Ruiz and Jeanie’s Angel make formidable team at Pimlico

For the first 11 races of her career – eight at Gulfstream Park and three at Gulfstream West – Jeanie’s Angel was able to post just one victory and one second for owners John Nitolo and Joseph Stone. After the 11th start, back in December, she went on a vacation and didn’t show up again until May 23 at Pimlico.

The five months off proved to be the right medicine for the 5-year-old daughter of Handsome Mike, and she won in her return by four lengths with new rider Jorge Ruiz in the irons. Jeanie’s Angel then added a second, half a length behind the winner, with Ruiz aboard on June 13. Yesterday, Ruiz guided her to a 4 1/2-length score, adding $10,830 to her earnings.

Under high-weight of 126 pounds, Jeanie’s Angel forced the pace in the two-path in the 5 1/2-furlong race, made a bold wide move nearing the top of the stretch, and drew away with ease in the lane, clocked in 1:05.31. She’s now 3-2-0 in 14 tries with earnings of $42,510, with $22,530 coming in her three Pimlico outings. The $13,000 OBS June 2-year-old purchase was bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon.