As frustrating as it was for trainer Alfredo Velazquez to endure a lengthy wait for the “frog” on Buccherino’s hoof to heal, he now can say that it was worth it.

Idle for more than eight months after tearing one of the triangular pads on the underside of his hoof that acts as a shock absorber in his last start as a 3-year-old, Buccherino continued his comeback in style, rolling to a one-length victory in Monday’s $100,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes at Monmouth Park.

The 4-year-old Florida-bred son of Bucchero is now 2-for-2 this year, having also won his first start back on May 5 at Parx in a $100,000 optional claimer.

Able to shake off the nagging presence of Super Chow through an opening quarter of :21.97, with the opening half going in :44.31, Buccherino had enough left to stave off the late-running Subrograte for his sixth win in 12 career starts.

The winning time for the six furlongs with 1:09.47.

“What happened with him was he had a problem last year in his last race as a 3-year-old with his foot in the (Grade 2) Gallant Bob Stakes (on Sept. 21),” said Velazquez. “He tore the frog off one of his feet completely. So he had been off since last September (before returning on May 5). It took a long time to grow out. But he came back like a superstar.”

Ridden by Paco Lopez, Buccherino notched his second career stakes win.

But he had to deal with the pesky Super Chow for the opening half mile as those two separated early from their five rivals.

“I wasn’t worried about him dueling with Super Chow because you can take him back if you have to,” said Velazquez. “He was comfortable. And with Paco Lopez riding I didn’t have to worry about it.”

Lopez also rode Buccherino to his comeback win on May 5.

“He has come back very strong as a 4-year-old,” said Lopez. “They had to give him time last year because of the foot issue he had. They brought him back at Parx and that was a good race and good win for him to set him up for this and the rest of the year.

“He needed that race and he has been doing very well since he came back. You would never know he had a problem with his foot.”

Sent off as the 4-5 favorite, Buccherino returned $3.60 to win. He is owned by Happy Tenth Stable.

Dean Delivers, who won the Mr. Prospector Stakes a year ago, was a late-running third in his 2025 debut, a half-length behind Subrogate.

Even while suffering his foot injury in the Gallant Bob, Buccherino finished third, beaten just 1¼ lengths by future Breeders’ Cup Sprint runner-up Bentornato.

“As far as (Buccherino) I would say he is not just 100 percent back. He’s 150 percent back,” said Velazquez.