Bucky's Prayer Carries Hopes
Published: May 5, 2007
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OLDSMAR - Bucky's Prayer is the last and best chance for trainer Gerald Bennett to get a stakes win at Tampa Bay Downs this meet. But the victory would mean a lot more for his wife, Mary.
Since Bucky's Prayer was born in 2002, Mary Bennett has made herself responsible for caring, training and, in many cases, rehabilitating the chestnut mare. From chronic shin problems to the ups and downs stemming from late changes to the racing schedule, it has been a challenge to keep Bucky's Prayer in top form.
"[Gerald] rarely watches me train her," she said. "Sometimes I will ask him to watch something, but for the most part, no. But he knows that I'm doing a good job."
In today's $65,000 Lightning City Stakes (five furlongs on the turf), Bucky's Prayer has been installed as a 9-5 favorite despite racing just once since November because of the setbacks.
"Hopefully she can make up for it here," Mary Bennett said. "If she wins, it would."
She said she entered Bucky's Prayer in five separate races at TBD in December, but they were all canceled, which aggravated her shin problems and led to a two-month layoff. The injuries were coupled with the loss of regular rider Terry "T.D." Houghton, banned at TBD in December.
Mary Bennett tried to get track management to lift the ban for today's race but was denied. Track officials have refused comment about the ban, citing a Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau ongoing investigation. She maintains that Houghton is "an honest rider who is out there to win." He has been allowed to ride at Hawthorne but was recently banned at Arlington Park in Illinois.
Luis Gonzalez will ride Bucky's Prayer today, and will try to fend off a field of five other older fillies and mares on the turf, including Brushed Bayou (3-1), trained by Christophe Clement. The filly has won her past two starts in allowance company at Gulfstream Park.
CHRIS THOMAS TURF CLASSIC: Clement, known for his success on the turf, also has shipped in Revved Up to defend his title in the $75,000 featured race (1 1/8 miles, turf for 3-year-olds and up). The 9-year-old has won more than $1.3 million in his career, and is the 2-1 co-favorite along with Electric Light, which has finished in the money in his past seven starts, all in South Florida.
Last year's runner-up in the Chris Thomas, Ballonenostrikes, is back as well. The field of 11 also includes Therecomesatiger, the Tom Proctor-trainee that finished second on Florida Cup Day.
DOWN TO THE WIRE: Trainers Lynne Scace and Jamie Ness are tied for the TBD lead with 35 wins apiece entering the final two days of the meet. Each has six entries remaining.
Scace will saddle four today, including 15-1 early long shot Ecru Egret in the Chris Thomas, and two on Sunday. Ness has five entries today (two in the fifth race), and one on Sunday. Gerald Bennett (29 wins)would have to win all six of his entries this weekend to have a chance to tie.
DERBY WATCHING: Tampa Bay Downs will open at 10 this morning to accommodate the large crowds for Kentucky Derby Day. Churchill Downs' first post time is 11 a.m., and TBD will start live racing at noon. The Kentucky Derby is scheduled to begin at 6:04 p.m., and TBD's last live race of the day is at 6:35.
Derby Lane will open its plaza gates at 10:30 a.m. today and is offering free admission to its matinee and evening cards. Tampa Greyhound Track also will be open for simulcast wagering.
AROUND THE TRACKS: Street Sense and Any Given Saturday are bidding to become the first horse to win the Kentucky Derby after running a prep race at Tampa Bay Downs. Bluegrass Cat (2006) and Menifee (1999) are the only horses to finish second at the Derby coming from the Tampa route. … Go Between, winner of the Cherokee River Stable Turf Classic on Florida Cup Day, is the 8-1 fourth choice in the Grade I Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill, the race before the Derby. 2006 Florida Oaks winner Bushfire is in the Grade I Humana Distaff (Race 8 at Churchill). … TBD's leading trainer in 1998-99, Kathleen O'Connell, is three victories shy of 1,000 for her career. She has eight entries today (six at TBD, two at Calder Race Course), and another five on Sunday at TBD. … Round One of the Gold Trophy Juvenile is tonight at Derby Lane; races 4, 6, 8 and 10.
