Aqueduct: Buffum returns from Dubai for Bay Shore

Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin Stable doesn’t usually begin to run horses in New York until the Belmont meet. This year, Godolphin will start a little early when Buffum returns from Dubai to run in Saturday's Grade 3, $200,000 Bay Shore Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs.

Buffum, a son of Bernardini, was a debut winner at Belmont last October, then had some early trouble when finishing last, 20 lengths behind To Honor and Serve in the Grade 2 Remsen. Buffum went to Dubai, where he finished fifth, beaten 2 1/2 lengths, in the UAE 2000 Guineas over the Tapeta surface at Meydan.

“He really ran pretty well in that race,’’ said Rick Mettee, Godolphin’s North American based assistant trainer. “He made a mid-race move and then got a little tired the last part of it.’’

Buffum drew post 2 in an eight-horse field that includes the undefeated Smoke It Right, Miracle Wood Stakes winner J.J.’s Lucky Train, Tyro Stakes winner Vengeful Wildcat as well as Justin Phillip, Dr. Disco, Harlan’s Hello, and Royal Currier.