Yeah it was an NW2X optional claimer at Aqueduct early in the spring
This pricey son of Tapit has been touted, talked about and disappointed a lot in his first 2 seasons. So disappointing that he was a 3/1 third choice in a 6 horse field today.
Javier had a horse full of run with no place to go but 5W, he ducked to the rail in full stride and threaded the needle... A classic ride that shows he still is Soy Numero Uno in my book. He parted ways with his agent after 4 consecutive Eclipse awards, has had to deal with the emergence of the Ortiz brothers and JV riding like he had for the first 20 years of his career. Give me a big spot and one jock to get you home, it’s still JJ here.....
More impressive was the athleticism Ticonderoga showed today. He has been a late run plodder in his first 2 seasons, sucking up for minor awards early and not running a step in his last 2. On his toes like Ali today with a very athletic move and a set of balls to scrape paint with his head down and digging in.This one may finally have grown into himself and could turn into the major grass player he was supposed to be?