jackie’s Warrior repeatedly repelling Dream Shake to win by a head in 1:34.39.

“I’m proud of who Jackie’s Warrior is, under these circumstances, only validates of the beliefs we had in him,” said winning trainer Steve Asmussen. “It’s quite obvious that he’s a special horse and there are plenty of opportunities for him out there that will serve his assets best.”

Jackie’s Warrior races in the colors of Kirk and Judy Robinson and was bred in Kentucky by J & J Stables. Jackie’s Warrior’s dam Unicorn Girl is due to produce an Into Mischief foal this year.