Kim Loves Bucky again

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Kim Loves Bucky long has been a household name in the Lexington home of John Glenney and his wife, Kim. That's understandable, since the Glenneys bred, named, own, and train Kim Loves Bucky, a 6-year-old gelding.

But over the last year or so, Kim Loves Bucky has become a household name among Kentucky racing fans, too. Saturday, the gelding notched his third Grade 3 stakes victory on this circuit, getting a flawless ride from Shane Sellers to capture the 66th running of the $112,000 Louisville Handicap at Churchill Downs.

Kim Loves Bucky was always prominent in the 1 3/8-mile turf race, tracking favorite Quest Star, then holding off a late surge from Rochester by a half-length. Dr. Kashnikow finished another 1 1/2 lengths back in third.

The winner returned $10.40 as the second choice in a field of eight older horses. He finished in 2:14.09 over a firm turf course.

The Louisville was the third turf marathon victory for Kim Loves Bucky within a period of just over 13 months. He also won the Grade 3 Elkhorn Stakes at the last two spring meets at Keeneland.

Carrying 117 pounds, Kim Loves Bucky was one of four co-highweights in the Louisville. A fifth co-highweight, Dr. Brendler, was an early scratch.

John Glenney, a retired biochemist based in Lexington, said the gelding probably will race next in the Grade 1 United Nations Handicap on July 5 at Monmouth Park.

One race earlier, Winning Connection ($47.80) posted the 20th victory of his 57-race career when he overtook Classic Par in the final yards of a $58,900 allowance. Winning Connection, a 7-year-old gelding, was the longest shot in a field of six. He is owned by Billy Hays and trained by Joe Woodard.