Fly For Buda Romps in Citation Cup

CO-favored Fly For Buda parlayed a perfect stalking trip and a powerful closing kick into an impressive win in Saturday’s Grade I Citation Cup.  CO-favored Anticosti vied briefly with the speedy Orca as the bulky field swept past the stands for the first time.  The Bluegrass Derby hero soon disposed of the pesky Orca and opened a clear lead through solid but benign splits of :23.39, :46.85, 1:11.04 and 1:35.78.

 

At the top of the stretch it became apparent that Anticosti was beginning to labor in his unusual roll as pacesetter.  Leading So Cal rider Frank Gossett had Fly For Buda in perfect position to take advantage of his main rival’s problems and the handsome Sadler’s Wells colt quickly and easily sprinted past the tired gray when roused.  Act Of God, far back throughout the first mile, rallied spiritedly to steal the place from the struggling but game Anticosti who was still well clear of the rest at the wire.

 

The victory, Fly For Buda’s fourth grade one triumph of the year, snapped a three race losing streak and catapulted Laura’s colt back into the picture for year end honors.