Futurity J

AMERICAN

GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS

The 119th running of the Futurity S. (G2) is an intriguing race with a

good-looking cast of seven juvenile colts. GIROLAMO (A.P. Indy) is one of two

uncoupled runners from the shedrow of Kiaran McLaughlin, and the Darley-owned

dark bay turned in a magnificent performance in his career debut, overcoming a

slow start and a wide trip to win going away by 3 1/4 lengths. We like that he

overcome a less-than-perfect trip and is the only Futurity entrant with a start

at the seven-furlong distance, and won't be surprised to see him develop into a

major player in the juvenile division this fall. Girolamo recorded a pair of

nice works over the Greentree training track in preparation for this start, and

we'll give him a slight edge over his more highly touted stablemate. John

Velazquez will pick up the mount.

CHARITABLE MAN (Lemon Drop Kid) gives McLaughlin the opportunity for a one-two

finish, and nobody will be surprised to see this one emerge victorious off his

sparkling debut. The Virginia-bred colt went right to the front that afternoon

and proceeded to devastate his rivals, hitting the wire 11 1/2 lengths in front

while registering a 100 BRIS Speed rating, and Alan Garcia will stick with the

dark bay colt over Girolamo. Listed at 7-5 on the morning line, Charitable Man

has worked well twice since his lone start, and he looks like the one to catch

here.

GONE ASTRAY (Dixie Union) displayed  a superb turn of foot when breaking

his maiden last time out at Saratoga, drawing clear to a 2 1/2-length decision,

and he sports a strong worktab in advance of his stakes debut. From a strong

female family, the Shug McGaughey trainee figures to sit a good stalking trip

under Garrett Gomez and could very possibly make his presence felt in the

stretch.

Larry Jones is responsible for the uncoupled runners FRIESAN FIRE (A.P. Indy)

and HIGH MESA (Sky Mesa), and both were sharp debut winners over maiden special

weight rivals at Delaware Park. The well-bred Friesan Fire prompted the pace

before seizing control as the odds-on favorite last time, winning by three

lengths, and wheels back off a 19-day freshening. He'll get first-time Lasix and

looks like a contender for at least a minor award. High Mesa led wire-to-wire

last time, but he'll probably wind up rating from the rail on Saturday. He'll

also receive Lasix, and the dark bay colt appears to be training forwardly for

his stakes debut. Both colts look dangerous.

KENSEI (Mr. Greeley) also exits a debut victory, winning a six-furlong maiden

special weight at Saratoga on August 6, and the Steve Asmussen pupil could

appreciate the added ground on Saturday. The bay colt received only an 88 Speed

rating last time, but we were impressed by the professionalism he displayed last

time and expect those numbers to keep increasing. Kensei could offer some value,

and we recommend considering him for the exotics.

FLYING PEGASUS (Fusaichi Pegasus) is two-for-two, breaking his maiden at

Churchill Downs prior to an allowance score at Delaware Park last time, but

he'll be taking a steep class hike in this spot. We'll just watch to see how he

fares.