Gaming wins Del Mar Futurity, Baffert"s 18th victory in 2023

On Sunday, Gaming triumphed in the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity, winning by a margin of 1 3/4 lengths. This victory marked a significant milestone for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, as it was his 18th career win in this prestigious Grade 1 race specifically for 2-year-olds. The event took place at the Del Mar racetrack in California, a well-known venue for horse racing enthusiasts. Ridden by jockey Flavien Prat, Gaming completed the seven-furlong race in a time of 1:23.02. Prat noted that the colt was a bit anxious before the race but managed to relax well during the run. He followed Baffert's instructions to avoid rushing the horse, which contributed to a smooth performance. In the race, McKinzie Street finished in second place, while Citizen Bull, another horse trained by Baffert, secured third. The trainer's third entry, Getaway Car, came in fourth among the seven competitors. This race not only showcased the talent of Gaming but also highlighted Baffert's continued dominance in the field of horse racing. As a result of this victory, Gaming earned a credit toward entry fees for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, scheduled to take place at the same seaside track in November. This win further solidifies Baffert's reputation as a leading trainer in the industry, demonstrating his ability to prepare young horses for high-stakes competitions.