Lael Stables’ BARBARO (Dynaformer) seized command on the far turn and drew
off convincingly through the stretch for an eight-length victory in Saturday’s
$125,000 Laurel Futurity (G3). After breaking alertly and tracking pacesetter
Capo dei Capi (Event of the Year) through solid splits of :23, :46 4/5 and 1:10
4/5, the unbeaten two-year-old colt accelerated when given his cue by jockey
Jose Caraballo and came home impressively, finishing 1 1/16 miles over the firm
turf in 1:40. Barbaro returned $7.60, $4.60 and $6.40 as the 5-2 second choice
in the 13-horse field.
The dark bay keyed the $51.60 exacta with Diabolical (Artax), who advanced
into a challenging position at the top of the stretch but was no match for the
winner through the lane. Sent off at 5-1, the runner-up paid $5.80 and $5.20 and
finished two lengths clear of the late-running Exton (Trippi), who was good for
$15.40 and helped boost the exotics at 47-1. The trifecta totaled $1,353, and
3-1 third choice Rock Lobster (Mt Livermore) rounded out the 7-13-11-8
superfecta that gave back $1,605.10 for $1.
Tent (Ire) (Distant Music), 2-1
favorite Wedding Singer (Songandaprayer), Capo dei Capi, Vegas Play (Exploit),
Creve Coeur (Lion Hearted), True Yield (High Yield), Potomac Manor (Black
Minnaloushe), Tactical Brush (Tactical Cat) and Expressionism (Western
Expression) rounded out the order of finish. Rockaby Bay (Sahm) was scratched.
Bred in Kentucky by Mr. & Mrs. Roy Jackson, Barbaro is the second foal out of
multiple Grade 2-placed La Ville Rouge (Carson City), and his three-year-old
half-brother, Holy Ground (Saint Ballado), captured the Stanton S. by 13 1/4
lengths in his last start. Barbaro also has an unnamed yearling half-brother by
Quiet American. The juvenile won his career bow at Delaware Park, taking a
one-mile turf maiden special weight event by 8 1/2 lengths, and improved to
two-for-two on Saturday. He’s now earned $99,000.
“We thought he was a good horse from day one,” trainer Michael Matz said. “I
think we have to try him on the dirt at some time. My assistant has told me all
along this is one of the best horses he’s ever sat on. This horse makes me
shiver when I see him work on the dirt. He really does have a lot of talent.”