Rich Jewel ($20.20) has a pedigree that suggests he might be at his best in turf routes. But he was sharp enough to win his career debut in a four and a half furlong sprint on the main track, taking the third race over Crafty Heckle.
Rich Jewel showed good speed from his rail post in the $25,000 maiden claimer for 2-year-olds, then settled in third behind dueling leaders Care to Win and Crafty Heckle. Into the stretch, jockey Jose Medina angled Rich Jewel out and soon after switching leads the horse overtook the top two and went on to a clear win.
Rich Jewel is a son of Leroidesanimaux and out of a mare by Red Ransom. He is owned and trained by Jerry Todd, who last meet at Lone Star sent out Rich Pearl to win a maiden special weight turf route for 2-year-old fillies. One start later, she won two-turn turf stakes at Louisiana Downs.
Rich Jewel was bred in Kentucky by Barry Irwin, Bob Levy and Ed Weil.
