Baby races…  took three horses and still couldn’t pick the winner. Mb Stables’ Above Standard stalked the pace, moved up to take command at the top of the lane, then widened to win by three, taking The NY Breeders Futurity in 1:08⁴  while setting a new track record for the six panels.  Bright Castle, sent off as the post time favorite, was second, with Rajivs Poker Face in third.

Away from the gate, Fly Millennium was away quickest of the bunch, Medaglia Doro, Above Standard and Wet Seal between that pair.  Rajivs Poker Face was next, American Winner from the rail, and Bright Castle from the far outside, slowest from the gate.

Down the back stretch and to the far turn, three and a half furlongs to run, and Fly Millennium was now in front by two and a half lengths.  Above Standard from the rail, Medaglia Doro on his flank, a length and a half to Wet Seal, American Winner another length back on the rail, then a length back to Bright Castle and Rajivs Poker Face was the trailer, six lengths covered the field.

Swing around the far turn and to the top of the lane, still three-sixteenth’s of a mile to run and Fly Millennium still showing the way, but was now joined by Above Standard.  A big gap of four back to a line that included Wet Seal from between horses, Medaglia Doro from the inside, Bright Castle from the outside, then another length back to American Winner and Rajivs Poker Face had a lot of work to do.

Now inside the final 150-yards and to finish, this race was history – not WHO would win, but by HOW MUCH!  Above Standard putting on a show, drawing away to win by three expanding lengths.  The race for the minor money was much more entertaining with the closers picking up the pieces.  Bright Castle closed well to get the second spot, three quarters of a length in front of Rajivs Poker Face that came from last to get third.  Fly Millennium tired to be fourth, Wet Seal in fifth, Medaglia Doro in sixth and American Winner closed this one out.

Above Standard is a 2yo chestnut colt by Jess James – Just Too Sweet, by Chocolate Cake, and he was bred in NY by his owner, Mb Stables.  This was his third win from four starts, and his first stakes score.  He now has $161.720 in winnings.

 $2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Fast         Time: :22²  :45²  :57   1:08⁴     **New Track Record**
$1 Exacta: 2 – 7 Paid 9.00     $1 Trifecta: 2 – 7 – 5 Paid 386.70
Scratched: None

Categories: Ungraded