Life Is Good, At 2-1, Shortest-Priced March Favorite Ever In Kentucky Derby Future Wager

Eight weeks in advance of the $3 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade 1), the unbeaten Bob Baffert-trained Life Is Good closed as the 2-1 favorite in Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) with Champion 2-Year-Old Male Essential Quality the 5-1 second betting choice and Fountain of Youth (GII) winner Greatest Honour third at 6-1.

This marked only the fourth time in the last 19 years that the pari-mutuel field of “All Other 3-Year-Olds” did not close as the March future pool favorite. “All Other 3-Year-Olds” closed at 7-1.

Life Is Good, who closed as the 5-1 individual favorite in Pool 1 and 7-1 individual choice in Pools 2 and 3, is the shortest-priced individual March future wager favorite in the 23-year history of the KDFW. Past March individual favorites included Mohaymen (7-2 in 2016), Uncle Mo (3-1 in 2011) and Pyro (4-1 in 2008).

On Saturday, Life Is Good improved to a perfect three wins in three starts with an eight-length romp in the $300,000 San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita for six-time Kentucky Derby-winner Baffert. In the Derby with 60 Road to the Kentucky Derby points, the son of Into Mischief is expected to make his final Derby prep in the April 3 Santa Anita Derby (G1).

Essential Quality, trained by Louisville native and Eclipse Award-winner Brad Cox, also is unbeaten. The Breeders' Cup Juvenile (GI) winner improved his record to 4-for-4 with a 4 ¼-length triumph in the $750,000 Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 27, his first start as a 3-year-old. Ranked fourth with 40 Derby points, the Tapit colt is expected to compete next in Keeneland's Blue Grass (G2) on April 3.

Holy Bull (G3) and Fountain of Youth (G2) winner Greatest Honour, trained by Shug McGaughey, will attempt a sweep of the South Florida series in the March 27 Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park.

Horses in order of favoritism in the three-day March 5-7 KDFW Pool 4 (trainer, odds and $2 Win will pays): #13 Life Is Good (Bob Baffert, 2-1, $6); #6 Essential Quality (Brad Cox, 5-1, $13.80); #8 Greatest Honour (Shug McGaughey, 6-1, $15.60); #24 “All Other 3-Year-Olds” (7-1, $16); #1 Caddo River (Brad Cox, 16-1, $35); #14 Mandaloun (Brad Cox, 17-1, $36.20); #4 Concert Tour (Bob Baffert, 17-1, $37.60); #17 Prevalence (Brendan Walsh, 29-1, $61); #3 Collaborate (Saffie Joseph Jr., 29-1, $61.60); #12 Keepmeinmind (Robertino Diodoro, 30-1, $62.40); #9 Highly Motivated (Chad Brown, 36-1, $75.40); #15 Medina Spirit (Bob Baffert, 39-1, $81); #18 Proxy (Mike Stidham, 41-1, $85.80); #19 Risk Taking (Chad Brown, 42-1, $86.80); #16 Midnight Bourbon (Steve Asmussen, 52-1, $107.20); #10 Hot Rod Charlie (Doug O'Neill, 53-1, $108); #22 Spielberg (Bob Baffert, 63-1, $128.40); #2 Candy Man Rocket (Bill Mott, 71-1, $145); #5 Dream Shake (Peter Eurton, 71-1, $145.40); #23 The Great One (Doug O'Neill, 79-1, $160); #7 Freedom Fighter (Bob Baffert, 84-1, $171.20); #20 Roman Centurian (Simon Callaghan, 94-1, $191); #21 Rombauer (Michael McCarthy, 109-1, $220.80); and #11 Hush of a Storm (Bill Morey, 146-1, $295).

The Kentucky Derby Future Wager, offered for a 23rd consecutive year, enables bettors to wager on possible Kentucky Derby contenders in advance of America's greatest race at odds that could be more attractive than those available on the day of the race. The $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds will be run for the 147th consecutive year on Saturday, May 1.

In the lone Kentucky Oaks Future Wager, which was conducted concurrently with the KDFW, Rachel Alexandra (G2) winner Clairiere closed as 7-2 favorite over “All Other 3-Year-Old Fillies,” which was 5-1.

The final odds for the Oaks Future Wager: #2 Clairiere (Steve Asmussen, 7-2, $9.80); #24 All Other 3-Year-Old Fillies (5-1, $13.40); #18 Travel Column (Brad Cox, 6-1, $14.40); #9 Malathaat (Todd Pletcher, 7-1, $17.80); #21 Will's Secret (Dallas Stewart, 14-1, $31); #15Simply Ravishing (Kenny McPeek, 15-1, $33); #19 Vequist (Butch Reid Jr., 19-1, $41.80); #12 Pass the Champagne (George Weaver, 20-1, $43); #5 Dayoutoftheoffice (Tim Hamm, 22-1, $47.20); #6 Kalypso (Bob Baffert, 23-1, $48.60); #20 Wholebodemeister (Juan Carlos Avila, 28-1, $59); #23 Zaajel (Todd Pletcher, 28-1, $59); #13 Pauline's Pearl (Steve Asmussen, 28-1, $59.60); #14 Search Results (Chad Brown, 31-1, $65.40); #8 Li'l Tootsie (Tom Amoss, 35-1, $72.20); #4 Crazy Beautiful (Kenny McPeek, 39-1, $80.40); #11 Obligatory (Bill Mott, 40-1, $82.20); #10 Moraz (Michael McCarthy, 47-1, $96); #17 Sun Path (Brad Cox, 55-1, $112.80); #1 Bow Bow Girl (Dale Romans, 56-1, $115); #7 Lady Mystify (Peter Eurton, 63-1, $129.60); #3 Coach (Brad Cox, 67-1, $137.80); #22 Willful Woman (Steve Asmussen, 103-1, $209.20); and #16 Souper Sensational (Mark Casse, 110-1, $223.60).

All told, $471,494 was bet in future wagers over the three-day period. To date, Churchill Downs has handled $1,481,435 in future wagers since November.

Total handle for the March 5-7 KDFW pool – the fourth of five wagering pools in advance of the 1 ¼-mile Kentucky Derby – was $322,477 ($231,632 in the Win pool and $90,844 in Exactas).

Betting on the Oaks Future Wager totaled $78,290 ($57,219 in the Win pool and $20,771 in Exactas).

The Oaks/Derby Future Double, which requires fans to correctly select the winners of both the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks on April 30 and the next day's Kentucky Derby, handled $70,727.

The year's fifth and final Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool is set for March 26-28.

Visit www.KentuckyDerby.com/FutureWager for more information.

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Joseph Confirms Drain The Clock Will Run In Fountain Of Youth

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. confirmed Monday afternoon that Drain the Clock will run in Saturday's $300,000 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth (Grade 2) at Gulfstream Park.

The impressive winner of the Swale (G3) at Gulfstream Park in his most recent start was also being considered for the March 6 Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct.

“Drain the Clock is going to run in the Fountain of Youth,” Joseph said. “We get to stay at home and don't have to ship. The weather in New York can be unpredictable this time of year “

 

Drain the Clock has won four of five career starts, his only loss coming in his third start when his jockey was unseated when an iron broke in a Delta Downs stakes in November. The son of Maclean's Music has won all three of his races impressively at Gulfstream.

The 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth, the major prep for the $750,000 Curlin Florida Derby (G1) March 27 at Gulfstream, will headline a 14-race program with nine stakes, eight graded. It will mark Drain the Clock's first opportunity to win around two turns.

“I think he'll get two turns. But you don't know until they do it,” Joseph said. “He has stamina on his dam's side. He's won his races very impressively, so he deserves the chance. “

Drain the Clock is scheduled to join a deep field that includes Greatest Honour, Tarantino and Prime Factor, the first three finishers, respectively, in the Jan. 30 Holy Bull (G3).

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America’s Day At The Races Returns Jan. 16, Set For 22 Days Of Programming Through March

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the return of America's Day at the Races on Saturday, January 16, in what will be the first of 22 days of the acclaimed national horse racing telecast to air throughout January, February and March on FOX Sports.

Produced by NYRA in partnership with FOX Sports, America's Day at the Races will return Saturday on FS1 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature live racing from Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, including two stakes, the Grade 3, $200,000 Lecomte for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt and the $150,000 Silverbulletday for 3-year-old fillies at 1 mile, 70 yards on the dirt.

Both stakes also have implications for major races this May. The Lecomte is a Kentucky Derby qualifier, offering 10-4-2-1 points to the top-four finishers, while the Silverbulletday is a Kentucky Oaks qualifier, offering 10-4-2-1 points to the top-four finishers.

Racing fans and horseplayers can also look forward to five more telecasts of America's Day at the Races in January, along with 16 broadcasts scheduled for February and March.


Presented in 2021 by America's Best Racing and Claiborne Farm, the telecasts will feature live racing from the Aqueduct winter meet as well as partner tracks, including Fair Grounds Race Course, Oaklawn Park, Tampa Bay Downs and others.

America's Day at the Races
January 2021
(All times Eastern)

Saturday, January 16: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. (FS1);
Friday, Jan. 22: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. (FS2);
Saturday, Jan. 23: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. (FS2);
Sunday, Jan. 24: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. on FS2 & 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on FS1);
Saturday, Jan. 30: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. on FS2, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. on FS1 & 6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on FS2); and,
Sunday, Jan. 31: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. (FS2)

America's Day at the Races
February 2021
(All times Eastern)

Saturday, Feb. 6: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (FS2);
Saturday, Feb. 13: 2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (FS2);
Sunday, Feb. 14: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. (FS2);
Monday, Feb. 15 (Presidents' Day: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (FS2);
Saturday, Feb. 20: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. (FS2);
Sunday, Feb. 21: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. (FS2);
Saturday, Feb. 27: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. (FS2); and,
Sunday, Feb. 28: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. (FS2)

America's Day at the Races
March 2021
(All times Eastern)

Saturday, Mar. 6: 4:30p.m. – 7 p.m. (FS2);
Sunday, Mar. 7: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. (FS2);
Saturday, Mar. 13: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. (FS2);
Sunday, Mar. 14: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (FS2);
Saturday, March 20; 2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (FS2);
Sunday, March 21: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. (FS2);
Saturday, March 27: 2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (FS2); and,
Sunday, March 28: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (FS2).

NYRA will announce the complete spring schedule for America's Day at the Races later in 2021.

NYRA and FOX Sports began their collaboration during the summer of 2016 with the launch of Saratoga Live airing on FS2. In November of 2018, NYRA and FOX Sports announced a new long-term television programming deal to make FOX Sports the year-round national television home for NYRA racing.

America's Day at the Races is also broadcast throughout the year on NYRA's YouTube channel, which boasts more than 63,000 subscribers. NYRA's YouTube channel hosts race replays, special features, America's Day at the Races replays and more.

NYRA Bets is the official online wagering platform of Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. Available to horseplayers nationwide, NYRA Bets is currently offering a $200 new member bonus in addition to a host of special weekly offers. The NYRA Bets app is available for download today on iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.

The winter meet at Aqueduct Racetrack continues through Sunday, March 21. For the current broadcast schedule and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com.

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‘Always Felt He Was Cut Out To Be A Two-Turn Horse’: Mandaloun To Stretch Out In Grade 3 Lecomte

The calendar has turned. The distances have increased. An extra turn has been added. The acid test beckons. Eleven 3-year-olds—including the undefeated Mandaloun—will assemble for Saturday's Grade 3 Lecomte at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in the hopes of proving their mettle not only locally, but on the national scene as well, as thoughts turn to the first Saturday in May and the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve.

The sorting out process begins in the 1 1/16-mile Lecomte, which will offer 17 qualifying points for the Derby (10-4-2-1), and should prove a key stepping-stone to the local March 20 TwinSpires Louisiana Derby (G2) as well. 

The Lecomte will be run as the final event on a 13-race “Road to Derby Kickoff Day” card. Five other stakes, including the Silverbulletday for 3-year-old filles, will be contested on a program jam-packed with quality. First post will be at noon CT, one hour earlier than usual.    

Juddmonte Farms' homebred Mandaloun has done little wrong in two successful starts for trainer Brad Cox, as he won on debut going six furlongs at Keeneland in October and in an optional-claimer going 7 furlongs Nov. 28 at Churchill Downs. Sent off as the even-money favorite in both races, the son of Into Mischief has displayed versatility, closing from eighth early on debut at Keeneland, then stalking the pace and pouncing from fourth before drawing off at Churchill. Cox has long been looking forward to stretching Mandaloun our around two turns, where he thinks he'll shine even more brightly.  

“He's trained very well at Fair Grounds since we got here,” Cox said. “We've always felt he was cut out to be a two-turn horse based on his physical make-up and how he trains. It shows how much talent he's got to be able to win his first two races at sprint distances and now we're going to do what we've thought he's wanted to do all along, and that's go long.” 

West Point Thoroughbreds and William Sandbrook's Arabian Prince (post 2 at 6-1 with Brian Hernandez Jr.) ended his freshman season with a strong third carded a race after Mandaloun's allowance win in Churchill's Kentucky Jockey Club (G2). The son of Mshawish won on debut there in September for trainer Dallas Stewart and was fourth in their Street Sense before earning some black type in his third career start. Stewart and West Point teamed up with Commanding Curve, who ran third in the Louisiana Derby (G2) here in 2014, and they are looking to embark down that path with Arabian Prince. 

“He's a beautiful horse and this is the next step, so we'll see how he fits,” Stewart said. “He's improved every time out, it's the progression of it, and we're hoping for another progression Saturday. We'd like to save some ground and use the long stretch to our advantage. He'll come running late.” 

Godolphin's homebred Proxy (post 4 at 6-1 with Mitchell Murrill) starts with a home court edge, as he's already won twice at the meet for trainer Mike Stidham. A beautifully bred son of Tapit is out of two-time G1 winner Panty Raid, Proxy has shown plenty of raw talent in winning two of three, but he faces by far the toughest test of his career in the Lecomte. In both wins, Proxy set a slow pace while being pressured on the lead before drawing off late, though Stidham very much admits he's still a work in progress.  

“He's like a big, immature kid who is still learning with racing,” Stidham said. “Last time when he won, he was a little green about switching leads coming down the lane, but once he leveled off, he drew away at the end, so we were pleased with that. We were deciding whether to run him back in this race or wait for a race like the Risen Star. We felt like he's a big, healthy, strong colt and we thought the experience of running would do him more good than working three of four more times waiting for the Risen Star.”  

Stidham could also run Newtown Anner Stud's Manor House, who is cross-entered in an optional-claimer (Race 8), but would bring plenty of intrigue if he runs in the Lecomte. The son of Upstart wired the field by 12 ¼ lengths on debut Dec. 12 at Laurel Park going a one-turn mile and he would be a major pace player, and quite possibly more, should he tackle stakes company on Saturday. Still, Stidham knows the best is yet to come, regardless where Manor House shows up next. 

“This is just the beginning for him,” Stidham said. “He did everything right breaking his maiden, but he needs to take the next step and run well against winners for us to be confident moving forward with him.” 

Winchell Thoroughbreds' Midnight Bourbon (post 1 at 7-2 with Ricardo Santana, Jr.) was twice stakes-placed at 2 for trainer Steve Asmussen and he should like getting back to two turns. The son of Tiznow aired in his second start going two turns at Ellis Park in August then was ran in a pair of one-turn miles stakes, when second in Churchill's Iroquois (G3) in September and third in Belmont Park's Champagne (G1) on October 10. Midnight Bourbon drew the rail and he has an enviable blend of tactical speed and stamina that should serve him well in his local bow. 

Completing the Lecomte field from the rail out: Marylou Whitney Stables' homebred Beep Beep (post 3 at 12-1 with Joe Talamo), a debut winner Nov. 29 at Churchill for trainer Norm Casse who is also entered in Race 8; Coffeepot Stables' homebred Regular Guy (post 5 at 10-1 with Miguel Mena), a Dec. 19 track and distance MSW winner for trainer Wayne Catalano; Tom Durant's homebred Game Day Play (post 6 at 20-1 with Gabriel Saez), who won the Oct. 30 Clever Trevor at Remington Park for trainer Brett Calhoun; Calumet Farm's homebred Santa Cruiser (post 7 at 6-1 with James Graham), who broke his maiden on Nov. 15 at Churchill for trainer Keith Desormeaux; owner/trainer Terry Eoff's Red N Wild (post 8 at 20-1 with Declan Carroll), a distant third in the December 18 Springboard Mile at Remington; and Brad Allshouse's Dyn O Mite (post 11 at 30-1 with Colby Hernandez), who won an off-the-turf optional-claimer here on Dec. 4 for Desormeaux.

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