Joha Goes All the Way in Breeders' Futurity

Bluegrass Equine Bloodstock’s Joha took advantage of his inside post position under jockey Rajiv Maragh to post a front-running victory in the Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity by a length over Dynamic Sky.

The victory was worth $240,000 to the Mike Maker-trained Joha plus a berth in the $2 million Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) to be run November 3 at Santa Anita.

A Kentucky-bred son of Johar out of the Mujadil mare Mujado (IRE), the 2-year-old improved his record to 6-3-2-1 and increased his career earnings to $425,767. Joha completed the 1 1/16 miles on the main track in 1:44.52.

Joha took the lead out of the gate and posted fractions of :23.90 and :48.41 in the early going while being pressed by Tizracer. Nearing the top of the stretch, Pataky Kid moved first at Joha, who repulsed that bid and then had enough to hold off Dynamic Sky and Luis Contreras.

Joha returned $19.40, $10.80 and $7. Dynamic Sky paid $8.40 and $5.80 with Java’s War finishing three-quarters of a length back in third under Richard Eramia and paying $7.80 to show.

Pataky Kid finished another three-quarters of a length back in fourth and was followed in order by Are You Kidding Me, Hightail, Positively, He’s So Fine, Charming Kitten, Tree of Life, He’s Had Enough, Tizracer and Craving Carats.