Chester and Mary Broman's Mr. Buff earned a 94 Beyer for his impressive frontrunning Empire Classic score on Saturday's Empire Showcase Day card at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.
Trainer John Kimmel said the 6-year-old Friend Or Foe chestnut looked to be in control throughout the nine-furlong test for state-bred 3-year-olds and upward.
“I watched the replay two or three times and he looked pretty confident and comfortable the whole race,” said Kimmel. “There weren't that many contentious moments. He handled that group pretty easily.
“Once he switched to the outside lead that was it. That was the key for me,” added Kimmel. “Sometimes he hangs onto the left lead and changes late but when he switches to the outside lead he's pretty impressive.”
Mr. Buff, who boasts a record of 40-15-7-4 with purse earnings in excess of $1.2 million, enjoyed a profitable winter at Aqueduct winning the Alex M. Robb against state-breds in December and the open Jazil in January before romping to a 20-length score over state-breds in the Haynesfield at one mile on the Big A main.
Kimmel said a return engagement in the nine-furlong $100,000 Alex M. Robb for New York-breds 3-years old and up is likely, although the nine-furlong Grade 1 Clark on November 27 at Churchill Downs is also under consideration.
“He's doing fine this morning. He's back in his stall doing his regular thing. That race [the Alex M. Robb] is probably high on the priority list,” said Kimmel. “We're a little gun shy about venturing out of town but we'll keep him eligible for the Clark. The Clark is a good spot for him on Thanksgiving weekend.”
Mr. Buff has finished off the board in all five of his graded attempts, including a 10th in last year's Clark.
“When he runs his 'A' race he can run with anybody, but he just hasn't done it in the major graded races,” said Kimmel, who won the Clark in 2006 with Premium Tap.
The post What’s Next For Mr. Buff? Kimmel Eyes Robb For NY-Breds Or Another Try In Grade 1 Clark appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
