Photo Op

The staff of the Rhone Barn had Perfect Bu!! primped and primed Friday night. The trainer donned slacks, the jockey greeted all the well wishers with a firm handshake, and the colt's mane was up in braids. The connections were looking picture perfect. Then the trap was sprung.

A first time starter by Northern Afleet forged to the head on the backstretch, widened the lead with every step and dropped every jaw that witnessed the dominating performance. The colt, named A Steel Trap, accomplished the five furlong event for 2 yr olds by about two seconds faster than any other running this season. No running past that monster.

While the winner was destined to have his picture taken in the Winner’s Circle, the Red Dog Stables runner found himself the subject of another photo. Perfect Bu!! moved into the second flight of horses coming around the turn, moved up to gain second, lost that lead to a rival, then proved his competitiveness when fighting back to the wire. The photo sign lit the tote board while the order of finish for place and show was determined. The faithful and confident contingent of Red Dog Stables were rewarded as Perfect Bu!!’s number was flashed for second. Officially, the margin was a nose. Unofficially, one big beautiful nostril.

Perfect Bu!! remains pointed for the Northern Lights Futurity on Aug 17 in which he should benefit from the longer distance. Otherwise he will return in another maiden event that same weekend. Still running for that other photograph.