Joha Holds Off Rivals in Breeders' Futurity

Joha put away numerous challengers in the $400,000 Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (gr. I) on Oct. 6 at Keeneland, finding more in deep stretch to complete a front-running victory in the race for juveniles (VIDEO).

Trained by Mike Maker for owner Bluegrass Equine Bloodstock, Joha quickly seized the lead after breaking from the rail. The Johar colt completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.52 on the Keeneland Polytrack, posting a one-length victory over runner-up Dynamic Sky.

"He was going to be forwardly placed no matter what post position he drew," Maker said. "But from the one hole, it kind of made it a no-brainer."

Joha opened a clear advantage through a quarter-mile in :23.90 and held a half-length advantage through a half-mile in :48.41 and six furlongs in :1:12.86. Winning rider Rajiv Maragh said Joha showed determination as numerous challengers in the 13-horse field made runs but could not get past.

"He had a lot in the tank," Maragh said. "He just kept on fighting when they came to him. He had a lot of power today."

John Oxley’s Dynamic Sky withstood an objection after bumping with third-place finisher Java's War in early stretch to hold second. Joha retured $19.40 to win, $10.80 to place, and $7 to show. Dynamic Sky paid $8.40 to place and $5.80 to show while Java’s War returned $7.80 to show.

Bred in Kentucky by BEC Bloodstock, Joha is out of the stakes-winning Mujadil mare Mujado. Joha picked up his second career stakes win, a Breeders’ Cup "Win and You’re In" race to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I). He won the Colin Stakes on the Polytrack at Woodbine July 14 and entered the Breeders' Futurity off a close second to Balance the Books in the With Anticipation Stakes (gr. IIT) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 30.

Race favorite at 3-1 Tizracer, who entered off a 10 1/2-length maiden win at Belmont Park, challenged Joha into the far turn before fading to 12th.

Following the top three finishers were Pataky Kid, Are You Kidding Me, Hightail, Positively, He's So Fine, Charming Kitten, Tree of Life, He's Had Enough, Tizracer, and Craving Carats.