Bucchero makes it back-to-back wins in Keeneland's Woodford Stakes

Bucchero, trainer Tim Glyshaw says, tends to get going this time of year. And it was evident in Saturday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Woodford Stakes at Keeneland.

Under jockey Fernando De La Cruz, the Indiana-bred son of Kantharos went back-to-back in the Woodford and likely cemented a return trip to the Breeders’ Cup with a half-length score.

"We'll definitely be there," Glyshaw said of the Nov. 3 Turf Sprint.

Bucchero stalked the opening fractions of 21.80 and 44.77 set by Rocket Heat, who ran on a loose lead until growing tired in the stretch. The winner tipped out, went by and just held off late charges by runner-up Will Call and third-place Extravagant Kid, who was only another neck behind.

The final time for 5 1/2 furlongs on “good” Keeneland turf was 1:04.04.

"He's just an iron horse," Glyshaw said. "He's very special to us. To have an Indiana-bred come in here for the second year in a row and win at Keeneland on the national stage is something we're very proud of.

"On a side note, he just became the all-time money earner in Indiana history today, which is something important to me as well."

A 6-year-old campaigned by, aptly, Ironhorse Racing Stable, Bucchero hadn't visited the winner's circle since last year's Woodford, but he maintained top competition, including a trip to run in the famed Royal Ascot meeting. The victory improved his record to 11-6-3 in 26 starts.

Bucchero returned $8.40 to win.