Racing Dudes Three Stars of the Week: Big Turf Upset at Santa Anita

Last week was a bit quiet in the horse racing world, which gave us our last chance to breathe before the big Kentucky Derby push begins this weekend. However, we still found three horses that were worthy of recognition, including a big upset winner at Santa Anita Park. Here’s our latest Three Stars of the Week: 

1. Keeper Ofthe Stars 

Last Saturday’s Buena Vista Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita was supposed to be all about Jolie Olimpica, but Keeper Ofthe Stars had other things on her mind. Going off at odds of 36/1, Keeper Ofthe Stars sat fourth early in a nice stalking position. Turning for home, she started to roll on the outside with a furious rally and took aim at the heavily-favored Jolie Olimpica in the stretch, getting past her late for a 1/2-length triumph. This was the biggest victory of her career and could be a springboard for future success this season. 

2. Mr. Buff

Anytime a horse wins a stakes race by 20 lengths, he is worthy of being a called a star. That is exactly what Mr. Buff did last Saturday, destroying his competition in the Haynesfield Stakes at Aqueduct. Right out of the gate, he had his mind on business, shooting straight to the front with ease. From there, the route was on, with nobody ever getting close to this powerful gelding as he cruised on the front end. The victory, his third in a row, could lead to a try against open company next time out. 

3. Frank’s Rockette 

This could be a serious filly to watch as we move along the Kentucky Oaks trail. The $75,000 Any Limit Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday was not an Oaks prep event, but Frank’s Rockette will most likely be heading to one after her powerful 7-length romp. After breaking sharply, the Bill Mott trainee took the lead and never let go. Last year as a 2-year-old, she had some problems finishing races strongly, but that looks to be in her rearview mirror after this powerful performance. We’ll likely see her stretch out in distance for her next start.