Surgery helps Dawn the Destroyer

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Dawn the Destroyer ended a five-race losing streak dating to July 2017 with a 4 1/4-length victory in a second-level allowance race at Aqueduct on Thursday.

It was her first start since April and first since undergoing a throat operation known as a tie-back, according to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The tie-back helps keep cartilage from interfering with a horse’s airway.

“She came back a different filly,” said McLaughlin, who trains Dawn the Destroyer for Stonestreet Stable. “She filled out, looks fabulous, and was working very, very well.”

Dawn the Destroyer covered 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:18.04 and earned a 96 Beyer Speed Figure.

McLaughlin said Dawn the Destroyer could stay in New York for the winter. McLaughlin also trains Dream Pauline, a 3-year-old, for Stonestreet. He said Dream Pauline is being considered for the Grade 1 La Brea at Santa Anita.

Mr. Buff to Alex Robb

Mr. Buff, who won his second race in two weeks on Wednesday, will likely step back into stakes company in the $100,000 Alex. M. Robb Handicap for New York-breds on Dec. 29, trainer John Kimmel said Friday.

Mr. Buff, running back 14 days after he won a first-level allowance, took Wednesday’s second-level allowance by 1 1/4 lengths in similar front-running fashion.

“The ride was great,” Kimmel said. “There were pedestrian fractions; he looked comfortable. The two turns really helps this horse.”

Mr. Buff earned a 93 Beyer Speed Figure for his allowance win.