trained by jeff mullins in california, the now 3-year old buzzards bay won the golden gate derby in january 2005 at golden gate fields then earned the most notable victory of his career in the santa anita derby at santa anita park. he followed this up with a fifth-place finish in the kentucky derby and a fourth in the affirmed handicap. as part of the liquidation of the fog city stable partnership, buzzards bay was sold at the fasig-tipton sale in july 2005 for $725,000. he was purchased by retired los angeles real-estate investor gary broad and his training was taken over by ron ellis.