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Good Luck Gus (Lookin At Lucky) became a stakes winner on Saturday when he took down the lucrative $252,098 New York Breeders’ Futurity for New York-bred juveniles at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack, opening up to a dominant victory after a tracking trip under jockey Wilfredo Rohena.
Away well, the 9-5 favorite tracked pacesetter and 37-1 longshot Fallfire through early splits of 22.47 and 45.86. Third early and improving to second position on the backstretch, Good Luck Gus made a bid midway through the far turn. The colt took over in upper stretch and kicked clear, widening his margin of victory to 5 1/4 lengths while being ridden out. His final time over the “good” going was 1:11.87.
Thank You, in potential contention throughout, finished second, followed by Fallfire, who outran his odds to finish third. The order of finish was completed by Pierce’s Prize, filly Dunn Listening, winner of the Lady Finger Stakes on September 6, Deputy Busterstone and Summer Brother. Morning line even money favorite Bustin It was an early scratch, as was longshot Smilingsundae, another filly. [VIDEO]
Rudy Rodriguez, who trains the colt for Michael Dubb, Bethlehem Stables and The Elkstone Group, said, “He was working very well and seemed a lot more focused with the blinkers,” adding “This win was very special for us.”
An early starter for Rodriguez, Good Luck Gus made his debut at Belmont on July 3, finishing second just 1 1/4 lengths behind promising juvenile Secured Position. Demonstrating that he was capable over off going at Saratoga in his second start, the colt broke his maiden on July 28 as the odds-on favorite going 5 1/2 furlongs over a sloppy (sealed) track.
In his two initial starts, Good Luck Gus showed some greenness, jumping tire tracks near the wire each time. Rodriguez added blinkers for the colt’s fourth career start after his fourth place finish to three solid competitors in the Funny Cide at Saratoga on August 24: Upstart, Bustin It and Bullheaded Boy.
Now a $217,059 earner, Good Luck Gus was bred by Fred W. Hertrich III. He is one of two winners, and the only registered New York-bred foal, out of Tacticmove, a daughter of Deputy Minister who was unplaced in one start. The mare, who is a half-sister to Group 3 turf winner Ishiguru (Ireland) and Grade 2 dirt route winner Cat Fighter, was purchased by Hertrich at the 2011 Keeneland November sale for $35,000 and has since been resold.
