Amy Dunne and trainer Patrick Biancone’s improving stayer I Know I Know will face the sternest examination of his career when he lines up for Saturday’s $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens Handicap at Gulfstream Park. The 3-year-old will step up to an uncommon two-mile distance, a challenge his connections believe will suit his relentless, open-galloping style.
I Know I Know has shown steady progression through his 13-start career, collecting three wins and three runner-up finishes while maintaining consistent form in stakes company. Though he has not yet secured a stakes victory, Biancone has long suggested that maturity and greater distances will bring out the best in the homebred son of Jess’s Dream. David Egan, returning to Gulfstream for his winter stint, will take the ride and guide the colt under a lightweight 117 pounds.
Trainer Confident in Colt’s Staying Profile
Biancone’s confidence stems partly from the colt’s pedigree. Jess’s Dream, by Curlin out of Rachel Alexandra, hinted at deep reserves of stamina despite racing only once. I Know I Know has inherited that long-winded action, prompting connections to believe the extended trip will work in his favour. Still, Biancone acknowledged that two miles remains an open question, even for a horse bred to stay.
Rivals Bring Valuable Experience to Saturday’s Test
Among the opposition is Waterford Stable’s Summer Cause, the only runner in the field with prior experience over the exact distance. The 5-year-old finished fourth in the John Forbes Memorial at Fair Hill and will return to turf under Tyler Gaffalione. He began his career on dirt before marking his switch to turf with a win at Tampa earlier this year.
Case Chambers’ Risk Manager enters as the most seasoned competitor, boasting 11 victories. The 7-year-old has enjoyed a productive autumn with wins at Ellis Park, Kentucky Downs and Aqueduct. A slow start halted his run at Churchill Downs, but trainer Mike Maker expects a sharper performance in this staying contest.
Photos Finish LLC’s Belouni will aim to build on his runner-up finish behind Risk Manager, having made a promising first appearance for trainer Fernando Abreu. Edwin Gonzalez will again take the mount. Elizabeth Dobles sends out Padiddle, another who has excelled over longer distances with graded-stakes placings from 1½ miles to 1¾ miles this year.
The lightly raced Coiled, trained by Arnaud Delacour, will arrive off an encouraging long-distance allowance win at Laurel. Ruddy Buddy and Dontsplashthepot round out a field traditionally known for showcasing Gulfstream’s most durable stayers.
For the detailed Gulfstream Park Race Cards 6 December, visit the official website.
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