Second-place finish in prep a win for Divisidero

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Nobody likes to lose, but Buff Bradley couldn’t be blamed for leaving Keeneland on Sunday with a good feeling, even after his stable star, Divisidero, lost by a nose to Projected in a turf allowance.

“This kind of effort was exactly what we were looking for,” said Bradley, who trains Divisidero for the Gunpowder Farms of Tom Keithley.

Although not specifically mentioned anywhere, the $64,410 allowance at 1 1/16 miles was written as a prep for the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, the Kentucky Derby Day fixture won last year at Churchill Downs by Divisidero. The Sunday race once again showcased the powerful kick that Divisidero can produce when on his game.

The performances by both 5-year-olds point them out as major players in their respective niches. The 1 1/8 miles of the Turf Classic “might be a little too far” for Projected, trainer Chad Brown said afterward, and the British-bred gelding will be diverted elsewhere.

“He’s probably more of a miler,”Brown said.

Both trainers were high on their horses coming into Sunday’s race. Bradley was particularly enthused with how Divisidero had been acting since coming north to Kentucky following several months in Florida. The allowance was his first race in two months.

Projected earned a 96 Beyer Speed Figure.