Already has a runner-up effort in this seasons Gr. II Best Pal Stakes where he earned his four points entering today’s race. Had three straight visits to the winner’s enclosure prior to that effort, so will be a top contender on the race card here at DMR.
- DMR Futurity ( Gr. I )- Purse $300.000
- Del Mar Racetrack- For Two Year Olds
- Seven Furlongs – Main Track
- Sept. 2nd, 2019
There will be a lot riding on this event for this group of eight runners. Some have some BC Points already tucked up under their belts, while others are hoping to gain a position that will allow them a shot at the BC Juvenile in November. The event is entering its 17th season here at HRP, and to say it leads to glory later in the season would be far from the truth. There has only been two runners who were able to take their success here to a victory in the BC Juvenile. Circumflex ( Acber Farms) was able to complete the feat in 2007, then ten years later Gumshoe ( EasyMoney Stables) would complete the task in 2017. There were two seasons ( 2012/16) when Explosive Speed ( Mm Racing ) lost by neck and Made To Sin ( Downwind Stables ) missed by a mere nose.
The BC points available for this event are 10-6-4, so with the current top spot being held with 6 points, a victory here will most definitely shake things up. So here is this year’s group of eight;
Weight: 120 Pounds
Changes: None
1 Some Call Me Tim ( Estero Farms) – Has no BC Points to-date but sits 34th in the standings with his earnings. Since the geld and add of equipment and meds, this grey has finally put together his first victory in a MdSpWt85 at SAR. This will be his first visit west, but has a nice post position and looks to continue his check cashing ways. Has the ability, must consider.
2 Iron Return ( LionKing Stables) – This homebred bay colt impressed many here at DMR in his last start when he stepped way up from a MdSpWt10 to a MdSpWt60 event. He would have the lead by a length at the five eights mark, then run away to a four length victory against a field of ten. Earned a 89 SRF number for that event, and if he continues with this type of effort, the added furlong should be a blessing.
3 Bound Bay ( Gdp Inc )– After breaking his maiden at Churchill in late May, he attempted the $100 Violette restricted event at SAR and would pick up a minor share of the purse that day. Goes back to Lanerie in the irons who was able to take him to his lone win. Works are absent since end of July, but that 1:37 and three work has bones. Needs just a little more kick late to make a presence on the day.
4 Spirited Stride ( Mb Stables )- First of two for this trainer, was gelded in late June after already getting a victory for his barn, but it helped get him to an Alw67.5 victory. Attempted the Gr. II SAR Special in his most recent event, and he would place fifth just a length shy of the eventual winner Orion Nebula. Will have to face another today who competed in that race, so he will need to keep a tight eye on that runner. Maturing nicely.
5 Defiant ( D J C Racing Stables)- Broke his maiden three starts ago narrowly by a nose, then took on the challenge to compete in the Graded level company events. Both starts have been a disappointment, with a eighth place finish in the Tremont, and ninth place in the Gr. III Sanford. Trainer just keeps stepping up in levels and this will be his second try with Lasix and Bute. Does close slightly and will need his best.
6 Sweet Sweat ( Mb Stables)- Is sitting in fifth place with his four BC Points he earned with a runner-up effort in the Best Pal. Was post time favorite in his last three starts, and he has not been disappointing his backers in each event. Worked six furlongs here on the 29th and came home in a time of 1:10 and 4. Will be four days back from that work, so hopefully that’s not to quick to hamper his efforts. Should get top billing.
7 Not So Nice ( La Canada Racehorses ) – In five career starts he has been able to maintain a record of ( 1-2-2) ,cashing in each event. His most recent effort was a third place finish in the Gr. II SAR Special event where he was just three quarters of a length shy. Will get an added sixteenth of a mile here, and will be a lot closer if not on top at the wire. Needs to be considered as one of the top two finishers with his most recent 1:23 and four work over this surface. Brings 2 BC Points to this affair as well.
8 Aussie Steel ( Arindel )- Was claimed in a five dollar maiden event where he won by four lengths. Tried his next without the shadow roll under his new trainer, and it didn’t seems to keep him focused. The equipment was re-added, and he went to the winners enclosure once again in the $100 Graduation Stakes over this very surface. Decided to stick around for this affair, and his earnings have him sitting in 41st place for the BC Juvenile. Garcia back in the irons off that win. Considerations.
Duffers picks: 6-7-1
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES
