Buck's Bro in first start for new outfit

ARCADIA, Calif. - Buck's Bro will make his first start for trainer Marty Jones in Thursday's third race at Santa Anita. Judging from the winter-spring meeting that Jones has enjoyed, Buck's Bro should run very well.

Through Sunday, Jones had won with 11 of 49 starts and had another 17 runners finish second or third, for an in-the-money strike rate of 57 percent. Typical of his low-key nature, Jones deflected credit earlier this week.

"We've got a nice bunch of horses this meet," he said. "They make you look good."

Buck's Bro, 5 and previously trained by Gary Sherlock, has one victory in 10 starts. Owned by breeder Tom Grether Farms, Buck's Bro has not started since finishing third in an optional claimer for statebreds over 6 1/2 furlongs here on Jan. 23, the same class of race in which he will start on Thursday over six furlongs.

Buck's Bro is winless in his last six starts, but was beaten just three-quarters of a length on Jan. 23.

"I've had him for a few weeks," Jones said. "He hasn't run in a little while. He's a real pro. We'll get to know him a little bit."

Tyler Baze, who was aboard Buck's Bro in January, retains the mount. Buck's Bro typically races from just behind the leaders, and should have a pace to follow on Thursday. Jones is not thrilled about Buck's Bro's draw from the rail.

"I'd prefer not to be there, but it's a small field so hopefully it won't be an issue," he said.

Buck's Bro is likely to track Lordgivemealift, who won a $16,000 claimer at Golden Gate Fields on March 12 and is entered for a $25,000 claiming price, and One Man's Delight, who was a game second in an allowance race for statebreds on the hillside turf course on March 28.

One Man's Delight won a maiden race on turf on March 12, and is seeking his first win on the synthetic main track.

Spot the Diplomat and Partywithlarryz are the other starters. Spot the Diplomat won an optional claimer for statebreds over six furlongs on March 5, closing well to win by a nose. Partywithlarryz was claimed for $16,000 when fourth on March 27 and makes a quick turnaround.

The optional claimer is the day's first start around a turn. The first two races are two-furlong races for 2-year-olds.