Paynter colt courageous in Aqueduct maiden special weight win

Rockin Jo dug in late to hold off Mr. President by a neck in his maiden special weight win Saturday over the Aquedcut turf course. He is Paynter’s seventh winner over the past two months, as his first-crop offspring show their true abilities as the races get longer late in the 2-year-old season.

Paynter, whose biggest crops to date will be yearlings and 2-year-olds of 2018, will stand for $12,500 next year at WinStar Farm.

Rockin Jo had the lead the entire way on Saturday, and despite constant pressure from the runner-up held on gamely for the win (VIDEO).

Rockin Jo’s dam Rockin Heather was three-time stakes-placed at two and is a sister to the very good handicap horse Chocolate Ride and Grade 1 winner Killer Graces.