Free Drop Billy, Givemeaminit Head Breeders' Futurity
October 5th, 2017
Two colts who just missed winning the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga are seeking compensation – and direct entry into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) when they contest the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland Oct. 7.
Free Drop Billy (2-1 on the morning line) and Givemeaminit (7-2) were less than half a length behind Sporting Chance in the Hopeful, and though both benefited from the winner running erratically in the final 100 yards, that form should translate well to Keeneland. Free Drop Billy also has a second-place finish to his credit from the Sanford Stakes (G3) at Saratoga.
The pair won’t have it all their way in the Futurity, which as Breeders’ Cup Challenge race will guarantee the winner a start in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, as well as earning points for the first four runners in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series.
Ten City (10-1) looked very impressive when winning the Bashford Manor Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs, but he disappointed slightly with subsequent third-place finishes in the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes and the Iroquois Stakes (G3).
Others with some stakes form are Ready Prospector (30-1), a dual stakes winner at Evangeline Downs, and Arlington-Washington Futurity runner-up Captivating Moon (20-1).
The morning-line odds makers however have a stronger fancy for Ezmosh (6-1) and Bourbon Resolution (8-1). Ezmosh was just a neck behind Givemeaminit when he ran third on debut to subsequent Hopeful Stakes winner Sporting Chance, and won his maiden at Churchill Downs two starts later. Bourbon Resolution impressed with his determination when winning his Saratoga maiden, beating Lionite (12-1), who also runs in the Futurity.
Another well-regarded maiden winner is Lone Sailor (12-1), an easy winner on a sloppy track at Saratoga Sept. 3.
The race looks like an open one. Going with the grade one form of Free Drop Billy and Givemeaminit looks to be a wise course, but if you like Givemeaminit you should also include Ezmosh. However, the fight that Bourbon Resolution showed in his victory suggests he should enjoy the 1 1/6 miles, and would relish a contest.
Free Drop Billy (2-1 on the morning line) and Givemeaminit (7-2) were less than half a length behind Sporting Chance in the Hopeful, and though both benefited from the winner running erratically in the final 100 yards, that form should translate well to Keeneland. Free Drop Billy also has a second-place finish to his credit from the Sanford Stakes (G3) at Saratoga.
The pair won’t have it all their way in the Futurity, which as Breeders’ Cup Challenge race will guarantee the winner a start in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, as well as earning points for the first four runners in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series.
Ten City (10-1) looked very impressive when winning the Bashford Manor Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs, but he disappointed slightly with subsequent third-place finishes in the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes and the Iroquois Stakes (G3).
Others with some stakes form are Ready Prospector (30-1), a dual stakes winner at Evangeline Downs, and Arlington-Washington Futurity runner-up Captivating Moon (20-1).
The morning-line odds makers however have a stronger fancy for Ezmosh (6-1) and Bourbon Resolution (8-1). Ezmosh was just a neck behind Givemeaminit when he ran third on debut to subsequent Hopeful Stakes winner Sporting Chance, and won his maiden at Churchill Downs two starts later. Bourbon Resolution impressed with his determination when winning his Saratoga maiden, beating Lionite (12-1), who also runs in the Futurity.
Another well-regarded maiden winner is Lone Sailor (12-1), an easy winner on a sloppy track at Saratoga Sept. 3.
The race looks like an open one. Going with the grade one form of Free Drop Billy and Givemeaminit looks to be a wise course, but if you like Givemeaminit you should also include Ezmosh. However, the fight that Bourbon Resolution showed in his victory suggests he should enjoy the 1 1/6 miles, and would relish a contest.
ADVERTISEMENT
