Southern Exchange Races Fourth In The Del Mar Futurity

Woodbine's leading two-year old, Southern Exchange, raced fourth in the Del Mar Futurity last night facing ten horses over seven furlongs on the poly.

The Exchange Rate colt got off to a slow start from post position two and new jockey Garret Gomez fought the bias to rush Southern Exchange to the lead. At this point, it seemed certain Southern Exchange would finish up the track as his success at Woodbine has been made via a stalking trip. Wiring a ten horse field of this calibre is a near impossible task, particularly with such a lack luster start, and one wonders if regular jockey, Jono Jones, might have made a difference.

Regardless, Gomez and Southern Exchange,smartly hugging the rail, led the field to the top of the stretch where Coronet Of A Baron and Corey Nakatani came on strong to take the lead. Southern Exchange fought back gamely on the rail as Midshipman and Street Hero arrived to meet the leaders. Tyler Baze masterfully contained Midshipman's rally through the stretch as Coronet Of A Baron drifted out, while Street Hero and Alex Solis simultaneously angled in between runners.

Baze's ride made the difference as Midshipman and Coronet Of A Baron hit the wire at the same, Midshipman bobbing the win by a nose in an all out drive. Street Hero rallied strongly for show, just three-quarters of a length back and a game Southern Exchange maintained his strong stretch run to finish fourth just half a length behind Street Hero.

It would not be surprising to see all four of these horses meet again in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. You can watch the race below, courtesy of larryzapeye from Youtube.