For the second straight year, trainer Wayne Catalano found
himself in the winner’s circle after the Grade III Arlington-Washington
Futurity. This year, the veteran conditioner sent out Gary & Mary West’s
Major Gain to win the $100,000 race. The son of More Than Ready was
ridden by Junior Alvarado and covered the mile over Polytrack in 1:36.36.
Despite running second in his only start, Major Gain’s
connections were confident heading into the Futurity and were rewarded for
their faith in the juvenile colt.
“I had my eye on this colt,” said Catalano, who saddled
Dixie Band to win the 2009 edition of the race. “We thought he could win
this race all along. He’s been working very well and Junior (jockey
Alvarado) rode a great race. Everything worked out great for us. We had a
nice trip against some nice young horses and it worked out.”
Alvarado thought the horse acted more professionally in
Saturday’s race noting, “The first time I rode this horse, he was a little
green. He was lugging in in the stretch. I told (trainer Wayne) Catalano
that he’s a nice horse. We’ve worked him and everything was perfect for
this race.”
He earned $58,200 for the Futurity victory, his first in
just two starts. His bankroll now stands at $63,800 for his
owner-breeder.
Rough
Sailing, the 17-10 betting choice, found room on the rail late to get up for
second, edging out Caleb’s Posse by just a nose for the place spot.
“Nothing could have gone any better,” said Rough Sailing’s
jockey, Michael Baze of the runner-up who was making his Polytrack debut after
breaking his maiden last month on the turf. “We had no trouble. He’s just
a better horse on turf – that’s all. He’s got a little more kick on
turf.”
Impersonator, Ghetto Cat, Wheemaway, Weekend Wildcat and
Big Blue Caboose completed the order of finish.
Sent off as the 3-1 third choice in the wagering, Major
Gain paid $8.80, $4.40 and $2.60. Rough Sailing returned $3.20 and
$2.40. Caleb’s Posse paid $2.60.