Del Mar's Futurity Delivers Baffert His Twentieth Win, Courtesy of a Colt Named Hughes

Hughes closed out the meet at Del Mar the same way he opened it — in front. The son of Into Mischief arrived on the strength of a debut strong enough to earn 'TDN Rising Star' recognition, then took the Grade 3 Best Pal Stakes by a wide margin before Del Mar stretched him out another furlong for the Futurity. He handled the added distance just as easily, crossing the wire first in another graded test. The win marked the twentieth time trainer Bob Baffert has taken the Del Mar Futurity. Three starts, three wins, and a résumé that keeps climbing in distance right alongside it.

With reporting from Thoroughbred Daily News.