Laurel Futurity

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Saturday’s $125,000 Laurel Futurity (G3) drew a mostly unproven field of 14
for 8 1/2 furlongs on the turf, but there are some promising maiden winners in
the line-up. ROCK LOBSTER (Mt. Livermore) exits a sharp four-length maiden score
at Belmont Park last month and will make his stakes bow for trainer Michael
Dickinson.

Out of the English Group 3 winner Tadwiga (Ire) (Fairy King), Rock Lobster
ran well in his career debut going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Saratoga,
lagging far behind early over the speed-favoring course before making up more
than 10 lengths to finish a close third. The chestnut colt was kept well off the
rail over a good turf last time at Belmont and toyed with his rivals through
the stretch, completing six furlongs in 1:09 4/5 and striding out in good
fashion past the wire. Dickinson wins at a 23 percent clip with horses making
their first start at a route, and Rock Lobster is bred to easily handle the added
ground. We’ll give him the edge in this competitive-looking field of juveniles.

BARBARO (Dynaformer) will be tested for class in his second career start, but
he ran away from his rivals impressively in his debut at Delaware Park, earning
a 100 BRIS Late Pace rating while strolling to a 8 1/2-length score. The
second foal from La Ville Rouge (Carson City), who is multiple Grade 2-placed on
the grass, Barbaro appears to have a bright future on the turf and should be
prominent from the start under jockey Jose Caraballo. The Michael Matz-trained
colt could prove impossible to run down.

WEDDING SINGER (Songandaprayer) is the morning-line favorite for Todd
Pletcher and looks very dangerous. He broke his maiden three starts back,
defeating Rock Lobster in the process, and then finished third in the Summer S.
(Can-G2) and second in the Bourbon S. The chestnut entered a commendable 91 BRIS
Speed rating for the latter and has displayed a nice late kick in
his last three attempts. There won’t be much value with John Velazquez in the
saddle, but Wedding Singer must be respected.

CAPO DEI CAPI (Event of the Year) gained valuable seasoning against winners
last time in an optional claiming/allowance event over the main track and
returns to the turf, where he broke his maiden two starts back. The Tim Tullock
Jr. charge should be able to secure a good stalking position early with his
tactical speed, and the improving colt may be able to carry his form forward with
a strong showing. He’ll offer value (20-1 morning line) for the exotics.

CREVE COEUR (Lion Hearted) is the only stakes winner in the field but has
never run on grass. He could be a serious factor if he takes to the new surface,
but his dam has never thrown a turf winner from eight starters and the dark bay
will have to overcome an outside post. However, we respect his connections
(Graham Motion/Edgar Prado) and wouldn’t be surprised to see the quick colt hang
around for a share. DIABOLICAL (Artax) is also fast and has placed in his last
three outings, all versus stakes rivals. The Steve Klesaris trainee must start
from the extreme outside and has never been this far before, but he remains a
candidate to hit the board once again.

TACTICAL BRUSH (Tactical Cat) is the stronger part of an entry from trainer
Grover “Bud” Delp. He enters off two straight victories over the main track at
Laurel and has worked forwardly on the sod for his turf bow. The gray gelding is
a threat to grab part if he takes to the grass. VEGAS PLAY (Exploit) doesn’t
look as fast as his stablemate and could be overmatched in this spot.

ROCKABY BAY (Sahm) tries winners off a one-length maiden score over the
course and overcame some trouble to get his picture taken. The dark bay colt
can’t be eliminated from top three consideration, but we’ll just watch to see
how he fares. TRUE YIELD (High Yield) finished second to Rockaby Bay last time
and is winless from four career attempts. His BRIS numbers aren’t good enough
for us to recommend his chances.

TENT (Ire) (Distant Music) makes his U.S. bow for trainer James Cassidy but
hasn’t had much success in Europe in his last four starts. We’ll give him a race
in America. EXTON (Trippi) drew a poor post and will enter this event winless
from three attempts. He appears unlikely. POTOMAC MANOR (Black Minnaloushe) is
still a maiden and doesn’t look fast enough to challenge. EXPRESSIONISM (Western
Expression) exits a win over cheap maiden claimers at Delaware Park and would be
a huge surprise here.