Bolt d'Oro, Zatter have rematch in FrontRunner

Sep 28, 2017 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Proving themselves the two leading juvenile colts in Southern California with a one-two finish in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) on Labor Day, Bolt d'Oro and Zatter meet again Saturday at Santa Anita in the $300,000 FrontRunner (G1) over 1 1/16 miles.

The FrontRunner, won in recent years by Kentucky Derby (G1) winners American Pharoah (2014) and Nyquist (2015), is the second points qualifier in the American Road to the Kentucky Derby Series, awarding the top four finishers 10-4-2-1 points, respectively. The FrontRunner is also a 'Win & You're In' Breeders' Cup Challenge Race.

Bolt d'Oro, who won on debut August 5, rallied from off the pace to wear down Zatter in the final furlong of the seven-furlong Del Mar Futurity. The Mick Ruis trainee was a length in front at the wire, with Zatter, who had beaten American Pharoah's full brother, St. Patrick's Day, in his debut 15 days earlier, nearly five lengths ahead of multiple stakes winner Run Away.

Zatter is trained by Bob Baffert, who also sends out Solomini. The son of Curlin also won at first asking, taking a 6 1/2-furlong Del Mar maiden by 1 3/4 lengths on September 2. Other recent maiden scorers to watch for are Texas Wedge, who beat $50,000 maiden claimers in swift time July 21, and the English-bred Ayacara, already a winner around two turns.

Looking to transfer his fine turf form to dirt is Encumbered, who exits a half-length victory in the $103,000 Del Mar Juvenile Turf.

The FrontRunner can be watched and wagered on at TwinSpires.com.

(Benoit Photos)