Nucky tries to stay perfect in Dash for Cash Futurity
Nucky will put his perfect record on the line Saturday night when he seeks to win his sixth consecutive race in the Grade 1, $448,515 Dash for Cash Quarter Horse Futurity at Lone Star Park.
The race is one of two major stakes on the card. The Grade 3, $190,100 Dash for Cash Quarter Horse Derby has brought together such notable runners as Paint Me Perry, Tempting Destiny, and Bodacious Eagle.
The Dash for Cash Futurity is one of the premier races of the Lone Star meet, which this season will host the Challenge Championships. The track’s other longtime staple for 2-year-olds is the $1 million Texas Classic Futurity, which will be run Nov. 14. The Dash for Cash Futurity, at 400 yards, goes with a field of 10. The gate was determined during local trials Sept. 26.
Nucky improved his record to 5 for 5 last out, when he set the fastest qualifying time for the Dash for Cash Futurity. He dominated his trial by three lengths, covering 400 yards in 19.61 seconds. She Looks Racy was the second-fastest qualifier, winning her trial by a length in 19.66 seconds.
Nucky launched his career in March at Sunland Park and won a trial for the Grade 2 West Texas Futurity. He returned to win the $198,924 finale, then remained in New Mexico for the Ruidoso meet and won a pair of trial races. From there, Nucky headed to Texas for the trials for the Dash for Cash. He will break from post 7 under Omar Reyes, who has the mount for trainer Kalah Welch.
Nucky, a February foal by Dominyun, races for the partnership of Denis Schoenhofer, Julie Schoenhofer, and Dale Taylor.
She Looks Racy will break from the rail Saturday.
In the Dash for Cash Derby at 440 yards, Tempting Destiny will attempt to improve his record to 6 for 12 after winning his trial Sept. 25. G.R. Carter Jr. has the mount from post 4 for trainer Michael Joiner.
Tempting Destiny’s chief rivals will surround him in the starting gate on Saturday. Paint Me Perry, the winner of last year’s Oklahoma Futurity at Remington Park, will break from post 3. Bodacious Eagle, who ran fifth in last year’s All American Futurity, drew post 5.