NM Thoroughbred Futurity
6 furlongs Dirt Stake Purse $160.000 Three-Year-Old And Upward. At ALB

1st     Rattler King               T Boy Racing              7.35-1 (HRP) 9-2 (SRF)

Being the youngest horse in the field was no handicap for this March foal as he forced the pace from the git-go, took the lead coming into the stretch and was drawing clear at the wire. Although I had his odds fairly short, I had him far back in the handicap since I feared his youthfulness would bely his talent, but obviously there is plenty of talent there.

2nd      El Jefe                  Night Rider Stables              5.60-1 (HRP) 5-1 (SRF)

Traditionally a deep closer, El Jefe resorted to his usual tactics and trailed the field into the far turn before making a strong run into the stretch that caught all but the winner in an impressive performance. I had this lad at the bottom of my handicap but pointed out how tight this race was that he had the credentials to win it as any other.

3rd      Brentwood               Bears Stable                11.60-1 (HRP) 3-1 (SRF)

Ran a consistent stalk throughout and finished courageously to be narrowly beaten for second. Boy, I sure don’t get the oddsmaker’s take on this race. This horse was my co-second favourite, and they make him the longest price on the board?

4th      Main Man                              Bears Stable                    3.25-1 (HRP) 3-1 (SRF)

Main Man gave a rather even performance to finish fourth. Well-liked by both the odds maker and me, I was surprised to see him finish two lengths back.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded