The Weekender Pedigree: J. B.’s Thunder

Shortly after J. B.’s Thunder crossed the line to win the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland, trainer Al Stall was saying the Thunder Gulch colt was no better than 50-50 to go to the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. In his comment, Stall named the G3 Delta Jackpot ($1 million at Delta Downs) as the alternate start for this high-class staying 2-year-old. Reading between the lines, one is inclined to think the owners and trainer are focused not on this year but on 2011 and the first Saturday in May.

With big graded earnings already in hand, they could place their colt where they want, race when J. B.’s Thunder is ready, and be guaranteed a spot in the starting gate in the Run for the Roses.

That is what I’d call long-term vision. It can be a source of great strength in this game, which is too often played day to day or maybe week to week.

That interpretation of owner Columbine Stable’s plans also is a statement of unqualified confidence in their colt, who was winning his second race in his second start and in now an undefeated G1 winner.