Improbable earns Justify comparisons after landing Baffert another Futurity

Improbable provided trainer Bob Baffert with a fifth straight victory in the Los Alamitos CashCall Futurity when galloping to a five-length success.

Owned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, and Starlight Racing, the City Zip colt got an ideal stalking trip under jockey Drayden Van Dyke, made his move in the final turn, and passed Baffert stablemate Mucho Gusto in the lane to win without any serious late challenge.

When Improbable hit the wire in 1.41.18, it gave Baffert his 11th win in the race, including six times when it was called the Hollywood Futurity.

"At the top of the stretch Improbable looked a little lost," Baffert said. "Once he straightened out, he got into that long, beautiful stride of his. The good horses always find a way to win. He trained like he was going to run like this."

Like Improbable, Mucho Gusto came into the race undefeated in two starts, but he was no match for his stablemate in the stretch.

"I was really excited about Mucho Gusto," Baffert said. "He tried very hard and just got a little tired. His race was very encouraging. We'll just let these horses come along at their own pace and hope they stay healthy."

After the race, the winning connections couldn't help but compare Improbable to another chestnut with similar ownership and the same white-haired conditioner.

Baffert said: "Improbable has a long stride like Justify. He's just a smaller version. I'm not saying he's at Justify's level yet, but he's a really good horse."

WinStar's Elliott Walden said: "Bob has liked this horse all along. When Justify went to the farm from Del Mar this summer, Bob put Improbable in his stall.

"I loved his race today. The best thing about it was his last eighth of a mile and the way he galloped out. That gives you the hope for the future,and that's what we're all looking for going toward the spring Classics.''

An hour later and the day got even better for Baffert and Van Dyke as they teamed up to win the other Grade 1 on the card, the Starlet Stakes, with Chasing Yesterday, owned and bred by Summer Wind Equine.

In a close finish the 6-4 favourite beat Enaya Alrabb and Mother Mother by a head and a neck.

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