Bucchero (26-1) scores upset in Woodford Stakes

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Bucchero, a longtime standout in Indiana state-bred company, proved his abilities extend beyond the Hoosier state in scoring a 26-1 upset in the Grade 2, $200,000 Woodford Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday.

Though dismissed on the odds board, there was no mistaking his presence in the stretch run of the Woodford. After settling in second, 5 1/2 lengths off pacesetter Latent Revenge, he rapidly reeled that rival in over the final three-sixteenths of a mile, pulling clear for a 1 3/4-length victory. In the process, he gave his jockey, Fernando De La Cruz, his first graded stakes victory.

“In the stretch he just took off and got to the wire,” De La Cruz said.

A 5-year-old by Kantharos trained by Tim Glyshaw, Bucchero recorded just his second win from six starts on the grass, reversing his form in this race from a year ago, when was 11th of 12. He raced 5 1/2 furlongs on a firm turf course in 1:03.06.

Hogy, off a bit sluggishly, rallied wide to be second, finishing a half-length in front of Mongolian Saturday, the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner who was the defending champion in the Woodford.

The winner took advantage of perfect placement from De La Cruz, who wisely kept him away from a speed duel with Latent Revenge, who was headstrong early – yet positioned in front of the favorites who ended up getting caught in traffic in the back of the pack. This allowed him to get the jump on the pack and pull clear, even without changing leads in the stretch

It seems doubtful Bucchero will try to take the next step and run in the Nov. 4 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, for which the Woodford often serves as a prep, though it is not a designated “Win and You’re” Challenge race. He would figure to be heavily favored if he alternatively returns in the $150,000 Too Much Coffee Stakes Oct. 27 against Indiana-breds at Indiana Grand, a race he won by 4 1/2 lengths last year for owners Ironhorse Racing.

Hogy seems more likely to return in the Turf Sprint, though not being Breeders’ Cup nominated, he would need to be supplemented. His trainer, Mike Maker, said the race is under consideration.