Copper Top Futurity ($130.000 Purse)
SUN- For Two Year Olds foaled in NM
Four and a Half Furlongs on the Dirt
April 21, 2020

The state of New Mexico is wasting no time providing stakes entertainment for two year olds as the seventh running of the Copper Top Futurity takes place on Tuesday. This has led to many trainers throwing their young talent back on the track quickly after they made their debut at the start of the month. The nice purse is tempting, indeed. At this stage in their career, we obviously do not know much about the entrants, but this is a good way to boost that resume for bigger races in the future. Let’s meet our entrants!

#1- Phoneys Nightmaure (Hawaiian Shirt Guy, ridden by M A Perez)- Won this debut here two months ago, and is by Ideal Wheel. Going back into his pedigree further, we see both Phooetys Ideal and Charley Farley. Conformation is not that impressive. Did not participate at DMR trials, and was first worked on March 22, publicly.

#2- Dolly G (Gustafson Stable, ridden by I J Rosendo)- One of three fillies in this race, and at this point in their career, why not. It gives them a three pound weight allowance. Dolly G placed 66th at DMR trails last month, and the pedigree sees Pink Panther on both sides. Balanced conformation, for the most part.

#3- The Great Enabler (Drabfantasy, ridden by E P Gomez)- The trainer has won three of the prior six editions of this race, which is not surprising as they are very committed to breeding here. This filly was a distant seventh in her debut, but performed well in the turf portion of the DMR trails last month. Inbreeding with Grande Sournoise is seen in her pedigree.

#4- Amazing Twizt (Asgar, ridden by A J Juarez Jr)- Won a two furlong dash for cash at the beginning of the month, and shows potential in his works to be a good one. Finished 133rd at DMR trials last month. Chai Latte is present on the dam side of his pedigree, but nothing really stands out on the sire’s side.

#5- Tang (Night Rider Stables, ridden by L Negron)- This is the only first time starter in the race, so while that makes me want to root for him, it is a tough task to win a race like this when you’re up against ten with a start already. By a sire in Sate Nav who the breeder, Aml Racing, is very high on right now. Definite sprinter conformation.

#6- Grand Roi (Stone Creek Farm, ridden by R Eikelberry)- Did not run at DMR trails, but participated in a smaller event at LA the week prior, and was 19th of 704. Won his debut, but has no public work after that to see what kind of bump he may have got. Pedigree sees the usual Charley Farley and Chai Latte in spots, but nothing that stands out, particularly.

#7- Deal G (Gustafson Stable, ridden by K S Tohill)- Did not show much in his first race, beating just one of the horses he was up against. Hopefully, for the trainer, that was an aberration, because he did run well at DMR trials, placing 121st. Nothing impressive about his pedigree, but he in conformed well.

#8- Roi Of Sunshine (Stone Creek Farm, B S Laviolette)- Tied his stablemate for 19th in workouts at the larger event at LA a week before DMR trials, and finished second in a photo on April Fools Day, to the horse starting to his outside. Good conformation, but nothing stands out about his pedigree.

#9- Darwin G (Gustafson Stable, ridden by M T Fuentes Jr)- You can’t say the trainer isn’t going for this race with the three entries, including this one that won at the prestigious PEN free track on opening day for two year olds. Ran 19th at DMR trials, so a little disappointed to see the trainer not place him higher to break that maiden. A win here would make up for the money lost potentially in that maiden win.

#10- Phunny Capo (Asgar, ridden by R Chirinos)- This is the third filly in the race. She won her debut at GG two weeks ago, after finishing 254th at DMR trials. Worked well at SA just prior to his debut, and seems poised to run well again here. Sprinter conformation with typical Charley Farley mentions in the pedigree.

#11- In A Major Way (Jive Inc, ridden by F Arrieta)- This one stands out a little to me, and a big reason for that was an impressive work at SA a few days ago. Sure, others in here might be doing the same, it’s just not public. In A Major Way was 38th at DMR trials, and may have gotten a slight bump after the race. Solid conformation, and I am a fan of seeing Snakie in the pedigree. If only he didn’t have to start from this post.

Prediction: (Note, predicting this race is silly, but I am obligated): 4-11-8-9

— NS

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded