Analyze the Odds outlasts crowd in Breeders' Futurity

Aveenu Malcainu would have been heavily favored in Saturday's $216,875 New York Breeders' Futurity at Finger Lakes. However, the unbeaten stakes winner was scratched from the spot against statebred juveniles to await a top-flight test in next weekend's Grade 1 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park.

The colt was still flattered in absentia, as Analyze the Odds, whom he had handily defeated last out, prevailed by a neck in a blanket finish.

This was the second victory in five starts for Analyze the Odds ($7.40), who shipped in for trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Mike Repole. The colt began his career with a debut victory in April at Aqueduct. He subsequently finished fifth against open company in the Tremont Stakes at Aqueduct before returning to the New York-bred ranks, finishing third in the Rockville Centre Stakes at the same track.

He had most recently fourth, 5 1/2 lengths behind Aveenu Malcainu, in the Funny Cide Stakes at Saratoga. With his Breeders' Futurity victory, the colt now has earnings of $204,625 - helping to power leading freshman sire Overanalyze, who also was campaigned by Repole and Pletcher.

In the Breeders' Futurity, Analyze the Odds was slow to settle into stride, running last of six through the opening half under Chris DeCarlo. Meanwhile, Indy's Lady - sent away as the favorite off a runaway win in the Lady Finger Stakes in her career debut at Finger Lakes - broke sluggishly from the rail, but quickly raced up to poke a head in front after the contested quarter. The filly, Lover's Leap, and Collective Effort were separated by heads as they vied through the quarter in 22.87 and half in 46.80 seconds before that pace took its toll.

Meanwhile, Analyze the Odds had worked his way up to fourth and was rallying four wide in the stretch, and Mr. Pete, who was coming off a win in the Aspirant Stakes at Finger Lakes, was also hitting his best stride. Under vigorous urging from DeCarlo, Analyze the Odds prevailed by a neck over Mr. Pete at the wire. It was another neck to Collective Effort, who gamely held third by another neck over Lover's Leap. It was eight lengths after the top four back to Tender Boy, and another 7 1/2 to Indy's Lady, who faded to last.

The final time for the six furlongs was 1:12.73.