The Hopeful – Grade 1 – $300.000

SAR – 7 Furlongs – Dirt

For Two Year Olds

September 4, 2023

The Hopeful has produced only three BC Juvenile winners in its twenty-year history, but it is still considered a premier race for two-year-olds. This year Fayette County, Max Party, and ten other talented two-year-olds will try to make it four.

1 Rock With You (Smokey Stover)

Maiden winner last start at 5 ½ furlongs. Distance and experience are both question marks for this colt.

2 Fayette County (Dmc Racing)

Undefeated in three starts including the Grade 3 Best Pal last out. Look for this colt to be one of the favorites and well-deserved.

3 Hot Boy (Williams9)

Won the SAR Special last start in a dead heat. Looking to extend his two-race win streak to three.

4 The Deacon (Wood Duck Stables)

Broke his maiden at first asking, then finished second in N1X company last out. Maybe the addition of blinkers will get him closer to the early pace.

5 Bregman (Luz International)

Broke his maiden two starts back, then finished second in the $150.000 Mountain Top Futurity at RUI. May be a bit outclassed against these.

6 Chief Style Warrior (Williams9)

One of the most experienced entrants, but his record is a little hit and miss with a win in the Tremont followed by off-the board finishes in the Bashford Manor and the Best Pal. Needs to step it up to compete here.

7 Empire State (First Class Stable)

Second in the $200.000 KY Juvenile two back, then finished off the board in the Sanford (Grade 3). Another one that needs to bring his A game.

8 Max Party (La Canada Racehorses)

Second in the Best Pal, first in the FT Futurity, this colt looks like he could be primed for a big performance. Should have a say in the outcome.

9 Extreme Island Boy (Arkansas Elite)

Only a maiden win for this gelding. Hasn’t hit the board since. Big step up here.

10 Inviting (Mb Stables)

Three-race win streak until he tried graded company last out in the SAR Special where he finished third. Still, he could be flying late to get a piece of the purse.

11 Lucky Brandy (The Sidley Stud)

If experience counts, this colt has a leg up on most of the field. That experience has yielded three wins in five starts, including the SAR Special. Looks like a real contender.

12 Awad (D J C Racing Stables)

Won the Bashford Manor, then misfired in the SAR Special, finishing ninth. Will be interesting to see which Awad shows up for this one.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES