
King Jack Leads California Exacta Sweep in G2 Gallant Bob
Michael Stinson’s King Jack flattered Pennsylvania Derby favorite Improbable with a powerful off-the-pace victory in Saturday’s 28th running of the Grade 2 Gallant Bob Stakes at Parx Racing.
Second to Improbable in the 1-mile Shared Belief Stakes last time out at Del Mar and shortening up to 6 furlongs, King Jack rolled past fellow Southern California shipper Landeskog in the stretch to win by 1 1/2 lengths. The 3-year-old son of Jimmy Creed won the $310,000 Gallant Bob in 1:08.89
Saddled by Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, King Jack and jockey Joel Rosaro raced off the pace set by Strong Will through the opening quarter-mile in :21.99. Landeskog, sent to Parx by trainer Doug O’Neill, took over through the half in :44.60 the lane and tried to inch clear under Abel Cedello but couldn’t hold off King Jack.
A $100,000 purchase at the 2017 Keeneland September yearling sale, King Jack won his debut June 1 at Santa Anita Park going 6 furlongs before another victory at Del Mar going 7 furlongs July 17. Hollendorfer originally considered the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens at Saratoga with King Jack before opting for the Shared Belief. King Jack finished 2 3/4 lengths behind Improbable in the Shared Belief Aug. 25.
The Gallant Bob field was reduced to seven with the gate scratches of Bethlehem Road and Get Hammered.