NEWS
Buffalo Man wins second try on turf in Appleton
Posted: Sunday, January 27, 2008 6:11 PM
BUFFALO MAN
Bob Coglianese photo
by Mike Curry
Buffalo Man reeled in pacesetter Jet Propulsion and held off a late bid from runner-up Elusive Fort (SAf) in the $125,000 Appleton Handicap (G3) on Sunday at Gulfstream Park to earn his first career graded stakes victory.
The four-year-old El Prado (Ire) colt stalked the pace from second under Edgar Prado and seized command approaching the eighth pole en route to a half-length win.
Trained by Cam Gambolati for owners Rick Pitino’s Ol Memorial Stable and Clint Glasscock, Buffalo Man posted two wins and two seconds in five starts last season. He won the Spectacular Bid Stakes at Gulfstream Park and the $100,000 Ocala Breeders’ Sale Championship Stakes, both on the main track.
Buffalo Man closed his three-year-old season with a runner-up finish in his grass debut in the Pete Axthelm Stakes at Calder Race Course on December 29. He rallied from ninth in the Pete Axthelm and finished a half-length behind Appleton challenger Fearless Eagle.
“The last time he just missed because I think he was kind of surprised to be on the turf, and they went so fast [early], he fell so far behind,” Prado said. “Once he got his rhythm going and his feet underneath him he was flying. I’ve been working him every time since, and every time I’ve liked him more and more. I think he’s found a home on the grass.”
Buffalo Man was much closer to the pace in the Appleton, rating comfortably as Jet Propulsion led the field through an opening quarter in :23.17 and a half-mile in :47.90. Buffalo Man inched closer to Jet Propulsion approaching the stretch and gradually powered past that foe. Elusive Fort closed gamely from the outside but could not collar the victor, who completed one mile on firm turf in 1:34.86.
Elusive Fort finished a half-length in front Jet Propulsion. Grade 1 winner Host (Chi) rallied belatedly in what could be his final career start and finished fourth, a head behind Jet Propulsion. Host has been purchased by a syndicate that will stand him in Australia in 2008.
Buffalo Man improved to six wins in 11 career starts and boosted his earnings to $318,139. Bred in Ontario by Adena Springs, Buffalo Man is out of Grade 1-placed multiple stakes winner Perfect Six, by Saratoga Six.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Mike Curry is Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
