A case of equine nepotism brought Trailthefox to run in the Arlington-Washington Futurity Saturday at Arlington International Racecourse. He responded with a victory in the Grade II $150,000 feature.
On the advice of Andy Stronach–son of racing magnate Frank Stronach–Debbie Volkman, Jack Liebau and Jack Liebau Jr. claimed Trailthefox for $50,000 July 6 at Hollywood Park. Stronach owned the colt’s sire Foxtrail, but didn’t claim the colt due to his father’s policy of not claiming horses in states where he owns racetracks.
Trailthefox, ridden by Shane Sellers, held a head advantage in the Futurity while setting the pace through demanding fractions of 22 2/5 and 45 1/5 seconds over a muddy track. He increased his advantage in the stretch and scored a 1 1/4-length driving finish in his first start at a mile.
“We knew he was fast, but we were concerned about his stamina,” said trainer Patrick Biancone. “He showed he has speed and stamina.”
Trailthefox has won three times and finished second twice in six starts. The $90,000 winner’s purse raised his career earnings to $237,135.
— Dave Surico
Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus swept to a three-quarter-length victory over El Corredor to take the $150,000 Jerome at Belmont Park. Under Kent Desormeaux, the big bay 3-year-old won for the sixth time in seven starts this year. He finished second to Red Bullet in the May 20 Preakness.
