Klimt brings imposing form to FrontRunner

With convincing victories in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) and Best Pal (G2), Klimt separated himself from 2-year-old rivals on the West Coast and the Bob Baffert-trained colt will try to confirm his status as the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) favorite when lining up for Saturday’s $300,000 FrontRunner (G1) at Santa Anita.

The “Win and You’re In” qualifier attracted seven contestants for 1 1/16 miles on the main track and is one of six stakes races on the Breeders’ Cup Preview card at “The Great Race Place.”

By Quality Road, Klimt has rallied from off the pace to win his last three starts, drawing off by a 4 ¼-length margin and registering a career-best 103 BRIS Speed rating in the Del Mar Futurity last out. Rafael Bejarano retains the mount on the bay colt.

Del Mar Futurity runner-up Straight Fire will take another crack at the expected favorite. A 10-length maiden winner two back, the Dominus colt brings plenty of speed to the engagement. Keith Desormeauxwho rides for his brother, Keith Desormeaux.

Del Mar Futurity third-placer Midnight Pleasure also returns for the FrontRunner. Last-out maiden winners Gormley and Plum Dandy are a pair of intriguing new faces to stakes competition. Secret House and the maiden Vibe complete the field.

(Benoit Photo)