After marking the top score in the first go-round of the Classic Open, Matt Gaines had plenty of room to work with to advance to the finals.

Then again, he's not one who's used to coasting.

Matt Gaines, riding Nu I Wood, is the leader in the Classic Open heading into Saturday nights final. STEVE NORMAN/STAFF

"I've always gotten more into trouble when I felt like I just had to go survive a run," Gaines said. "I get more in trouble doing that than if I just go show my horse. So I'm a firm believer that there's only one way to show a horse, and that's how I try and show all the time."

On Nu I Wood, Gaines, of Weatherford, Texas, rung up 219 points in Tuesday's second go-round of the Classic Open. Add that score to his first go-round run of 225 and Gaines has the top aggregate score of 444 in the event in the 24th annual Augusta Futurity at the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center.

The top 23 horses with two-round totals of 434 or higher advanced to Saturday night's finalsat 6:30.

Australian Roger Wagner has three horses in the finals. Wagner, a horse trainer who works for Justice Farms in Camden, Ark., and Smart Little Glo had the top second go-round score with 223.5. Added to 214.5, the two advanced to the finals with a combined scored of 438.

"The cows we picked were good," Wagner said. "The horse was dead on. He was always in the right spot all the time. We were able to work that second cow for a long time, which helped."

Gaines and Nu I Wood led the field of 75 horses that advanced to the second go-round. Gaines rung up just the ninth score of 225 or better in the history of the Augusta Futurity. He came within two points of Pete Branch's record 227 set in 1995 on Little Badger Dulce.

"I've marked several big scores on her," Gaines said. "If you get some good cows in front of her, she's going to mark some big scores. You're always happy when you do that, but I wouldn't say I'm surprised. She's got that potential every time she goes down there."

Gaines, who has earned more than $2.3 million in his career, started training Nu I Wood, a 6-year-old mare by Zack T Wood out of Baby Nu Bar, when she was 3. Despite the fact that Nu I Wood has earned more than $300,000, the two haven't fared well in Augusta.

Two years ago, they lost a cow in the Futurity Open finals. Last year, they lost a cow in the second go-round of the Classic Open.

"I've kind of had tough luck on her here," Gaines said. "But I've had good success on her in other places. She's won a lot of money and been real consistent. She's had some hard luck here. So maybe she'll fare a little better."

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 868-1222, Ext. 114.