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2009 Red Smith Handicap, Nashua, and Tempted Stakes

By , About.com Guide

Buddy's Saint wins the 2009 Nashua Stakes
Buddy's Saint wins the 2009 Nashua Stakes

Buddy's Saint wins the 2009 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct

© Vanessa Ng
Kicking off the stakes trio was the $150,000 Nashua Stakes (G2) for two-year-olds going 1 mile around one turn of the main track. Toboggan Slide, undefeated in three starts including the First State Dash at Delaware and the Maryland Million Nursery at Laurel, was sent off as the 9-10 favorite in the field of 6. In to challenge him included 3-1 second choice Thank U Philippe, second in the In Reality at Calder last out, and 4-1 third choice Buddy's Saint, winner of his debut last out at Belmont.

Toboggan Slide on the outside and Buddy's Saint on the rail battled for the lead for the first 3/4 mile through fractions of 23.43, 46.37, and 1:10.65 while as many as 2 lengths in front of the rest of the field. Entering the stretch, jockey Jose Lezcano asked Buddy's Saint for run and got it, as he surged ahead to a 4 length advantage at the 1/8 pole. Thank U Philippe, 4th early, put in a rally of his own but was no match for Buddy's Saint who drew off with authority to win by 12 lengths in 1:35.67 over the fast main track. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back from Thank U Philippe to favorite Toboggan Slide third.

Results chart from DRF

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