KINGSTON, Jamaica - Bay colt Rhythm Buzz stormed to victory in the prestigious Legal Light Trophy on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Rhythm Buzz, who has been on a tear this season, dominated rivals in the Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over nine furlongs and 25 yards.
As the gates opened, Rhythm Buzz broke smoothly from the pack, settling into a comfortable position behind the early pace-setters. Jockey Reyan Lewis bided his time as the field wound its way around the clubhouse turn and onto the main track. Despite Further and Beyond, last year's Horse of the Year, surging to the front, Lewis remained calm and collected aboard Rhythm Buzz.
The race reached a crescendo as the horses charged down the backstretch, with Further and Beyond maintaining a slim lead. But Lewis, sensing his moment, unleashed Rhythm Buzz's breath-taking speed. The colt exploded to the front, joining Further and Beyond as they rounded the final turn.
In the thrilling stretch run, Rhythm Buzz displayed his superior stamina and heart, pulling away from the field with ease. The bay colt powered to the finish line, securing a commanding victory by 9 ¼ lengths. His time of 1:57.3 was a testament to his incredible pace and pure class.
Vincent Atkinson, Rhythm Buzz's trainer, was understandably ecstatic. "It was an outstanding performance from Rhythm Buzz," he gushed. "He is younger than Further and Beyond, and Further and Beyond has been having issues sometimes, but they are doing such an outstanding job with him. I have to commend the connections on the job they are doing.
"The preparation was simple for Rhythm Buzz. He is an easy horse to prepare. He is sound; he stays sound, and that is the greatest thing about a horse. Just keep him happy and manage him, and everything is good with him."
Atkinson acknowledged the challenge of stepping up in class but remained confident in his rising star. "Well, we are going up in class, so we will see how things work out, but he is looking good today. We will see what's going on in the future with him. We expect good things, so we will continue going."
