Bandini carries John Velazquez to a track-record mile in Gulfstream win.
The grade I winner Bandini set a track record for one mile at Gulfstream Park Wednesday in his first start since finishing 19th in the 2005 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).The Todd Pletcher-trained dark bay colt by Fusaichi Pegasus romped to a 3 3/4-length victory in the allowance test in a time of 1:34.19, eclipsing the mark of 1:34.25 set by Nakayama Kun on April 6.With John Velazquez aboard, the 3-2 favorite in the field of six bobbled a bit at the start before challenging pacesetter Wanderin Boy along the inside through early fractions of :23 1/5 and :45 4/5. The 4-year-old Bandini took over after six furlongs in 1:09 1/5 and drew clear easily in the stretch under urging.Bandini won the Toyota Blue Grass at Keeneland by six lengths prior to the 2005 Derby for owners Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.
