NEWS
Buddy’s Saint impressive in Remsen Stakes
Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009 4:06 PM
BUDDY'S SAINT
Adam Coglianese/NYRA photo
To view the Remsen Stakes, click here.
by Mike Curry
The 1 1/8-mile Remsen Stakes (G2) serves as a formidable two-turn test late in the season for promising two-year-olds, and on Saturday at Aqueduct Buddy’s Saint passed with flying colors.
The bay colt from the only crop of ill-fated 2005 Horse of the Year Saint Liam seized command with a visually impressive sweeping bid approaching the stretch and opened a commanding advantage. Jockey Jose Lezcano geared down Buddy’s Saint in the final sixteenth of a mile and the colt coasted to a 4 3/4-length romp as the 0.75-to-1 favorite.
Trained by Bruce Levine for owner Kingfield Stables, Buddy’s Saint completed the 1 1/8-mile Remsen in 1:52.95 on a track rated as fast in a performance that solidified his status as a colt to watch leading up to the 2010 Triple Crown trail.
“He's still learning. I don't think you've seen the best of him yet,” Levine said. “He's a big horse, and I still think he has to grow into his frame. The two-turn race should set him up for the spring. Believe me, I wouldn't trade places with anyone in America. He'll go to Gulfstream Park for the winter."
The Remsen has served as a solid launching pad for classic success, with past winners including 1995 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Thunder Gulch, ’94 Kentucky Derby winner Go for Gin, ’92 Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Pine Bluff, and ’81 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Pleasant Colony. More recently, 2005 Remsen winner Bluegrass Cat went on to finish second as a three-year-old in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
Buddy’s Saint entered off a 12-length tour de force victory in the Nashua Stakes (G2) on November 7 at Aqueduct. He finished first in his September 26 career debut at Belmont Park but was disqualified and placed second for interference in the stretch.
In the Remsen, Buddy’s Saint rated comfortably in third and advanced on Lezcano’s cue to take charge under mild urging. He powered clear within a few strides in the stretch and was in complete control to the finish line.
Bred in Kentucky by Roy Gottlieb and Morton Fink, Buddy’s Saint is out of Grade 1-placed stakes winner Tuzia, by Blushing John.
Peppi Knows rallied to finish second, 2 1/4 lengths clear of pacesetter Citrus Kid. Champagne Stakes (G1) winner Homeboykris pressed the pace and faded to finish fifth in the six-horse field.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
