Jakarta Rallies to Win Distaff Dash
Three Diamonds Farm's Jakarta, third in the Buffalo Trace Franklin County (G3) in October, rallied under jockey Luis Saez to win the Distaff Dash, covering five furlongs in :56.48 over a firm turf course.
A 5-year-old mare who won the Powder Break over this course in May, Jakarta provided trainer Mike Maker with his record 18th victory in the Claiming Crown.
“Claiming Crown is always a fun day, a little different without fans this year,” Maker said. “I was glad to do it with Jakarta. She's been a great filly for us all year, so it's very rewarding. She didn't get away today as quick as she usually does, but her class prevailed.”
Jakarta raced third entering the turn behind the pacesetter My Sarasota Star before driving to the lead inside the final eighth. It was Jakarta's eighth victory in 18 starts. The Distaff Dash was open to fillies and mares who had started for a claiming price of $25,000 less in 2019-20.
Jakarta, who returned $3.60, was 2 ¼ lengths in front of Unaquoi, who rallied from 10th for the place. Thinkin Cowtown was third
Claiming Crown Emerald
The runner-up, 2-1 favorite Temple, was one of five horses in the field trained by Mike Maker, the event's all-time leader with 18 wins including seven in the Emerald.
Maker-trained horses finished second through fifth, as Temple and defending champion Muggsamatic dead-heated for second with Artie's Rumor fourth and Hieroglyphics fifth.