Expert Pick of the Week: Breeders’ Futurity

Oct 01, 2020 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

A total of five graded stakes races, with three of the Grade 1 variety, top a blockbuster Saturday of racing at Keeneland Race Course. One of the headliners is the $400,000 Breeders’ Futurity (G1), which will pit nine juveniles traveling 1 1/16 miles on the dirt. The “Win and You’re In” contest will reward the victor with an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) on November 7.

The excellent rendition of the race features five top prospects that impressed with debut tallies, including Jeff Drown and Rachel Don’s Founder. The Chad Brown trainee went last-to-first over a muddy, sealed surface at Saratoga to win at first asking, and he could be a real good one going forward. Founder is the Expert Pick of the Week.

Bred in the Bluegrass State, the bay son of young sire Upstart attracted a final bid of a hefty $600,000 at OBS March and looked the part in his unveiling despite a poor break and running a bit greenly on August 29. The colt is cut out to thrive at middle distances, and if his debut was any indication, then he will prosper in his stakes and route bow on Saturday.

Founder shows a trio of solid morning drills since his fine graduating run, and I think that he will sit a nice trip while stalking a contested pace to the top of the stretch. Joel Rosario picks up the mount atop the exciting 2-year-old.

The Brad Cox-trained Essential Quality is another youngster who left a fine impression with a rallying score at first go. The Godolphin homebred powered home a decisive winner at Churchill Downs on September 5 despite enduring traffic nearing the top of the stretch. By Tapit, the bay colt could be any kind and will surely appreciate the added distance in the Breeders’ Futurity. Luis Saez will be in the silks on Saturday aboard the win threat.

An exacta with Founder on top of Essential Quality is the Best Bet of the Week.