Buddy Gil wins Baldwin Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. - Buddy Gil was sent to trainer Jeff Mullins from northern California in January to find dry weather and more opportunities on turf.

On Sunday, in his first start in Southern California and first race on grass, Buddy Gil pulled an upset at 26-1 in the $114,550 at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Gary Stevens, Buddy Gil ($55.40) closed from fifth to win by two lengths over the Mullins-trained King Robyn, the early pacesetter. The $1 Mullins-trained exacta of Buddy Gil and King Robyn paid $239.50.

Owned by a five-person partnership, Buddy Gil ran about 6 1-2 furlongs on the hillside turf course in 1:12.56.

"There wasn't anyone coming near my horse at the end," Stevens said.

Flirt with Fortune finished third, four lengths behind King Robyn and a length in front of 5-2 favorite Apalachian Thunder in the field of 11 3-year-olds.

The victory was the first for Buddy Gil since a score by 7 1-2 lengths in the minor Golden Bear Stakes over six furlongs at Golden Gate Fields on Nov. 24. Overall, Buddy Gil has won 3 of 7 starts and $129,455.