The 120th Kentucky Futurity caps off the Red Mile
Grand Circuit meet for 2012 on Sunday, October 7. Thirteen three year old
trotting colts were declared for the stake, resulting in two divisions carded
as races five and six on the bill. The top finishers will return for the second
heat in race nine and if there is not a repeat winner from heat one, the three
winners will compete in a 'winner take all' race-off.
Christina Takter, John & Jim Fielding and Brittany
Farms' Little Brown Fox is the likely favorite in the fifth race. Racing out of
the Jimmy Takter barn, he will be driven by his regular pilot, Yannick Gingras.
Such is not the case for the very accomplished
Archangel, who will be keeping company with Tim Tetrick in this race. Owner
Alan Hainsworth has been quoted as 'looking for a change' for himself along
with partners Clare Semer and owner/trainer Pete Arrigenna. Tetrick drove
the colt to a Vernon Downs win last summer, so they have history.
Divison two of heat one features all three winner of
last week's Transylvania Bluegrass Stakes. Appomattox was razor sharp last week
for driver Scott Zeron and picked up a shiny new speed badge of 1:52.2 in the
race. Frank Antonacci conditions the beautifully bred son of Yankee Glide for
owners Lindy Racing Stable, A. Victor & Son, John Fielding & Brittany
Farms.
Money On My Mind is the pride of owner Barry
Guariglia's Black Horse Racing and reduced his record to 1:52.2 as well last
week. The Millers, Julie and Andy, train and drive respectively.
Guccio has been solid since trotting hopples were added a few starts ago by trainer/driver Jimmy Takter and this son of Yankee Glide sprinted home in 26.1 on the end of his 1:52.1 win in the Bluegrass. Christina Takter, John & Jim Fielding and Falkbolagen are the proud owners of this fella.
The Kentucky Filly Futurity follows the same format
and split into two divisions as well. The first division (race 3) is the easier
of the two, if only because Check Me Out is not in it.
Chilitodayhotamale was great last week, winning in
1:52- for trainer Trond Smedshammer and owner Michael Andrew. Jimmy
Morrill gets the call for this one on Sunday.
Division two has the wonderful Check Me Out, who
trainer Ray Schnittker insists will not reurn for heat two.
Tetrick drives the champion Donato Hanover for owners Charles
Iannazzo and the trainer.
The wickedly fast pair of Win Missy B and Bluff both
drew this division, along with Hambo Oaks winner Personal Style and the
improving Valdonna. Something special may happen here if the pace sets up like
it could.
The undercard primarily consists of the Allerage Farms Open
Early Closers, so the best older horses around are on the program.
The Allerage Open Trot has just six but they are the
right six. Chapter Seven, Arch Madness, Hot Shot Blue Chip, Mister Herbie and
Haulin Laser are joined by expatriate and 2010 Ky Futurity winner Wishing Stone
upon his return from Sweden.
The richest pacer ever, Foiled Again, headlines the
'Mister Big' Open Pace. Just when it looks like he's lost a step, 'Foiled'
reclaims his territory at the top of the heap.
The pacing mares are few as well, just five in the
opener, but there is just no telling how much these gals might go with
some pace to chage at. Drop The Ball is really fast and should relish the clay
surface.
Trotting mares offer a strong field in the Walnut
Hall Stock Farm event. Recent Miss Versatility final winner
Frenchfrysnvinegar might be the one to beat in this slugfest while
last year's Filly Futurity winner Cedar Dove looks to regain her winning edge.
Post time for the Grande Finale is one o'clock Sunday
afternoon...then we must wait another year for the magical Red Mile experience.
Don't miss it.
