The first Saturday in May might feel far off — 140 days is quite a stretch no matter how you see it. The official Kentucky Derby 152 Trail kicks off in September with the Iroquois race at Churchill Downs, where horses begin their journey by competing in qualifier races worldwide to earn a spot in the next Run for the Roses.
One key race on this trail is the Los Alamitos Futurity, held today on the dirt track at Los Alamitos in Cypress. Originating in 1981 as the Hollywood Futurity at the now-closed Hollywood Park, this race has produced six Kentucky Derby winners, including Giacomo in 2005. Last year’s champion, Journalism, went on to win the 2025 Preakness and Haskell Stakes.
This year, six notable contenders will compete, with trainer Bob Baffert, the most successful trainer in this race’s history, entering half the field. Get acquainted with the runners and start planning your bets! For those interested in betting on Southern California tracks, AmWager offers a 100% deposit bonus up to $150 for new customers.
Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity, 1 1/16 miles on dirt, for 2-year-olds, with a $200,000 purse:
1. Thank You For Your Understanding (7/2) – Jockey Armando Ayuso, Trainer Doug O’Neill. Off to a strong start with a commanding win over Blacksmith, he descends from Bucchero, a sprint specialist, making the step up to 8 1/2 furlongs somewhat uncertain. On the dam’s side, speed also dominates, suggesting the distance might be a stretch. Comment: Distance concerns make this pick less appealing.
2. Provenance (5/1) – Jockey Kyle Frey, Trainer Bob Baffert. Provenance debuted at a mile but shifted to sprint distances, winning convincingly in September at Santa Anita. Baffert’s training combines sprints and longer workouts to build stamina, implying improvement by spring. Comment: Included reluctantly.
3. Litmus Test (4/5) – Jockey Juan Hernandez, Trainer Bob Baffert. A strong contender finishing fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, narrowly missing behind Brandt, who is highly regarded among Baffert’s stable. Hernandez replaces other jockeys here, signaling confidence. Comment: Highly favored.
4. Blacksmith (5/1) – Jockey Kazushi Kimura, Trainer Bob Baffert. Winless so far, with a best effort of second place in debut, recent run at Del Mar was disappointing. Bloodlines are promising, though consistency remains a question. Comment: Not recommended.
5. King of America (Jan 30) – Jockey Giovanni Franco, Trainer Ruben Gomez. Newcomer with a best finish of fourth on turf at Del Mar; stepping up on dirt is challenging. Comment: Early elimination advised.
6. Prisoners of War (6/1) – Jockey Hector Berrios, Trainer John Sadler. Offspring of Charlatan, showcased a dominant 10-length sprint win, but competition level was mixed. Sadler’s strategy focuses on blending early speed and stamina, with a good track record moving from sprints to routes, making this horse a solid trifecta candidate. Comment: Expected to place.
Sports Tribune Bets:
$1 Trifecta ($6): 3 over 1,6 over 1,2,6.
$3 Late Pick 3, Race 7 Start ($36): 1,4,5,7 / 3 / 6,9,11.
Fan Take: This race serves as an early glimpse into the rising talent poised to impact the upcoming Kentucky Derby, making it crucial for enthusiasts tracking the next generation of champions. The mix of seasoned trainers and promising young horses highlights the ever-evolving landscape of horse racing, promising thrilling competition ahead.
