Immediately before the Fountain of Youth, a field of 11 older horses went 1 mile on the turf in the $150,000 Canadian Turf Stakes (G3). 7-1 Buddy's Humor set a pace of 23.96, 48.53, and 1:11.65 while as many as 2 lengths in front of the rest of the field. Turning for home, 6-1 Twilight Meteor, who had stalked the pace in third the whole way, moved up to challenge for the lead. The pair dueled for the lead briefly, then Twilight Meteor pulled away in the final 1/16 to win by a length in 1:34.31 over the firm turf course. It was just a head back from Buddy's Humor to 17-1 Buffalo Man, while 4-1 favorite Just As Well failed to rally late finishing a disappointing seventh, but just 3 1/4 lengths behind the winner.
Winning jockey John Velazquez, who swept both stakes races on the card, said, "I had the perfect trip today. I settled in nicely between the two speed horses and got a great ride. And when I asked he responded, not a problem. The difference today was that he was ready."
Trainer Todd Pletcher added, "We had to stop on him early last year with some minor aches and pains, but he's come back and trained very well this year. He ran very well in his first race back, but got a little tired going 1 1/8 miles, which is understandable coming off a (9 month) long layoff. He got a great trip today and was able to settle just off the pace. We'll look at going to Keeneland for the Maker's Mark."
Back to the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2)
