Rick Francis
Staff writer
Tracksideview.com

Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs for two-year-old colts

Labor Day, as a rule, always is the official signal that summer has ended and it’s time to put up your white shoes. Thoroughbred fans on the other hand always have used the Del Mar Futurity as their end of summer. The reality of both is the winner today could qualify for the Kentucky Derby. I know, but it is what it is. Just don’t let the falling leaves obscure your racing form.

JAYCITO (1), after racing to catch up following a slow break, his half mile time cooked him. Retaining jock Martin Garcia is a plus, and with a little more schooling, he’s hard to overlook. The same post haunts him again today. Remember what age group we’re dealing with. RIVETING REASON (2), another one that just missed here, and talk about a half mile cooking him, call him well done. Love the fact he led, engaged the competition, and just got caught. I have to tell you, to break your maiden in a Grade 1, that’s tough. McKENZIES WAY (3), the biggest Beyer increase of this field last out, led to his pillar to post victory. Just cause P. Val went with his meal ticket doesn’t mean jockey David Flores can’t deliver lunch. Trainer Robert Troeger has had a heck of a meet. Don’t discount.

J P’s GUSTO (4), multiple graded stakes winner, that’s hard to say with months to go before they turn three, has seen some of the best the West Coast has to offer at this time. He hung on in his last two wins. Will the extra distance be a factor today? Doubt it.

JUST IMAGINE (5), I have, and it’s not a picture of the winner’s circle. MAJOR  ART (6), English bred ships here to try the you know, turf to synthetics angle. Last two turf tries at this distance were nothing to get all hot and bothered about. I’m a firm believer you should have at least an American workout before you enter a Grade 1 race. What do we know?

WESTERN MOOD (7), lost twice to top choice, and the extra distance today would’ve only made it worse. INDIAN WINTER (8), sat just out of sight of jockey Garcia who was on board Jaycito, then closed hard. We know how freaky Indian Charlie offsprings can be, now you’ve got trainer Jerry Hollendorfer calling the shots. Keeping in the mix. COMMA TO THE TOP (9), encouraged by his effort against the Gusto, but does a hot workout make him six lengths better today. Doubt it.

ROAD READY (10), like where this one’s going. You got to like the word’s “driving” instead of “weakened”. The outside post suits him well, as he won’t get into much trouble there. I feel this guy’s going to beat me. GAHNZO BOB (11), you know what $250 dollars gets you, especially if you sent it in before June 4. It gets you here. Take my money if you can.

The clue for this crop of two year olds is, go with what you know. Graded stakes winner J P’s Gusto is what I know. He’ll be chased by Indian Winter, McKenzies Way, and Road Ready. Rick’s picks: 4,8,3,10.