It was first start, first win this afternoon at Monmouth Park for Mr. Jack Swain III’s homebred colt WHISTLEJACKET. The 2-year-old son of Violence – Wave The Flag, by Empire Maker, was “a complete gentleman” when standing in the 1-hole in the gate during a lengthy load. He held that rail position until being checked sharply just before the 7/16 pole but recovered well to overtake rivals on the turn. Although green down the stretch, he responded well to urging from Angel Suarez and went under the wire 3/4 lengths in front.

“He’s a really nice horse,” Angel said, “Extremely classy and well-behaved. He didn’t switch leads, but that didn’t bother his run – he kept going!”

Whistlejacket’s dam made both of her career starts for Graham in 2014. She too won in her debut, followed by a second-place finish in the Wild Applause Stakes at Belmont Park.

Congratulations to Mr. Swain on another lovely homebred!