Comma to the Top seeks fifth straight in Futurity

J P'S GUSTO (Successful Appeal), the early-season leader among

California-based juvenile colts when taking the Willard L. Proctor Memorial S.,

Hollywood Juvenile Championship (G3), Best Pal S. (G2) and Del Mar Futurity (G1)

in succession, has seen his luck turn south as the distances have increased. The

first setback following the Del Mar Futurity was a runner-up effort in the

Norfolk S. (G1). Though only beaten a length in that one, he was still sent off

as a 17-1 longshot in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). His distant sixth-place

finish, partially the result of a slow start, came in his dirt debut.

The stoutly-bred RUSTLER HUSTLER (Ecton Park) invades from the east for

trainer Rick Dutrow. He won or placed in all three synthetic attempts in

early-season dashes at Presque Isle Downs, but really found his calling on turf

when taking both the Continental Mile at Monmouth and the Gnome's Gold S. at

Belmont in his last two. Ramon Dominguez, aboard for the latter win, will fly in

from New York in an attempt to catch John Velazquez in the race for leading

money-winning rider of 2010.

RIVETING REASON (Fusaichi Pegasus), who ran third in both the Del Mar

Futurity and Norfolk while still a maiden, got that monkey off his back with a 2

3/4-length decision on November 25. He will be joined by the likes of Barretts

Juvenile S. hero CLUBHOUSE RIDE (Candy Ride [Arg]), who was third to Gourmet

Dinner in the Delta Jackpot, and Hollywood Prevue S. (G3) runner-up INDUSTRY

LEADER (Cherokee Run).

HIGH LEVEL JEFF (Vindication), a sharp winner of his first two starts at

Calder, disappointed in his Cushion Track debut when fifth as the favorite in

the Hollywood Prevue. The Doug O'Neill trainee turned in his final morning prep

for the Futurity last week, blitzing five-eighths in a bullet :58. The Futurity

field is rounded out by California Cup Juvenile hero SLAMMER TIME (Grand Slam)

and Del Mar turf maiden winner RONIN DAX (Tapit).