Limonite targets Excelsior Stakes and possible rematch with Mr. Buff

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Limonite, a hard-charging second to Mr. Buff in the Stymie Stakes on Feb. 27., is being pointed to the Grade 3, $150,000 Excelsior Stakes on April 3 when he most likely will meet Mr. Buff again.

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Limonite was claimed for $40,000 by trainer Amira Chichakly for owners Brian and Kerry Novak. He won his first start for those connections by five lengths going 1 1/8 miles on Feb. 8. In the Stymie, he was cutting back to a one-turn mile, and after trailing early came with a long, sustained bid to fall just short.

The Excelsior allows Limonite to stretch back out to 1 1/8 miles.

“We looked at other opportunities, but the way he ran this is the perfect setup – two turns, why not try it?” Chichakly said. “It’s a better race for the horse. He doesn’t seem to care what the class level is, he wants to do it.”

Limonite worked a solid five furlongs in 1:01.23 over the Belmont Park training track on March 13.