Pinehurst strides clear in Del Mar Futurity (G1)

When Pinehurst crossed the wire a 4 1/2-length winner in Monday’s $300,000 Del Mar Futurity (G1), it marked a record 15th time a Bob Baffert-trained 2-year-old had won the race.

“I’ve been blessed over the years with so many good owners and so many good young horses,” said Baffert succinctly after Pinehurst’s front-running score.

Pinehurst and stablemate Murray were the quickest out of the gate, with Pinehurst showing the way through a half-mile in :44.77. Pinehurst, under Mike Smith, went clear from just outside the quarter-mile mark and widened his lead all the way to the wire, finishing the seven furlongs in 1:23.55.

“When we ran last time (in his Aug. 1 debut maiden win), he stumbled pretty badly coming out of there, but he still made the lead,” said Smith. “So I knew he was plenty quick. When you ride for Bob, you ride with confidence. He puts so much foundation under them, and they all come running.” 

Owned by a partnership headed by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables, Pinehurst has won both of his starts and earned  $222,000.

Among Baffert’s 15 Futurity winners are Silver Charm and American Pharoah, both who would go on to win the Kentucky Derby (G1) the following year.