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.

While many of us will be giving most of our attention to races like the Futurity Stakes and the Grade 1 Beldame in the earlier part of the meet, I’m extremely excited for the Graded action that involves two year-olds towards the middle of October.

I think it’s going to be a great opportunity to check out some of next year’s high-stakes talent and I have a very good feeling that we’ll be seeing some of next year’s Triple Crown contenders running at both Belmont Park and the Hollywood Park Autumn meet. In particular, the Champagne Stakes and the Frizette Stakes are both Grade 1 races involving two year-olds and I think these two could be some of the best previews of massive clashes we’ll see next year at Churchill, Belmont and Pimlico.

Here is the full line-up of graded action taking place during the 2009 Fall Championship Meet at Belmont Park.

Bowling Green Handicap Gr 2 9/11
Garden City Stakes Gr 1 9/12
Ruffian handicap Gr 1 9/12
Futurity Stakes Gr 2 9/12
Natalma Stakes Gr 2 9/19
Matron Stakes 9/19
Noble Damsel Handicap Gr 3 9/19
Gallant Bloom Handicap Gr 2 9/26
Jockey Club Gold Cup Gr 1 10/3
Beldame Gr 1 10/3
Flower Bowl Gr 1 10/3
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Gr 1 10/3
Vosburgh Stakes Gr 1 10/3
Kelso Handicap Gr 2 10/4
Miss Grillo Stakes Gr 3 10/4 (2 year olds)
Pilgrim Stakes Gr 3 10/4 (2 year olds)
Champagne Stakes Gr 1 10/10 (2 year olds)
Frizette Stakes Gr 1 10/10 (2 year olds)
Jamaica Handicap Gr 1 10/10
Jerome Handicap Gr 2 10/11
Athenia Gr 3 10/17
Knickerbocker Gr 3 10/18