How to bet the Del Mar Futurity

Roadster (c) Benoit Photo

by Scott Shapiro

The closing day card at Del Mar is headlined by the Del Mar Futurity (G1). The seven-furlong event conducted over the main track has been dominated by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert dating back to the mid-90s. In fact, Baffert has won 13 of the last 22 renditions dating back to 1996 when Silver Charm, who of course went on to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown before losing to Touch Gold in a classic edition of the Belmont Stakes (G1), captured the two-year old stakes race.

Baffert once again has a huge chance to get his picture taken in the traditional end-of-the-meet feature as he comes with the powerful duo of Roadster (#3) and Game Winner (#7).

Roadster is likely to go off the significant favorite after an extremely impressive win on debut under jockey Mike Smith. The son of Quality Road acted up a bit before his first start and did not break that well from his inside draw, but found a comfortable stalking spot outside of a rival on the backstretch, made a strong move on the turn, took the lead into the stretch and won without being asked.

The Speedway Stable colt gets off the rail in his initial try versus winners in the Futurity and should have absolutely no issue getting the extra furlong. He has worked four times leading up to Monday's main event and should be ready to get Baffert his 14th win in the Grade 1 event.

Roadster's stablemate Game Winner drew the far outside in his debut performance on August 18 and was involved from the get-go under jockey Joel Rosario. The son of Candy Ride stalked four-wide just off the early lead, took control on the turn, and opened up an insurmountable lead in the lane.

The Gary and Mary West-owned colt once again draws well to the far outside in this compact group of seven, which should allow new rider Tiago Pereira to once again sit a dream trip in the Futurity. My only concern is the quick turnaround time since his maiden breaking score just two weeks back. Baffert must be convinced he came out of that race well though for him to run him back so rapidly.