Zedan Racing Stables’ Kentucky-bred Brant justified his odds-on favoritism and remained undefeated with a victory in the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity (G1) at Del Mar.
The $3 million OBS sale graduate was tested in the seven-furlong fixture but proved up to the challenge. Ridden by Flavien Prat for trainer Bob Baffet, Brant broke in and bumped after the start but made the lead in a few strides. He tore through fast fractions of :21.88 and :44.53 before Desert Gate moved to provide pressure at the head of the lane. Brant, however, had plenty of run for the stretch drive. The prohibitive favorite held sway late to score by one length with Desert Gate second best. Civil Liberty finished third. In winning his stakes debut, Brant covered the distance in 1:21.92.
“I think he was ready for the day,” said winning rider Flavien Prat. “When he broke, he was very quick. He was very comfortable. He took a nice breather around the turn, and we made it to the finish line.”
Jimmy Barnes, assistant to Baffert, said, “It started off a little anxious there. He broke inward but he recovered quickly. Being pushed down toward the rail you have to be placed forward. He’s a really talented horse.”
Brant Delivering on His Promise
Bred in Kentucky by PTK LLC, Brant is by Gun Runner out of the winning Liam’s Map mare Tynan. The flashy gray colt set a record at the OBS March sale, selling for $3 million to Zedan Racing Stables out of the Eddie Woods consignment. Brant is now perfect in two lifetime starts. He broke his maiden at Del Mar in his highly anticipated career bow on July 26. Sent off as the odds-on favorite in his unveiling, Brant won that race by 5 ¼ lengths, getting 5 ½ furlongs in 1:02.63.