While the NFL’s New Orleans Saints go marching on with a perfect 10-0 record,
another athletic saint is steadily advancing his cause — Kingfield Stables’
impressive juvenile BUDDY’S SAINT (Saint Liam), who sauntered to a comfortable 4
3/4-length victory in Saturday’s $200,000
Remsen S.
(G2) at Aqueduct. Bet down to nearly 4-5 favoritism in the wake of his
12-length procession in the November 7 Nashua S. (G2), the massive bay colt did
not post as gaudy a margin this time, but he still left no doubt about his
supremacy. In so doing, Buddy’s Saint has put himself squarely on the Kentucky
Derby (G1) trail.
“He’s still learning,” winning trainer Bruce Levine said. “I don’t think
you’ve seen the best of him yet. 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.”
The Remsen was supposed to serve up a clash between Buddy’s Saint and
Champagne S. (G1) winner Homeboykris (Roman Ruler), the 7-5 second choice. The
showdown was short-lived, however, and it ended up being a one-horse race.
Confidently handled by regular rider Jose Lezcano, Buddy’s Saint settled into
a tracking third as a pace battle unfolded in front of him. Early leader Citrus
Kid (Lemon Drop Kid) was hounded by Homeboykris through fractions of :24, :48
and 1:13 1/5, while Buddy’s Saint cantered along patiently waiting for his
signal.
Lezcano gave Buddy’s Saint the cue on the far turn, and he effortlessly
strode past the early leaders. After dismissing Homeboykris and Citrus Kid in a
few raking strides, and abruptly diving to the rail, the favorite galloped to
the wire. Lezcano kept him to his task, ensuring that the late-running Peppi
Knows (Stephen Got Even) never got close enough to threaten. Buddy’s Saint
completed 1 1/8 miles on the fast track in 1:52 4/5 and returned $3.50, $2.60
and $2.20 while starting the $42.60 exacta and $112.50 trifecta (4-2-6).
“The two horses in front of me went on, and I just settled behind them,”
Lezcano recapped. “When I asked him at the three-eighths, I thought (Homeboykris)
had a little more momentum, but my horse passed right by like it was nothing.
He gave me a really good run.”
“I thought he was quite impressive,” Levine said. “I’d thought he’d be closer
to the lead, but he doesn’t need it. He’s very versatile.”
Peppi Knows, a Penn National shipper who was ignored at 20-1, gave back $7.90
and $4.90 for finishing a clear second. Citrus Kid crossed the wire another 2
1/4 lengths back in third, paying $3.80 as the 5-1 third choice. The maiden
Fudge Truffle (Candy Ride [Arg]) collared Homeboykris by a neck for fourth.
Grand Rapport (Grand Reward) trailed virtually throughout.
Edgar Prado, who rode Homeboykris, offered his view of his mount’s
disappointing effort.
“He wasn’t really rank, but it looked that way because the horse in front of
me (Citrus Kid) was slowing down,” Prado said. “I didn’t want to go head-to-head
with that horse, so I just sat right next to him. Once we got to the backside he
settled beautifully; he was just galloping along.
“The only thing that surprised me was that he spit the bit early. Before I
got to the half-mile pole the other horses blew by me. That’s not him. He’s a
fighter. He was definitely a better horse when I rode him at Belmont (in the
Champagne).”
Buddy’s Saint has finished first in all three career starts, but was
disqualified from his Belmont maiden victory for bumping a rival in the stretch.
Levine did not return him to maiden company, but pitched him straight into the
Nashua, where Buddy’s Saint more than vindicated his judgment. Officially
sporting a mark of 3-2-1-0, the colt has amassed $218,600 in earnings.
Bred by Roy Gottlieb and Morton Fink in Kentucky, Buddy’s Saint is from the
only crop sired by the late Horse of the Year Saint Liam. A $100,000 Keeneland
September yearling, he was produced by the stakes-winning and Grade 1-placed
Tuzia (Blushing John), who is herself a half-sister to multiple Grade 3 hero and
Preakness S. (G1) runner-up Midway Road (Jade Hunter). This is also the family
of multiple Grade 1 queen and $2 million earner Island Fashion (Petionville).
Buddy’s Saint has a pair of younger half-sisters, a yearling by Quiet American
and a weanling by Rock Hard Ten.
Levine mentioned that Buddy’s Saint would winter at Gulfstream Park.