Gary and Mary West's Game Winner rallied strongly in the stretch to pass a tiring Rowayton with a sixteenth to run to win the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity by 1 1/2-lengths over the pacesetter, with Baffert's other entrant, Roadster, a half-length back in third place.

Baffert's incredible Futurity record includes wins in seven of the last 11 runnings, as well as seven straight editions from 1996 (with Hall of Famer Silver Charm) through 2002.

The seven-furlong Futurity drew a field of six, with Game Winner on the outside. The sextet broke in a line, but Rowayton was keen for the lead, and opened up by as much as five lengths in the first quarter mile. Still up by five lengths entering the stretch, Rowayton soon began to labor, and Game Winner cut into the margin relentlessly and went by the leader, winning in a hand ride in 1:23.18 on the fast track.

“Going down the backside that other horse [Rowayton] was way out there and sometimes if you get out there like that you can steal a race,” Baffert said. “I just hoped my guys knew they were in good spots. I knew they'd have to sprint home. I knew coming in that [Game Winner] was coming back a little quick [from his Aug. 18 maiden win], but he's a big strong heavy horse and I knew he could handle it. I'd rather run him again than keep working him.” 

Game Winner won that Aug. 18 debut, and now has banked $216,000 in his two starts. His second dam is Eclipse Champion Fleet Indian, who earned more than $1.7 million.