He’s gotten an early start in 2009, kicking off at Calder in July with a 2nd place finish in the Frank Gomez Memorial Stakes. It’s been all uphill from there though, absolutely pounding his next two races finishing 1st against fields of 8. These are fairly impressive fields too and his run in the Grade 2 Futurity Stakes at Belmont on September 19th was one of the best I’ve seen from a two year-old this season. I’m just hoping they don’t push him too hard this year. I think He could definitely be on your show tickets (at least) for next year’s big dance.
Watch D’Funnybone in the 2009 Futurity Stakes at Belmont
He was sired by D’Wildcat, who wasn’t really a stand-out in his 3rd year, but pulled off back to back Graded wins in the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash Stakes and the Churchill Downs Handicap. He also finished 2nd to Hol in the 2nd Triple Bend Breeders Cup Invitational Handicap- a high-stakes Grade 2 event.
Paul Pompa Jr.’s D’Funnybone is definitely one of the hottest two-year olds of the 2009 season and I’m hoping we have runners of this quality hanging around through to next Spring.
The Associated Press quoted trainer Rick Dutrow declaring that he’d rather opt for the Champagne Stakes in lieu of the California poly, but it seemed as though the lure of that weekend in November could be worth the risk.
Personally, I think D’Wildcat has proved enough this year and should winter in Florida and maybe hit a stakes event in January to keep sharp, with eyes pointed at a KD Campaign.
