A glimpse of Los Alamitos Futurity in 2021

This year will mark 41^st edition of Los Alamitos Futurity, a race formerly known as Hollywood Futurity, and CashCall Futurity have been won by some of the top California 2-year-olds over the past four decades.

Names like The best Pal, AP Indy, Really quiet, and Points given and recently the important king Into Mischief and champion Shared faith Fill out an impressive list of past winners.

Los Alamitos Futurity is a qualifying race on Road to the 2022 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, awarding four points to the top four finishers with 10 points for the winner, four points for the second, two points for the third and one point for the fourth.

Coach Bob Baffert won the last seven editions of this race and a record 13 overall. Baffert did not qualify to run in the 2022 Kentucky Derby, but he made two formidable starts in this race. Given their past success, the Baffert entrants are a logical starting point when looking for a winner in this race, although they won’t earn qualifying points for the 2022 Kentucky Derby.

first. Olympic Legend (Stairs 15-1 morning): He broke his first on this track but has been disappointing in the stakes competitions ever since. He has lost almost 10 lengths here on a 6½ feather bet and seems to be underwhelming in the field.

JOCKEY: Jose Valdivia Jr.; TRAINER: Luis Mendez

2. Durante (9-2): An impressive win after finishing second to Baffert’s Barossa in October. He’s been moving forward in each of his three starts and with the prospect continuing to improve here, he cannot be ignored.

JOCKEY: Umberto Rispoli; TRAINER: Doug O’Neill

3. Messier (1-2): The better of the two Baffert entrants, he won his last two starts by a total of 10. He took 3rd place in a mile easily last time and for sure is the one to beat here.

JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Bob Baffert

4. Barossa (5-1): After defeating Durante, he was not a factor in TVG Breeders ‘The Juvenile Cup presented by the Thoroughbred Care Alliance. The competition here is easier and if he can repeat that first win, he will be a prime candidate.

JOCKEY: Juan Hernandez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert

5. Slow down Andy (5-1): He’s a Californian with two good attempts to credit. He played second in the final game with seven stretches in good time and had the crossbreed to handle the added distance. He’ll need to step up to catch Messier, but he’ll be in the second mix for sure.

JOCKEY: Mario Gutierrez; TRAINER: Doug O’Neill

CLICK: Messier

LIVE LONGSHOT: Barossa

SUPERFECTA: 3-2-4-5