Brant Cost $3 Million, but Is Already Paying Major Dividends

With the Gun Runner Colt, Bob Baffert Scores His 19th Del Mar Futurity (G1) Victory

Brant, Another Colt Raising High Expectations / BENOIT PHOTO

DEL MAR, California (Special for Turf Diario).- Brant solidified his status as one of the most promising two-year-olds in the United States with a decisive victory in the 78th running of the Del Mar Futurity Stakes (G1), contested over 7 furlongs on Del Mar’s dirt for $300,000 in prize money.

Racing for Zedan Racing Stables and guided by Flavien Prat, the $3 million Gun Runner colt lived up to his 1/9 favoritism and remained unbeaten in two starts. Brant broke sharply from the gate, seized the lead immediately, and while stablemate Desert Gate (Omaha Beach) mounted a serious challenge in the stretch, he never allowed his rival to get past.

“I think he was ready for today,” said Prat. “He broke well, settled comfortably throughout, relaxed through the turn, and finished strongly to the wire.”

Trained by Bob Baffert, Brant stopped the clock in 1:21.92 for 7 furlongs, delivering the trainer his 19th Del Mar Futurity victory, a record-extending milestone, and marking his 186th stakes win at Del Mar, a figure unmatched by any other conditioner.

“All our two-year-olds are very talented,” commented Jimmy Barnes, Baffert’s assistant. “Brant drifted slightly inward, but recovered immediately, and Flavien did what was needed to get him in front. We’re very happy with him.”

Desert Gate finished second, a length behind, while Civil Liberty (Independence Hall) was third, 3 1/4 lengths further back.

The victory earned Brant a $30,000 bonus toward Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) entry on October 31 at Del Mar. With this win, the colt’s earnings now total $228,000, cementing him as one of the standout names of his generation.

For Prat, it was his fourth Del Mar Futurity victory, third consecutive with Baffert, and marked his 102nd stakes win at Del Mar, the fourth-highest total in the track’s history for a jockey.