Derby Trail Begins

john1981cr · Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Posts: 111

By SamStory
Inspin.com/WagerWeb.com ContributingWriter
It’s just past the first weekend in January. That puts us a long time from the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby. But, it’s never early enough for horse racing bettors to start thinking about the year’s Run for the Roses.
And speaking of such, every year it seems there is a buzz about a horse on the Derby trail who hails from Southern California.
And this year, there is certainly no difference.
His name: E Z Warrior. His game: Winning big races.
E Z Warrior, out of Exploit, made his record a perfect 3-for-3 on Saturday after capturing the $80,000 San Miguel Stakes at Santa Anita. He blazed 6 furlongs in an astounding 1:08.82. The win ticket paid $3.
And it’s not as if it came as a surprise.
“I’m glad to have him back,” Trainer Bob Baffert told the Daily Racing Form after the horse had suffered some shin soreness.
Jockey David Flores echoed the sentiments of Baffert.
“He's back,” remarked Flores to Baffert as they exchanged aggressive high fives.
And Flores is right. He is back.
Prior to the San Miguel, E Z Warrior won the Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes (G3) and smashed in a maiden when he clocked: 57 4/5 in 5 furlongs at Hollywood Park in the fall. His forward running style has him ready to be a serious threat not only on the West Coast, but also come May, perhaps.
As impressive as E Z Warrior might have been out West, a certain horse down in Miami is starting to make his own headlines.
Buffalo Man kicked off Gulfstream Park's 3-year-old stakes season with a 3/4 length decision over 3-2 favorite Out of Gwedda in Sunday's $100,000 Spectacular Bid Stakes.
But, if it weren’t for some late confidence from Cam Gambolati, Buffalo Man wouldn’t have run.
“I wasn't really going to run in this race, but he was doing so well we went ahead,” said Gambolati. “The options are now the Holy Bull (Feb. 3) or the race at Ocala (Feb. 12) a week later. We'll talk it over, but after the way he ran (Sunday), I guess it's time to try the big boys.”
Regardless, Buffalo Man’s rally has him primed for what could be a lucrative stakes schedule at the famous south Florida track. As Gambolati said, there is the Holy Bull Stakes to go along with the Fountain of Youth and the Florida Derby. Sure, we’re months away, but Buffalo Man’s running style could suit him very well come early May.
One thing is for certain: this year’s prep races will showcase some tremendous talent in both the East and the West. And when the first Saturday in May comes around, who knows, maybe E Z Warrior or Buffalo Man will still be fresh on our mind … or our ticket.

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