Englishman Aims for Fourth Consecutive Victory in Jerkens Memorial
Witness Greatness: Englishman Pursues Unprecedented Fourth Victory!
The Jerkens Memorial: A Key Event at Saratoga's Racing Extravaganza
The Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial is set to be a thrilling fixture at Saratoga, featuring trainer Cherie DeVaux's standout colt, Englishman, as the favored entry. This race is strategically positioned as Race 8 within a comprehensive 14-race program. The day's events are crowned by the 157th running of the $1.25 million Travers Stakes, designated as Race 13. Additionally, the card includes three other significant Grade 1 races that serve as Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' qualifiers: the Personal Ensign Stakes for the Distaff (Race 9), the Forego Stakes for the Dirt Mile (Race 11), and the Ballerina Stakes for the Filly & Mare Sprint (Race 12). The Lake Placid Stakes (G2) in Race 10 further rounds out the day's stakes action. Gates open at 9 a.m. EDT, with the first race commencing at 11:05 a.m. EDT.
Englishman's Dominant Performance and Unmatched Speed Figures
Englishman, a substantial $400,000 acquisition at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale for C R K Stable, enters this competition on the back of a sensational 5 3/4-length triumph in the seven-furlong Woody Stephens Stakes (G1) on June 6. His impressive finishing time of 1:20.40 remarkably matched the course record. This performance earned him a 115 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form, marking the highest figure achieved by any 3-year-old this year. This places him second only to the 122 earned by the 5-year-old Knightsbridge in the Monmouth Cup Stakes (G3) among all runners. With a record of 3 wins from 4 starts, Englishman's sole setback occurred in May at Churchill Downs in the Pat Day Mile Stakes (G2), where he finished behind Crude Velocity, whom he later decisively defeated in the Woody Stephens.
Strategic Sprinting: DeVaux's Plans for Englishman's Future
Trainer Cherie DeVaux has expressed her intention to maintain Englishman in sprinting distances for the foreseeable future, despite acknowledging the possibility of future discussions regarding two-turn races. She believes a one-turn mile represents his current distance limit, citing his running style. DeVaux reflected on his Pat Day Mile performance, noting that while it wasn't a poor showing, Crude Velocity was superior on that day, and Englishman's position against the rail hindered his ability to relax. She emphasizes that as a lightly-raced colt, he may possess more versatility, but the current strategy is to capitalize on his strengths in 6-to-7-furlong sprints. Jockey José Ortiz, who leads the Saratoga meet with 64 wins, is scheduled to ride Englishman from post 4, with morning line odds of 3-5.
The Distinctive Racing Styles of DeVaux's Champions
Englishman's racing profile, characterized by maintaining a lead of at least three lengths at the stretch call in all his victories, presents a stark contrast to DeVaux's Kentucky Derby champion, Golden Tempo. Golden Tempo is known for her dramatic closings, having surged from 18th place and 17 lengths off the pace to win by a neck. Despite their differing styles, DeVaux humorously admits that both types of horses generate significant tension. She recounted saving her cheers during Englishman's Jerkens race to prepare for Golden Tempo's run in the Travers, highlighting that while Englishman's success is less dependent on race complexity, both horses ignite an equal level of excitement and passion within her.
DeVaux's Quest for a Historic Triple Crown Season
A victory for both Englishman and Golden Tempo on the same day would propel both colts into year-end championship contention and position DeVaux to achieve a historic milestone. She would become the first trainer since Hall of Famer Laz Barrera in 1978 to send out the winners of Horse of the Year, Champion 3-Year-Old Colt, and Champion Sprinter in a single season. Barrera accomplished this feat with Triple Crown winner Affirmed and J.O. Tobin, who shared champion sprinter honors. DeVaux attributes her barn's remarkable success and consistent production of top-tier horses to the invaluable support of her clients and her team's meticulous attention to detail. She emphasizes the importance of managing her horses without being overwhelmed by their potential, ensuring that every horse, regardless of its status, receives the same high standard of care and management. This unified approach, she believes, is the cornerstone of their sustained success and ability to attract and maintain elite talent.