Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Jack Christopher

Oct 09, 2021 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Jim Bakke, Gerald Isbister, Coolmore Stud, and Peter Brant’s Jack Christopher earned 10 points on the 2022 Road to the Kentucky Derby following his triumph in the $500,000 Champagne S. (G1) at Belmont Park on October 2. He clocked one-mile on the fast main surface in 1:37.31 on the fast main surface under the guidance of Jose Ortiz.

The juvenile colt broke alertly as the 17-10 favorite to track from second in the Champagne through an opening half-mile in :46.49, before edging to the front at the three-quarters mark in 1:11.15. Jack Christopher quickly spurted clear to a 5 1/2-length edge at the midstretch marker prior to finishing 2 3/4 lengths comfortably in front at the wire.

Conditioner Chad Brown has long been impressed with the youngster, stating, “He was a horse that identified himself as early on as his first work. I was on the phone with the connections saying, 'This is potentially a really good horse. I can't believe what I just saw.' He's just been brilliant in every work”.

Jack Christopher upped his lifetime line to 2-2-0-0, $330,000 following his Champagne conquest. The chestnut colt debuted at Saratoga on Travers Day on August 28 and drove clear to a decisive 8 3/4-length win in the six-furlong dash as the heavy 11-10 choice.

He was bred in the Bluegrass State by Castleton Lyons and Kilboy Estate and the son of Munnings was offered at public auction on a pair of occasions. He failed to meet his reserve (RNA) in hisfirst pass through the ring, prior to eventually bringing the gavel down at $135,000 at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Sale. He is the first black-type winner out of the Half Ours mare Rushin No Blushin, who counts herself as a half-sister to Grade 1 winner and prominent sire Street Boss.

Jack Christopher has earned Brisnet Speed figures of 99 and 94 from his two races to date while dominating his foes. His pedigree might be tilted more towards a middle-distance horse, which makes his chances of turning into a classic type questionable. But the overall brilliance he has displayed at this stage of his development  might make up for his catalog page if he continues to ascend.