Stars of Tomorrow: Juveniles to Watch
It’s that time of year when the three-year-olds get tougher, the handicap division is rich with star-power, and the two-year-olds begin showing up left and right. Though many youngsters have not yet debuted, here is a list of two-year-olds to watch thus far:
Bitumen: This dark bay colt by Mineshaft out of Kobla Cat by Tale of the Cat, owned by Joseph W. Sutton and trained by Eddie Kenneally, has been nothing short of impressive in his first two career starts. His most recent victory was a powerhouse score in Saratoga’s G3 Sanford Stakes, in which he broke poorly, and found himself further behind the leaders than desired. On the far turn, Bitumen made up more than a half-dozen lengths and overtook his opponents at the top-of-the-stretch, in a manner that was reminiscent of the great Secretariat’s performance in the 1972 edition of the same race. Yes, it is early in the year to be making predictions, but Bitumen is my early favorite to win the G1 Sentient Jet Breeders Cup Juvenile later this year. Though, like any of the other young horses we have seen, he has yet to run two-turns, this is of no concern to me, as his pedigree is rich with names like A.P. Indy and Seattle Slew on top and bottom. Having done everything that has been asked of him with no signs of struggle thus far, Bitumen could be a future super star. His next start is likely the G1 Hopeful at Saratoga on September 5, and it promises to be a fantastic race, as long as this promising two-year-old shows up.
Chasing Aces: This compact firecracker (pictured above) by Flatter out of Endless Sea by Mt. Livermore is one very exciting horse to watch. Owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller, Chasing Aces finished a decent second in his debut, and returned three weeks later in a MSW five furlong race at Del Mar, where he led gate-to-wire, pulling away by five-and-one-quarter lengths, completing the task in a time of :56.21, breaking the fifty-two year-old track record under Tyler Baze. His next start is likely the G2 Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar on August 13, and I have no reason to believe he shouldn’t put in another big performance there.
Runaway Lute: There was no way I could leave out this impressive colt by Midnight Lute out of Nikki Tootsie by Waquoit. Owned by Harold Lerner LLC and trained by Gary Contessa, Runaway Lute has won his first two starts, the most recent being Belmont’s Rockville Centre on July 16, where he broke slowly, falling far behind, only to kick into overdrive and win going away, leaving Tremont winner Silver Mission, a respectable colt, among others, in his wake. Due to the ease in which he finished, I suspect he will have no problem stretching out, and his grandsire is 1998 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, Real Quiet— Therefore, two-turns should not be out of the question for him. His next start is to be determined, but wherever it is, it will be one you do not want to miss.
Silver Mission: Another one I have to include, Silver Mission, has not been perfect, but is worth mentioning. This gray colt by Mission Impazible out of Nashinda by Silver Deputy is one tough customer. Owned by Twin Creeks Stables LLC and trained by leading trainer Todd Pletcher, Silver Mission won his first two starts. His second win came in the Tremont Stakes at Belmont on June 10, in which he led gate-to-wire, finishing strongly, without expelling much effort. Because of this, I can forgive him for his recent third in the Rockville Centre on July 16, in which he dueled throughout, only to fade to third in the stretch, behind flashy aforementioned Runaway Lute. His next start is not yet announced, but don’t discount the quality that he is just yet. I think there’s more to see here.
Ever So Clever: The only filly (Save tragically deceased Dynamite Charge) that has truly impressed me thus far in 2016, Ever So Clever won her debut on July 1 at Churchill Downs. Owned by Clearview Stable and trained by Steve Asmussen, this daughter of Medaglia D’Oro out of Foxy Danseur by Mr. Greeley is one good-looking horse, and though she has only one victory on her resume, I have no reason to believe she cannot duplicate her impressive performance next out. It is safe to say that Medaglia D’Oro fillies are nothing to shake a stick at, as he sired both Rachel Alexandra and Songbird. Her next start is currently undetermined, but I expect good things from her.
Honorable Mentions:
Secret House: Dark bay colt by Tiznow out of Mega Dream by Medaglia D’ Oro. Owned by Head of Plains Partners LLC. Trained by Doug O’ Neill.
Straight Fire: Bay colt by Dominus out of Tricky Indy by A.P. Indy. Owned by LNJ Foxwoods- KMN Racing LLC, Jungle Racing LLC. Trained by J. Keith Desormeaux.
Champagne Room: Bay filly by Broken Vow out of Lucky to Be Me by Bernstein. Owned by Cigalia Racing LLC- Exline-Border Racing. Trained by Peter Eurton.