The Los Alamitos Futurity: A Shadow of Its Former Self
Once upon a time, the Hollywood Futurity was a prestigious race, a glitzy preview of the future stars of Thoroughbred racing. It was a holiday tradition, with fans driving through lit-up boulevards to witness the next champion. But the story of the Los Alamitos Futurity today is a different tale, one that reflects a decline in its former glory.
A History of Glory Days
The Hollywood Futurity, held in the latter half of December, was a celebration of young Thoroughbreds, a showcase of talent and potential. It attracted national attention and a diverse field of competitors. Roving Boy, Snow Chief, Declan's Moon, Best Pal, Real Quiet, Captain Steve, Point Given, Brother Derek, King Glorious, Lookin At Lucky, Lion Heart, and Shared Belief are just a few of the winners who went on to become champions. Some even shaped the breed, like A.P. Indy, who won in 1991 and later became a champion sire and broodmare sire.
A New Name, A New Era
By 2007, the race had evolved into the CashCall Futurity, thanks to a generous purse infusion from owner Paul Reddam. It maintained its spirit, usually held under the lights in Inglewood, California, until the track's closure in 2013. The Hollywood Futurity's legacy lived on, but the race's prominence began to fade.
A Different Track, A Different Story
The Los Alamitos Futurity, now a Grade 2 race, bears little resemblance to its predecessor. The purse has been significantly reduced, and the competition depth has diminished. The race now takes place on a Quarter Horse track, which further sets it apart from the original Thoroughbred-focused Hollywood Futurity.
A Decline in Quality and Competition
The winners of the Los Alamitos Futurity have come from just four trainers: Michael McCarthy, Doug O'Neill, Tim Yakteen, and Bob Baffert, who has dominated with 23 wins in the last 11 years. In contrast, the final 11 CashCall/Hollywood Futurities at Hollywood Park had a more diverse field, with winners emerging from nine different barns. The average field size was 9.6, with some races featuring 12 or 13 starters.
A Troubling Trend
The current Los Alamitos Futurity, with its reduced purse and less competitive field, raises concerns. The 2019 running, in particular, featured a small field of six entrants, with three from the Baffert stable, none of which were considered first string. This contrasts sharply with the 2007 Futurity, which attracted a field of 12 on a synthetic surface.
A Tale of Two Horses: Into Mischief's Journey
Despite the decline, the race still holds stories of potential. Take the case of Into Mischief, a son of Harlan's Holiday, who made his third start in the 2007 Futurity. Trained by Richard Mandella, he faced 11 opponents, including three from Todd Pletcher's stable. Into Mischief's performance was surprising, given his recent second-place finish as the 2-1 favorite in the Hollywood Prevue Stakes.
A Surprising Favorite
Into Mischief's odds of nearly 14-1 were a shock to Mandella, who noted his horse's potential. Despite the surprise, Into Mischief finished second, just 1 1/4 lengths behind Colonel John, who later won the Travers Stakes. The young colt's early season ended abruptly due to foot problems, a common challenge for young horses.
A Legacy Continues
Into Mischief's story is a reminder of the potential that can still be found in the Los Alamitos Futurity. While the race's current state is concerning, its history and the stories of its winners, like Into Mischief, offer a glimmer of hope. The future of the Los Alamitos Futurity remains uncertain, but its past and the potential of its participants keep the spirit of racing alive.
