Big Bug Creek looms large

Big Bug Creek is unbeaten and basically untested in three outings in the Arizona-bred ranks. He will try to continue that dominance Sunday at Yavapai Downs when he looms an overwhelming favorite in the $20,000 Yavapai County Breeders' Futurity. The 5 1/2-furlong event has a full field of 10 plus one also-eligible.

It's difficult to look past Big Bug Creek, a gelded son of Red Sky's who is trained by Kevin Lewis. He won his maiden at Turf Paradise on April 18 by 12 1/4 lengths, won the ATBA Sales Stakes there May 4 by 3 1/2 lengths, and then romped by 4 1/2 lengths without so much as drawing a deep breath in the June 14 trial for this race. Sandi Gann, who has been aboard for all of Big Bug Creek's races, has the mount again.

A number of the entrants in this race have already raced against Big Bug Creek. However, there is a new shooter who merits respect. Spectaculartop, trained by Dick Hall, debuted in another trial for this race here June 14, about an hour and a half after Big Bug Creek's race. Spectaculartop started sluggishly but quickly moved up to challenge, easily moved to the lead, and drew off without being asked to win by 5 1/4 lengths. His final time of 59 seconds was 0.40 of a second faster than Big Bug Creek's time about an hour and a half earlier on the same card. Miguel Hernandez, who was aboard for that big debut win, has the call again.