Northlands Park: Buff Daddy seeks rebound in Monday feature

Buff Daddy will try and make amends when he runs in an $8,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up Monday at Northlands Park. The one-mile race drew 10 horses and goes as the sixth race on an eight-race card that begins at 1 p.m. Mountain.

Buff Daddy was sent off at 2-1 in a similar race July 5, but his strong late move came up a head short behind Northern Magic. Buff Daddy might have been best, but he had had to steady slightly on the stretch turn while Northern Magic was unhindered making his move on the outside. In his first start at Northlands for trainer Garry Marks, Buff Daddy won a one-mile, $8,000 claiming race by a neck over Double Kissed on June 21.

Buff Daddy used tactical speed to win a $3,200 claiming race at Turf Paradise in April, but in both of his races at Northlands he rallied from well back. There should be an honest and contested pace for him to work with Monday, and he should be tough to handle if jockey Nate Smith can work out a clean trip. The 7-year-old Buff Daddy knows where the wire is, winning 10 of 56 races.

Apply figures to be involved early, and with Rico Walcott riding for trainer Robertino Diodoro, he will take a lot of betting support.

Apply was an easy front-running winner in his first start at Northlands going 6 1/2 furlongs in a $7,000 conditional claiming race June 26. He is stepping up to face open company and could have his hands full with other speed in the field. Prior to his easy score in his last race, Apply hadn’t won since he edged Power Series in a $16,000 claiming race for nonwinners of two at Del Mar last Aug, 12.

First Fire also is coming off an easy front-running win in a $7,000 conditional claimer on July 12. With Real Simard aboard, First Fire broke on top and drew off to win by 8 3/4 lengths. First Fire drew the rail, and Simard will likely put his good speed to use if he breaks alertly.

Grand Request and Passion Red also have good speed and will help ensure an honest pace.

Longboat Key probably wants more distance, but considering the likely shape of the race, he could get up in time to work his way into the exotics.

Horizon Bound figures to be heard from in his first route attempt this year, but he drew the outside post and jockey Jorge Espitia will need to be on his toes to avoid getting hung out going into the first of three turns.