Political Rivalry remains undefeated
CYPRESS, Calif. — Political Rivalry, deliberately held out of the $275,900 Kindergarten Futurity on May 14, remained unbeaten after four starts with a neck win in Sunday’s $900,000 Ed Burke Million Futurity at Los Alamitos.
Political Rivalry was the fastest qualifier from time trials on May 28 and was favored in the Burke, the first of three major futurities at Los Alamitos this year.
Ridden by Rodrigo Vallejo for trainer Heath Taylor, Political Rivalry broke from the outside in a field of eight and led throughout, finishing 350 yards in 17.63 seconds. Sent off favored, Political Rivalry ($5) led by three-quarters of a length after 100 yards and was fully extended to remain in front.
Rockin With Energy (18-1) overcame a bump at the start to finish a good second, 1 1/4 lengths in front of 3-1 Kevins Wise Corona. Rockin With Energy and Kevins Wise Corona are trained by Paul Jones.
Political Rivalry, who races for Keith Nellesen of Utah, qualified for the Kindergarten on May 14, but was withdrawn in favor of a start in the Burke trials. Taylor said in May that it would be difficult to start Political Rivalry in the Kindergarten and in the Burke trials two weeks later and expect two quality performances.
Political Rivalry began his career with a win in a maiden race at 220 yards in April 1 and won a division of the Kindergarten trials in his second start on April 23.
A gelding by Kvn Corona, who won the Burke in 2017, Political Rivalry bled in Sunday’s race. Taylor said in the winner’s circle that he plans to rest Political Rivalry this summer, with the goal of having him ready for the Golden State Million Futurity in November and the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity in December.
Political Rivalry, who was listed as sold for $80,000 at the Ruidoso yearling sale last September, has earned $378,178.
The Burke field lost two qualifiers to scratches.
Trial race winner Stanley Cartel was withdrawn because of soreness, trainer Monty Arrossa said. Talk Bout Somethin, second to Political Rivalry in the trials, was withdrawn when the field reached the starting gate. Jockey Ramon Sanchez was attempting to adjust the saddle when the filly became upset and flipped, resulting in a scratch on veterinarian advice.
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