After Rhythm Buzz's impressive performance and victory in the Mark My Word feature race on Saturday, June 15, 2024, trainer Vincent Atkinson believes his four-year-old bay colt is establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the local racing scene.
Competing against the previously undefeated American-bred Funcaandun and last year’s Jamaica Derby winner Ability, Rhythm Buzz displayed determination and grit to win the three-year-old and upward Open Allowance contest over a distance of nine furlongs and 25 yards.
Rhythm Buzz crossed the finish line first, one length and three-quarters ahead of Funcaandun and Ability, with a time of 1:57.2 (25.2 x 49.3 x 1:14.0 x 1:41.3).
Atkinson commended the rider, Reyan Lewis, for his tactical decision to ride Rhythm Buzz differently from his usual style. Reflecting on the race, Atkinson stated, "It was an outstanding performance by Rhythm Buzz to win here. The rider rode him out of his usual style of running, but I am still grateful that he could get the job done. He is the one who is riding the horse, so he knows what he is doing, and he is a top rider, last year’s champion jockey."
At the start of the race, Rhythm Buzz, Lewis, settled in third position behind She’s My Friend (Matthew Bennett) and D Head Cornerstone (Ramon Nepare), patiently waiting as the field moved around the clubhouse turn and onto the backstretch.
Then, Ability (Omar Walker) took the lead, with Funcaandun (Josue Osorio) racing alongside Rhythm Buzz, leading to a fierce battle. As the top three runners turned for home, Ability hugged the inside rails, Rhythm Buzz maneuvered between runners, and Funcaandun raced three wide, engaging in a battle to the finish line.
However, Rhythm Buzz emerged victorious as Lewis urged him on, enabling the colt to find an extra gear in the final stretch and clinch his fourth consecutive win.
Atkinson revealed that the race strategy was simple; to capitalise on Rhythm Buzz's strength and endurance over the distance. "He is the strongest of the top three horses in the race and has been consistently running over this distance.
I expected him to be strongest in the final furlong, and he proved that he was," Atkinson stated. Looking forward, Atkinson mentioned that he would carefully select future races for Rhythm Buzz, aiming to secure another win.
"If they continue running long races, we'll continue going long. If it's a shorter race, like seven furlongs, it might be tougher, but we'll see what happens then," Atkinson added.
