Futura wins the Betting World 1900 Consolation easing up
There appears no end to the Dynasty phenomenon. The Highlands stallion has yet another really good one in the promising 3yo Futura, who simply trounced his field to win the R150 000 Betting World 1900 Consolation at Greyville on Friday evening. While he looks a serious July prospect, his connections were decidedly guarded about his planned path to the big day.
Based on the published conditions of the race, playing one’s horse into July contention can be something of a public relations and poker game. It requires serious strategy and plenty of thought. But most of all a good horse. Brett Crawford certainly has an ace up his sleeve here.
The July final field criteria is well defined this year and this smashing colt is just the kind of character that the panel could also consider a wild card.
There is naturally a major difference between winning lower handicaps and group race level performance and on paper he probably still has to show more. That is confirmed by the fact that he was steered clear of the classics in the Cape and went in here on a relatively humble 85 rating.
But there is plenty to like about the professional manner that Futura goes about his business.
And facing some fair older horses as he did here at unfavourable terms for a 3yo, he really made it all look so easy.
Glen Hatt rode an unflustered race on Futura
But jockey Glen Hatt, who has ridden him in all five starts to date, may have been a slightly worried man at the 300m as Futura was still six lengths off and appearing to labour momentarily.
It was just an illusion though and the lovely colt exploded through at the 200m marker and drew clear to win as he liked.
The official winning margin was 1,25 lengths and he won easing up in a time of 117,23 secs.
It was most impressive and the sign of a really good horse that he could quicken so readily off a slowish pace.
Trainer Brett Crawford said that Futura had not put a foot wrong .
“He is really a very smart horse and handled this like a true professional. We will look at all the options but he is coming to hand at the right time and we have plenty to look forward to,” he said.
Glen Hatt said that the son of Dynasty had always shown himself to be something special.
“He delivers on whatever we throw at him. Let’s just hold thumbs from here. They didn’t go too quickly and he showed that he can turn it on. They actually quickened away from me but he simply did whatever I asked of him,” he said.
Part owner John Freeman has had plenty of good fortune with the progeny of Dynasty
A R500 000 National Yearling Sale product, Futura was bred by Guy Murdoch and races in the interests of Ian Longmore, John Freeman and Jack Mitchell.
He was named by Jack’s daughter Nancy.
Dynasty’s son is out of the lightly raced one time winning Badger’s Drift mare, Scribblin’ The Cat.
Futura has won 4 of his 5 starts for stakes of R240 075.
He was only beaten narrowly at his second outing by Parado. That now looks like one of those freak results that happen from time to time in racing.
The immediate plans are unknown but there are a good few options available.
We will follow his progress with interest.
