The Los Alamitos Futurity is about to witness a thrilling showdown! Trainer Bob Baffert's dominance in this Grade 2 race is undeniable, with 14 victories under his belt. But this time, he faces a formidable rival in John Sadler's Captivator, who could be the one to beat.
Baffert's trio of entries for the December 13th race includes Litmus Test, a highly experienced and credentialed horse with an impressive racing history. Litmus Test, sired by Nyquist, won his debut race and went on to place fourth in the prestigious Del Mar Futurity (G1), third in the Breeders' Futurity (G1), and fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). The latter two races were won by Ted Noffey, the champion 2-year-old male of his year.
Baffert's jockey selection adds intrigue. Juan Hernandez, who has ridden all three of Baffert's entrants, will be aboard Litmus Test. This choice could indicate Baffert's confidence in Litmus Test's abilities, as Hernandez has not lost on the colt yet.
Provenance and Blacksmith, Baffert's other two contenders, have also shown promise. Provenance, a son of Into Mischief, broke his maiden at Santa Anita Park, while Blacksmith, by Liam's Map, finished second to Acknowledgemeplz in his debut. Baffert has strategically chosen Kyle Frey and Kazushi Kimura as jockeys for Provenance and Blacksmith, respectively, the latter being a successful partnership in the recent Starlet Stakes (G2).
But here's where it gets interesting: Captivator, trained by Sadler, has a record reminiscent of Journalism, a previous Futurity winner who went on to claim the Preakness Stakes (G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1). Captivator, a son of Baffert-trained Charlatan, lost his first race and won his second, just like Journalism. While Journalism broke his maiden at a mile, Captivator's win was over six furlongs, but by an impressive 10 1/4 lengths. Hector Berrios, who rode Captivator in both races, will be looking to continue their success.
The field also includes Acknowledgemeplz, trained by Doug O'Neill, who won the 2021 Futurity with Slow Down Andy. American King, a son of Baffert's Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, completes the lineup, seeking his first win after two starts.
This race is more than just a competition; it's a crucial part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby (G1), offering valuable qualifying points. With such talented horses and renowned trainers, the Los Alamitos Futurity promises to be a captivating event, leaving fans wondering: Can Baffert secure another victory, or will Sadler's Captivator steal the show?
What are your predictions for this exciting race? Do you think Baffert's dominance will continue, or is this the year for a new champion to emerge?
