Anstu Stables' Wired Bryan made short work of four other foes to take home a hefty paycheck in the $237,457 New York Breeders Futurity for 2-year-olds at Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack Sept. 28.
The New York-bred colt by Stormy Atlantic was also entered in the Sept. 29 Futurity Stakes (gr. II), a $200,000 open event at Belmont Park. But his connections opted for state-bred company and a good shot at the first-place prize of $142,474.
With Jaime Rodriguez riding for trainer Michael Dilger, Wired Bryan grabbed the lead from the rail and set quick fractions of :22.19 for the opening quarter-mile and :45.10 for the half-mile while stalked by Aspirant Stakes winner Fox Rox. Wired Bryan opened up on the far turn and sped away to a seven-length victory in a 1:10.50 on a fast track that had been playing slow for a few weeks.
Ogermeister, who sat third most of the way, rallied mildly to capture second by a half-length over Fox Rox. Free Mugatu was fourth and Sidearm fifth; the filly Noon Time Shower scratched.
Wired Bryan, winner of the Sanford Stakes and narrowly defeated in the Saratoga Special (both gr. II) at Saratoga Race Course, returned $3.40, $2.40, and $2.10 as the heavy favorite in the New York Breeders Futurity. Ogermeister paid $4 and $3.20, while Fox Rox paid $3.10 to show. The exacta paid $12.40.
Wired Bryan, out of the Runaway Groom mare Red Melody, was bred by Anstu Farm. He now has three wins and one second in five starts, all at sprint distances.
