MARYLAND MILLION NURSERY S., $101,000, Laurel, 10-24, 2yo, 6f, 1:11.08, ft.
| O/B-The Elkstone Group LLC (MD); T-Michael J. Trombetta. Lifetime Record: 5-2-1-2, $116,800.
FUTILE GESTURE uncorked an impressive effort at 10-1 odds by deflecting a bump at the break, then taking charge at the rail. Accosted by the 7-10 favorite on the far turn, this gelded son of Friesan Fire held his position stubbornly for a quarter mile before wresting control at the eighth pole, then opening up late by eight lengths under the wire.

Bred and owned by The Elkstone Group, Futile Gesture was clocked in 1:11.08 under Jorge Ruiz. "Mentally, he always had a really good mind, but he has grown and filled out and matured a lot," said Tana Aubrey, the assistant for trainer Michael Trombetta. "He's quite a big boy, and he's going to keep growing. Looking forward to next year with him. We'd maybe like to try him a little bit longer. I think he's going to have a very bright future."