Brant tops Desert Gate in Del Mar Futurity (G1)

Bob Baffert horses filled out the exacta in Sunday’s Del Mar Futurity (G1) when Brant bested Desert Gate by a little over a length.

Baffert has now won the Futurity a record 18 times, beginning in 1996 with future Kentucky Derby (G1) winner and Hall of Famer Silver Charm.

Brant seized the lead right from the start, leading the field through fractions of :21.88 and :44.53. Desert Gate moved into second just outside the quarter pole to confront the pacesetter. Brant dug in gamely down the lane to hold off Desert Gate to finish in 1:21.92 over a fast track.

“It started off a little anxious there,” said assistant Trainer Jimmy Barnes. “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. Actually, they all are. We’re very happy.”

Brant, who sold for a record $3 million to his owner Amr Zedan, has won both of his starts and earned $228,000.