13 entered in Kentucky Futurity

Trainer Greg Peck turned, smiled, and said "Lucky seven," moments after Hambletonian winner Muscle Hill drew post seven in the second of two eliminations for the $600,000 Kentucky Futurity for 3-year-old colt trotters Saturday afternoon at The Red Mile. The post-position draw was held trackside shortly after the second race on the Wednesday afternoon card, and the 13 entries were divided into two eliminations, with the top five in each returning for the second heat.

 

Muscle Hill brings an overall 17-race winning streak into this year's 117th renewal of the Futurity, the third jewel of trotting's Triple Crown. Peck did not start Muscle Hill in the Yonkers Trot, the second jewel, which was won by Judge Joe, who was not entered in the Futurity.

 

Each of the two eliminations will race for a purse of $108,000, with the second heat carrying a purse of $264,000. If one of the elim winners does not win the second heat, then the three race winners will return for a race-off, valued at $120,000. If there is a straight-heats winner than that purse will go to that horse's connections.

 

Here are the Kentucky Futurity elims, in post position order:

 

1st elim--7th race

PP Horse (listed driver)

1 Tom Cango (Mike Lachance)

2 Airzoom Lindy (Tim Tetrick)

3 Dr. McDreamy (Homer Hochstetler)

4 Big Bikkies (Ron Pierce)

5 Neighsay Hanover (Trond Smedshammer)

6 Windshear (John Campbell)

 

2nd elim--8th race

1 Explosive Matter (Ron Pierce)

2 Broadway Bistro (George Brennan)

3 Hot Shot Blue Chip (Steve Condren)

4 Even Better Odds (Tim Tetrick)

5 Cesar A Blue Chip (Tim Tetrick)

6 Russell Hill (John Campbell)

7 Muscle Hill (Brian Sears)