Del Mar Futurity 2017: Odds and Analysis

A field of nine are set to do battle in Monday's Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity, and with the World Championships at Del Mar this year, the closing day feature figures to have a big say in what happens in this year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

Want more reason to pay extra attention to the $300,000, 7 furlong affair? Look no farther than American Pharoah and Nyquist. The Eclipse Award winning pair used respective victories in this race in 2014 and 2015 as springboards to much bigger and better things. Of course, the Triple Crown winner of that pair was trained by Bob Baffert. California's top trainer has won the Futurity an amazing 13 times. This year, he will send out two impressive first-out winners. Without further ado, let's take a look at the field, including my analysis and projected odds ...

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1) Soul Streit (3-1) - The first of two from the Baffert barn, this ridgling son of Maclean's Music was an impressive 5 ¼-length winner going five furlongs at Del Mar on August 13. That day, he came from the far outside post for the win. On Monday, he will break from the rail, again under Mike Smith. That spot should make his strong early speed all the more dangerous. His last work, a strong 1:12 flat, makes me believe that he's ready to roll at this trip. Choice to give Baffert Two Touchdowns

8) Dia de Pago (10-1) - With much of the field having early speed, this seven panel sprint could well set up for a horse able to kick it in late. While the $120,000 yearling purchase never got close to Run Away in the Best Pal, he kept coming down the lane to get within shouting distance at the finish. A rallying winner of his debut at Gulfstream Park, the son of Macho Uno should appreciate both the lively pace likely to unfold, as well as a little added distance. Will be Running Late

3) Run Away (2-1) - The most accomplished horse in the field is perfect in three career starts. the Simon Callaghan trained runner was an impressive 3 ½-length winner of the Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar in his latest, after becoming a stakes winner in his second start at Santa Anita. Able to run away and hide from his pace pressure in his first three races, the son of Run Away and Hide will likely finds this one the most contentious early pace yet. He certainly could add another one, but I'm willing to take a shot against him going seven furlongs. Deserving of Favoritism

9) Zatter (4-1) - The son of  Midnight Lute scored by 1 ½-lengths at six furlongs for Baffert and Zayat Stables on August 20. In that maiden debut, he turned away another talented colt in St. Patrick's Day, after battling on the early lead. Like that win, he will again break from the outside post of nine, which should give him and Bejarano the option of going out early, or watching the speed from a stalking position. The latter option could give the talented colt a better shot of becoming a Grade 1 winner on Monday. Familiar Colors

6) Bolt d’Oro (8-1) - The son of Medaglia d"Oro was a $630,000 yearling purchase last November at Keeneland, and has given every indication that he will be a runner in his time this summer at Del Mar. Another first-out winner, the Ruis Racing youngster shows a number of good works at the seaside oval, and was well backed in his debut. In that debut, he broke a step slow, but rushed right up to get into the thick of things, before pulling away late. Further flattering the performance, the second-place finisher was well ahead of the rest that day. Could Be Any Kind 

4) Tatters to Riches (8-1) - Bred to run long, by Union Rags, out of an A.P. Indy mare, this million-dollar, two-year-old in training purchase showed courage in winning his career debut at Del Mar five weeks ago. While that first-out victory was not quite as fast as others in here, the Jeff Mullins-trainee has continued to work lights out since the win. He may still be a work in progress, not quite ready to beat this bunch sprinting, but on the other hand, he could be on the verge of something big. Also Could Be Any Kind

7) Gracida (12-1) - Yet another debut winner, Doug O'Neill unveiled this one at 9-5, going five furlongs, early in the meet. Given plenty of time before this Grade 1 test, he likely will have a hard time getting a clear lead like he did in his first one. Stretching out to seven furlongs, this looks like a difficult spot for a horse who may have a future sprinting. Another First-out Winner

5) Fleetwood (20-1) - This Desormeaux-trained son of Munnings has chased faster horses in his first two. In fact, the three horses who finished in front of him in those two efforts, are all in this race. A strong pace should not hurt his chances, and he has shown ability to at least be competitive against quality juveniles. He would need to improve to truly compete, but he certainly is eligible to do so for the Desormeaux brothers. Still a Maiden

2) Master Ruler (30-1) - A winner of his first two starts in Puerto Rico, the bargain Overdriven colt made his stateside debut in the Best Pal. He finished fourth, beaten nine lengths, while sent off at 40-1. He adds blinkers and could show improvement this time around, but still, he's hard to like a lot in such a deep race. Two-time winner in Puerto Rico