Leo Getz Coronation Futurity's 'Lethal Weapon'

(from Woodbine report)
Leo Getz, a California-based 2-year-old maiden owned in part by actor Joe Pesci, could prove to be the "Lethal Weapon" of Saturday's $250,000 Coronation Futurity for Ontario breds at Woodbine.

Pesci popularized the wacky character in the Lethal Weapon movie series with his line, "I'm Leo Getz, and whatever you want, Leo gets."

The colt, who will be ridden by Robby Albarado in the 1 1/8-mile , is one of four that Pesci owns an interest in, all trained by Wesley Ward, who is involved in the partnership with Mark Giardino.

"Joe is excited about this horse," Ward said, from his Hollywood Park shed row, Friday morning. "He's got four horses and they're all good ones. He's been fortunate. It's nice to have a guy like that involved. He's a great guy."

The best finish for Leo Getz is a third, from three starts, that coming in a 6 1/2-furlong turf allowance race on Oct. 15 at Santa Anita.

The April foal arrived in Toronto on Friday morning.

"It's always been our intent to run in this race from way back," Ward said. "I do expect him to run a good race, (but) trip is always a concern."

Leo Getz was a $140,000 2-year-old auction purchase earlier this year.

"He's just beautiful," Ward says. "He just hasn't shown it on paper. It's just a matter of breaking through."

Leo Getz is the 9-2 third choice in the field of seven for arguably Canada's most important juvenile fixture. A Bit O'Gold won the race in 2003 before taking two-thirds of Canada's Triple Crown of Racing (Prince of Wales, Breeders' Stakes) in 2004.

Slew's Saga, who won the Cup & Saucer Stakes last time out, is the legitimate 6-5 favorite in the 101st Futurity for jockey Steven Bahen, trainer Robert Tiller, and owners Karen and Mickey Taylor.

$250,000 Coronation Futurity, 2-year-old Canadian breds, 1 1/8 miles
PP. Horse, Jockey, ML Odds
1. Feather Bed Lane (ON), Todd Kabel, 10/1
2. Urge to Go (ON), Emile Ramsammy, 12/1
3. Area Limits (ON), James McAleney, 4/1
4. Slew's Saga (ON), Steven Ronald Bahen, 6/5
5. Nikey Missile (ON), Robert C. Landry, 8/1
6. Leo Getz (ON), Robby Albarado, 9/2
7. Ablo (ON, Gerry Olguin, 8/1
All carry 122 pounds.