D’ Funnybone strolls home in Futurity

D’ Funnybone laughed off his competition in the Futurity (Ross Woodson/Horsephotos.com)

Paul Pompa Jr.’s D’ FUNNYBONE (D’wildcat) turned in another sterling effort
in Saturday’s $250,000
Futurity
S. (G2) at Belmont Park, landing the historic seven-furlong dash by 4 3/4
lengths as the 2-5 choice in a field of eight two-year-olds. Tracking a :22 3/5
and :45 2/5 pace set by Hear Ye Hear Ye (Hear No Evil), D’ Funnybone seized
control midway on the turn, and after jockey Edgar Prado glanced behind to see
no one making an imminent threat, let the speedy chestnut draw off at will. The
winner rattled off six furlongs in 1:09 3/5 and completed the fast-track course
in 1:22 2/5. He returned $2.90, $2.30 and $2.10 and topped the $7.70 exacta,
$42.40 trifecta and $351.40 superfecta (6-1-7-2).

Discreetly Mine (Mineshaft) endured a difficult trip after hitting the gate
and being steadied in traffic at the half-mile pole, but was easily second best
by eight lengths. The 3-1 second choice paid $3 and $2.60 with Thiskyhasnolimit
(Sky Mesa) a neck in front for the show at 21-1. He paid $6 after edging
Soundman (Songandaprayer), who was followed by Insightful (E Dubai), Hear Ye
Hear Ye, Grand Rapport (Grand Reward) and Successful Score (Successful Appeal).

“I’d rather run him here (in the October 10 Champagne S. [G1]) and then just
stop on him for the year,” trainer Richard Dutrow said. “I wish it were five
weeks. I’m not crazy about California and the (Pro-Ride), but there’s a lot of
excitement that goes with (the Breeders’ Cup) and how can you turn it down?”

Stanley Hough, the trainer of Discreetly Mine, also suggested his colt might
reappear in the Champagne.