The Hopeful is one of the first Grade 1 races of the year for juvenile colts. Just five went to the gate in this $250,000 event at 7 furlongs, including 3-5 favorite Henny Hughes. Javier Castellano sent 6-1 third choice Too Much Bling to the front right away, and he battled with 2-1 second choice First Samurai through a quarter in 22.22 and a half in 44.81. Rounding the turn, First Samurai took over the lead from the outside, and was 2 1/2 lengths clear with a furlong to go. Favorite Henny Hughes rallied late from third but could not catch First Samurai, who was 4 1/4 lengths clear at the wire, completing the distance in 1:23.25. It was a length back to Too Much Bling in third.
Results chart from Equibase
Winning jockey Jerry Bailey said, "My horse was off the bridle and going easy, I didn't ask my horse until we left the three-eighths pole. I glanced back and saw Henny Hughes and I just wanted to get first run on him. I didn't want him to have a head of steam coming by me and get eyeball to eyeball."
Winning trainer Frank Brothers said, "That's why they line up, maybe the next time Henny Hughes breaks sharp and has things his way. It's the time of year when all the good 2-year-olds come out. Our horse has come out swinging and he's doing well.'' Brothers said he would go next in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes at Belmont.
Jockey Gary Stevens, aboard beaten favorite Henny Hughes, said, "He was in a good spot, I was where I wanted to be and he came up empty down the lane. He didn't give me any kind of second run today for whatever reason. I knew I was done by the 5/16 pole. I was running for second money.''
On to the King's Bishop Stakes
On to the Fourstardave Handicap
Back to the Travers Stakes
