Connections have FrontRunner Stakes in mind for impressive Del Mar maiden winner Bolt d'Oro

DEL MAR, Calif. – Bolt d’Oro was standing in his stall in the Del Mar stables on Sunday morning when his biggest fan and admirer began praising the 2-year-old colt.

“He’s a dream,” said owner and trainer Mick Ruis. “He can take you places.”

The previous day, Bolt d’Oro won his debut in a maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs, overcoming a bump with a rival after the start to win by 2 1/4 lengths as the 4-5 favorite.

“I’m glad I got that done,” Ruis said.

The win was a prep for the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs on Sept. 4, which Ruis hopes will lead to the Grade 1 FrontRunner Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita on Sept. 30.

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Ruis said Bolt d’Oro was broken at his ranch in Montana and was shipped to California in January. The colt was purchased for $630,000 at the 2016 Saratoga Yearling Sale.

“Our goal is the FrontRunner,” Ruis said.

The FrontRunner is the key California prep race for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar on Nov. 4.