Ten entered in 118th Kentucky Futurity

Hambletonian winner Muscle Massive drew post one for Saturday's $501,000 Kentucky Futurity for 3-year-old colt trotters at The Red Mile, while Hambo runner-up and Canadian Trotting Classic winner Lucky Chucky drew post six and Breeders Crown winner Break The Bank K post nine. All 10 trotters entered will race in two $200,400 divisions with a horse having to win twice to be declared the winner. The remainder of the purse is held for a possible two-horse race-off, which would all go to the connections of a horse who wins both heats.

 

The draw for this year's 118th renewal of the trottingclassic was held on the track apron following the third race on Wednesday afternoon's race card. Break The Bank K was the first name drawn and he was matched with post nine, with Brian Sears driving for trainer Trond Smedshammer.

 

Christina Takter, wife of trainer Jimmy Takter, smiled and said "That will work," when Muscle Massive and post one were matched up. Muscle Massive comes into the Futurity off a Crown effort in which he made a break shortly past the half after engaging in a first-half speed duel for the front with Lucky Chucky. Ron Pierce gets the drive again on Muscle Massive.

 

As for Lucky Chucky, who went a training mile earlier Wednesday for trainer Chuck Sylvester to ensure a sore foot was no longer bothering him, he will have the driving services of John Campbell. Despite heavy pressure while on the lead early from Muscle Massive and then late from eventual winner Break The Bank K--and a sore foot that led to him being on the left line for Campbell--Lucky Chucky held onto third in the $600,000 Crown final last Saturday at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

 

Here is the complete field for the Kentucky Futurity, with named driver:

 

1 Muscle Massive (Ron Pierce)

2 Wishing Stone (George Brennan)

3 Pretty Boy Lindy (Tim Tetrick)

4 Flex The Muscles (Ray Schnittker)

5 Whata Winner (Jim Doherty)

6 Lucky Chucky (John Campbell)

7 He's A Demon (Jody Jamieson)

8 Winning Fireworks (Jim Morrill Jr.)

9 Break The Bank K (Brian Sears)

10 Temple Of Doom (David Miller)