How to bet the Del Mar Futurity

by SCOTT SHAPIRO

The closing day feature at the Del Mar summer meeting is the Del Mar Futurity (G1). A race won in recent years by 2015 Triple Crown winner and unanimous Horse of the Year American Pharoah, as well as 2015 two-year-old champion male and 2016 Kentucky Derby (G1) victor Nyquist, it is run at seven furlongs and once again drew a strong field of juvenile runners from some of the circuit's top barns.

The winner of the Best Pal (G2) last month, #3 Run Away is listed as the deserving 5-2-morning line favorite based on his perfect three-for-three record for trainer Simon Callaghan, who's had an incredible meet at Del Mar and won the Del Mar Debutante (G1) on Saturday with Moonshine Memories.

The son of Run Away and Hide faces by far the toughest task of his career, and while I respect his chances, I will key around a more lightly raced colt that will likely offer a bit more value.

#4 Tatters to Riches sold for $1 million at the OBS April 2017 two-year-old in training sale and was extremely professional in winning his debut back on July 29 for trainer Jeff Mullins.

The son of Union Rags was not ultra flashy that day, but Mullins had the Del Mar Futurity in mind from the start of the meet and I expect him to move forward off of that debut effort. Look for jockey Tyler Baze to take him just off the pace in the $300,000 event, take the lead around the turn and pull away late.

#6 Bolt d'Oro is a horse that I expect to get a bit overlooked due to his connections, but I think he deserves serious consideration.

The $630,000 son of Medaglia d'Oro is a striking individual for trainer Mick Ruis. Most young colts would have likely struggled to get to the wire first on debut on August 5, but this Kentucky-bred overcame a poor start and early duel to pull away to a relatively easy score at odds of 4-5. He gets veteran Corey Nakatani up once again and with a clean break has a great chance to spring the upset.

Hall of Famer Bob Baffert has two chances to win his seventh Del Mar Futurity in the last 10 years and 14th overall. An incredible feat. He won last year with Klimt and of course three years ago with American Pharoah.

Baffert sends out #1 Soul Streit and #9 Zatter. Both juvenile runners appear to be extremely talented, but I have my concerns.

Soul Streit broke his maiden at five furlongs and stretches out to seven panels on Monday. A tough task. He also draws the rail after working out a perfect stalking trip from the far outside on debut. He will have to be much the best to win the Futurity.

Zatter may end up being the best horse in this race in the end, but he comes back quickly after an impressive score on August 20. He did win at six furlongs that day, which is encouraging, but the fast turnaround time is slightly alarming.

#5 Fleetwood is still a maiden for trainer Keith Desormeaux, but he has the look of a colt that will continue to improve as the races get longer. He was not good enough to threaten Run Away in the Best Pal, but he did grind away for third. I think he has a shot to move forward in the Futurity and pick up the pieces.

My wagering strategy in the closing day feature will be based on Tatters to Riches running big and getting either Bolt d'Oro or Fleetwood into the number with the pricey son of Union Rags.
 

Suggested Wagers:

$100 Win 4 (3-1 or higher) = $100

$15 Exacta 4-6 = $15

$10 Exacta 4-5 = $10

$10 Quinella 4 with 5+6 = $20

$1 Trifecta 4 with 5+6 with ALL = $14

$2 Trifecta 4 with ALL with 5+6 = $28

Total Budget = $187

Good luck on Closing Day!

(Benoit Photos)