Last years CashCall Futurity wasn’t much fun. Future Preakness Stakes winner Lookin At Lucky won easily as a heavy favorite. The 2010 edition promises to be much more interesting. A contentious field of 10 has gathered with Delta Jackpot winner Gourmet Dinner as the likely favorite. Let’s take a look at the field.

Ronin Dax- Toss this guy. He hasn’t got a prayer.

JP’s Gusto- This son of Successful Appeal is already a Grade 1 winner. He took the Del Mar Futurity by 4.5 lengths. Joe Talamo will return to the irons after missing his last 4 races. He’s got plenty of early speed and I expect him to be near the lead. We can draw a line through his last race in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. He didn’t fire. The biggest question here surrounds his ability to go two turns. He was second at this distance in the Norfolk. I see no reason why he can’t win here.

Rustler Hustler- Richard Dutrow and Ramon Dominguez are bringing this colt in from the east after a win over the turf in a minor stakes race at Belmont Park. He bested eventual Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf winner Pluck in the Continental Mile at Monmouth Park two races back. Dutrow has him here for a reason, but I don’t think he is among the best in this race. I’ll pass, but he wouldn’t be a shocker.

Slammer Time- Took the California Cup Juvenile by a head under Rafael Bejarano last out. David Flores picks up the mount for this race. I can’t go with a Cal bred in a race with so many good juveniles.

High Level Jeff- Didn’t fire last out after two big efforts at Calder. He fired a big :58 H five furlong bullet  on December 10. I think this colt is over hyped and will catch too much money. I’m giving him little to no chance at winning.

Clubhouse Ride- Was third last out in the Delta Jackpot. Patrick Valenzuela retains the mount. P-Val can make things happen on a lesser horse which I believe this one is. I wouldn’t toss him, but I wouldn’t bet any money on him at https://www.gamebookers.com.

Gourmet Dinner- Looked like a machine as he ran by the pacesetters in the Delta Jackpot for a 2 1/4 length win. I knew he was a winner way before he ever hit the lead. This horse is one of the best in the country. If he takes to the track he will be very, very hard to hold off.  His last work of :38 4/5 B for 3 furlongs over the Hollywood track leaves some reason for concern though.

Riveting Reason- Broke his maiden last out. Put in bang up efforts to be third in the Del Mar Futurity and the Norfolk Stakes. Alonso Quinonez will have to try something new to win this race, but he wouldn’t be a total shock. I’d use him underneath on exotic tickets.

Industry Leader- This colt looks very professional even though he is only two. I’ve watched both of his races live and he was impressive both times. Trainer Kristin Mulhall is very excited about him and expects a big run. He has to be considered one of the top contenders. If he moves forward on his second place finish in the Hollywood Prevue he could be the one to beat.

Comma To The Top- This gelding has smashed the competition in his last 4 races. He looked like a world beater taking the Real Quiet Stakes by 6 1/4 lengths. He followed that up with a wire to wire win on the turf in the Generous Stakes. I’m a bit worried he could catch too much heat on the front end. He is in great hands with Peter Miller and Corey Nakatani.

Win: Gourmet Dinner (5-1)

Place: Industry Leader (7-2)

Show: J. P.’s Gusto (5-1)