Bavaro becoming a pro just in time for Gander Stakes

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Bavaro, a winner sprinting in both of his starts, finalized preparations for his two-turn debut when he breezed five furlongs in 1:00.69 over the Belmont Park training track Sunday. Bavaro is scheduled to start in Saturday’s $100,000 Gander Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-olds at a mile and 70 yards.

Gary Sciacca, who trains Bavaro for Hall of Fame football coach Bill Parcells, said Bavaro is showing signs of maturing in the morning.

“He’s working more professional, he’s doing everything right,” Sciacca said. “Before, it was tough to make him do this or do that; he was kind of just fooling around. Now, he’s getting his mind set, he’s getting a little more mature.”

Bavaro, named for former New York Giants All-Pro tight end Mark Bavaro, won his debut by 5 1/4 lengths on Nov. 19. He came back Dec. 17 to win a division of the New York Stallion Stakes Series by 3 3/4 lengths and earned a 98 Beyer Speed Figure. Sciacca said Parcells has declined offers to sell the son of Freud.

“He’s here to race horses, and that’s what he wants to do,” Sciacca said.

Others pointing to the Gander include Damon Runyon Stakes winner Haul Anchor, sprint stakes winner Caledonian, Bourbon Empire, Carradine, and perhaps Fleet Irish, Tellmeafookystory, and Jaime’s Angel.