J P's Gusto looks to extend streak in Del Mar Futurity; Dancing in Silks returns

J P's Gusto looks to extend streak in Del Mar Futurity;

Dancing in Silks returns

J P's Gusto, the 122-pound highweight, probably won't find himself on the

early lead for Valenzuela this time. The versatile ridgling is drawn in post 4,

outside the expected speed.

With Sway Away sidelined by a knee issue, the only other Best Pal alumni to

try J P's Gusto again are Western Mood and fourth-placer COMMA TO THE TOP (Bwana

Charlie).

The Jerry Hollendorfer-trained Western Mood, who reunites with Joel Rosario,

stands to benefit from the better pace scenario on tap, as will his promising

stablemate INDIAN WINTER (Indian Charlie). In his debut maiden win at Del Mar,

Indian Winter ran down JAYCITO (Victory Gallop) by a half-length, with the top

two pulling well clear of the rest. The Hollendorfer runners will stand side by

side in the gate: Western Mood will break from post 7 and Indian Winter will

leave post 8 beneath a returning Rafael Bejarano.

Recent import MAJOR ART (GB) (Compton Place) is the only entrant with

experience going seven furlongs. Formerly trained in England by Richard Hannon,

the chestnut raced exclusively at this distance on the turf. Major Art romped by

five lengths at Lingfield in his second start and tried stakes company in his

next two, winding up third in the Vintage S. (Eng-G2) and most recently sixth in

the Francois Boutin S. on very soft ground at Deauville. His English form

suggests that he'll make his presence felt, if he handles the Polytrack in his

bow for Eric Kruljac.

Trainer Jeff Bonde pitched ROAD READY (More Than Ready) into the Lost in the

Fog S. at Golden Gate in his first career outing, and the $300,000 Barretts

March purchase justified that placement by rallying to a three-quarter length

victory. The gray has not raced since that June 12 introduction, however, and

takes a class hike off a nearly three-month holiday. Road Ready must also work

out a sensible trip from post 10 in an 11-horse field.

Impressive maiden winner MCKENZIES WAY (Wildcat Heir), who fought off early

pace pressure en route to a 4 1/4-length triumph over the track, figures to be

involved in the early scramble, along with the rail-drawn Jaycito.

Conspicuously absent from the Del Mar Futurity is Bob Baffert, who has

trained a record nine winners of the event. After dominating the race from 1996

through 2002, he has also saddled the past two winners, champions Midshipman

(2008) and Lookin at Lucky (Smart Strike) (2009). Baffert has made no secret of

his dislike of the Polytrack surface this meet, and reportedly plans to ship

some of his best-regarded juveniles back East.

Earlier on Wednesday, reigning Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) winner DANCING IN

SILKS (Black Minnaloushe) reappears from a six-month layoff to defend his title

in the $75,000

Pirate's Bounty S. One year ago, the Carla Gaines charge used the

six-furlong dash as a stepping stone to photo-finish victories in the California

Cup Sprint H. and the Breeders' Cup Sprint. Since his 25-1 upset in the latter

event, Dancing in Silks has finished third in the Palos Verdes H. (G2) and a

disappointing fifth in the San Carlos H. (G2), but has been firing bullets in

advance of his return.

Only five have signed on to challenge Dancing in Silks, including impressive

allowance winner SPANIARD (Candy Ride [Arg]) from the Baffert barn; GATO GO WIN

(City Place), the near-miss runner-up in the Potrero Grande H. (G2) in his last

attempt on synthetic; and EL SCORPIO (Vindication), who brings a two-race

winning streak into his stakes debut for Doug O'Neill.

Kicking off the closing-day stakes action is the $75,000

C.E.R.F. S.

for distaffers, also at six furlongs. Baffert holds a strong hand with MOTHER

RUTH (Speightstown), a seven-length heroine of the Valid Expectations S. who

comes off a decent fifth in the Princess Rooney H. (G1), and recent

allowance/optional claiming winner FUND RAISER (Harlan's Holiday), who was third

in a tough renewal of the Desert Stormer H. earlier this summer. Also worthy of

respect are Daisycutter H. victress BONIFACIO (Even the Score) and Culver City

H. near-misser MINUTE LIMIT (Ire) (Pivotal), both on the Team Valor roster.