Buy Local edges clear to win Red Hedeman Mile
SUNLAND PARK — Buy Local pulled clear in the final furlong under jockey Christian Ramos to score a minor upset win in the 23rd edition of the $100,000 Red Hedeman Mile.
Buy Local, one of four starters in the Red Hedeman Mile for trainer Todd Fincher, dueled for the lead down the backstretch around the far turn. Post time favorite Speed Merchant, who was away slowly, made a dangerous middle move and ranged up to battle for the lead entering the lane. Ramos found something more under Buy Local, who got to the wire three lengths ahead of the field in a time of 1 minute, 38.32 seconds for the mile distance on a fast track.
The 3-year-old New Mexico-bred son of Sporting Chance is owned by J. Kirk and Judy Robison and has now won twice from eight career starts with earnings of more than $141,000. He was third in each of his last three starts after having broken his maiden last November at Zia Park.
Sent off at odds of 6.30-to-1, Buy Local paid back $14.60 to win. The Fincher-trained exacta with runnerup Speed Merchant returned $24.60. Cash Waterfall was third with MG Rojo Loco rounding out the top four finishers.
Flash of Valor was an early scratch from the Red Hedeman Mile, which was contested with a field of eight starters.