InTheSulky

Northern Gale Wins Open Pace at Buffalo

Hamburg, NY---Northern Gale, a seven year-old gelding by Northern Luck out of the Storm Damage mare Shannon Gale, won the $9,000 Open Pace in 1:57 for owners-trainer Steve Nelson and Sandra Cory, here on closing night (Saturday July 26) at Buffalo Raceway.

Leaving from post five in the field of eight, and capably driven by reinsman Jim McNeight, Northern Gale ($15.80) sat a patient fifth as Blue Rock Bash (Dan Yetman) cut the early fractions, :29 to the quarter, and :57.3 to the half. McNeight’s patient drive paid off, as he decided to stay on the rail and take his chances in the passing lane. A :28.3 last quarter-mile by Northern Gale, put the winner 1-1/2 lengths ahead of Smarty Merit (Ron Beback, Jr.) at the finish line. Arm And A Leg (Kevin Cummings) came in third.

“I got nice cover the whole trip,” said McNeight. “I guess you could say I was a real opportunist that there was room in the passing lane for me.”

It was the sixth win of the year for Northern Gale, and the $4,500 share of the winning purse put his 2008 bankroll at $36,500 and $84,358 lifetime.

2008 Buffalo Raceway Highlights!

The highlight of the 2008 racing season here at Buffalo was the spectacular mile Corner Blitz (Stephane Bouchard) put in the New York Sire Stakes for three year-old pacing colts and geldings on Saturday June 14. His 1:53.1 clocking not only broke the track record for his age, it also tied the all-aged track record held by Gimmebackmybullets, (Denis St. Pierre) set in 2007.

Congratulations goes out to driver Kevin Cummings, who won the driving title, and trainer Bob Gruber, who had the most training wins.

Thanks to all our racing customers who made 2008 a very enjoyable season. We look forward to seeing you early next year.

Fans may enjoy fine food and drinks while playing their favorite horses: call the clubhouse reservation Line at (716) 646-6109, ext. 60149 to reserve a table. An operator will be available on Monday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Buffalo Raceway offers live harness racing Friday and Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night start time is 5:00, while Sunday’s post is 1:05. Simulcast action is also available each Wednesday thru Sunday, from America’s top racetracks.

Sam Pendolino..........Publicity Director/Public Relations
spendolino@buffaloraceway.com

Devils Delight and Jim McNeight win Filly and Mare Open pace in 1:56.3 Friday at Buffalo Raceway

Devils Delight, a six-year old mare by D M Dillinger out of the Artsplace mare Lights Off won the $9,000 featured Filly and Mare Open Pace here at Buffalo Raceway Friday night (July 25). Owned by Ron Viola and David Venniro, Devils Delight was clocked in 1:56.4 to register her third win of the season.

Leaving from post five in the field of six, and driven by reinsman Jim McNeight, Devils Delight ($8.50) settled in third as eventual second place finishers, Jezzabell Hotspur and driver Ken Holliday set all the fractions, :29.2, :59.1, and 1:28.1. A :28.2 last quarter-mile by the winner put her ¾ lengths ahead at the finish line. Fire And Art (Kevin Cummings) came in the show spot.

Trained by Jim Graham, the $4,500 share of the winning purse boosted Devil Delight’s 2008 bankroll to $23,660 and $143,659 lifetime.

A nasty accident in race 11 resulted in a no-contest, where all monies wagered were refunded. At the very start of the race, Avant Art (Jack Flanigen) and Rascality (Ken Holliday) collided and both drivers hit the ground. Holliday appeared OK with a slight limp and did not require any attention. Flanigen was put in the ambulance, but said he was fine. No word yet on Jack’s condition.

Hamburg, NY---From the desk of Marketing Director Jon Cramer comes this end of season update… Buffalo Raceway's nationwide handle increased 25% in 2008 despite a 1% decrease in handle bet at the Hamburg Oval. Jim Mango, COO contributes the success to great racing and better simulcast presentation. "The racing this year has been very competitive and bettors are responding,” said Mango.

Buffalo Raceway is also pleased to announce that popular Race Secretary and Announcer Robin Burns will return for the 2009 meet. Mango, said, "We are pleased that Robin is returning next year. The racing has significantly improved and his race calls are one of the best in the country. Robin has just signed on for three years, with full-time duties starting October 1."

Kickin Up Dirt and driver Tom Agosti win open pace at Buffalo in sloppy going. Paul White, photo.

Hamburg, NY---Last week, Kickin Up Dirt finished a respectable second at 16-1 in his first attempt in the $9,000 Open Pace. On Saturday night (July 19), the great equalizer, the rains came and the nine-year old son of Drop Off just loved the off going, as he splashed his way to victory in 1:58.2 for owner Kathleen Weller of Elma, NY.

Going off as the longest shot on the board at 10-1 in the field of six, Kickin Up Dirt ($22.40) and reinsman Tom Agosti sat a patient fourth as last weeks Open winner Liebeck hit the quarter in :29.2 and half in :58.1. Getting live cover down the backstretch, Kickin Up Dirt swung three-wide and hit the three-quraters mark with the lead in 1:28.2. He held off a fast closing Arm And A Leg (Kevin Cummings) to win by two lengths at the finish line. Shaniaraider (Ken Holliday) came in third.

“I Really got a great trip behind some live cover,” said Agosti. “When Liebeck and Shaniaraider beat themselves up on the front end, it set it up for the closers. He (Kickin Up Dirt) really raced better last week, but I’ll take the win any way we can get it.”

Trained by Mike Carrubba, the $4,500 share of the winning purse put Kickin Up Dirt’s 2008 bankroll at $36,035 and $336,350 lifetime. It was the sixth win of the year for Kickin Up Dirt.

Sea Suds and Ron Beback Jr. win Red Jacket Final at Buffalo July 4, 2008. Paul White photo

Hamburg, NY---Sea Suds, a two-year-old colt by Riverboat King out of the Run The Table mare TJ Run, won the $7,900 Red Jacket Final in a lifetime best 2:01.2 for owner James M. Dunn here at Buffalo Raceway Friday night. (July 4)

The race had plenty of fireworks though, as the heavy betting favorite entry of Counter Top (number 1) and Old Grand Bluechip, (1A) had to be barred from the pari-mutuel betting because Counter Top had fallen before the race. The duo ran for “purse only” and all bets with the number one entry were refunded. The judges decided that since it was a stake race, and entry money into the race was paid, they would allow them to run for purse only.

Sea Suds ($3.20), with trainer-driver Ron Beback, Jr. at the controls, left from post five in the field of seven, and settled in sixth, as eventual third place finisher Old Grand Bluechip (John Cummings, Jr.) cut all the fractions, :31, 1:00.4, and 1:31.2. Getting a perfect second over trip with cover behind Counter Top, (Kevin Cummings) who finished second, Sea Suds unleashed a :29.4 last quarter-mile to win by 1-1/4 lengths.

“The trip worked out just perfect,” said Beback. “I thought Kevin’s filly (Counter Top) was the best, and I just followed her. When we hit the top of the stretch, he (Sea Suds) did all the work.”

The $3,950 share of the winning purse put Sea Sud’s lifetime bankroll at $6,200.

Fans may enjoy fine food and drinks while playing their favorite horses: call the clubhouse reservation Line at (716) 646-6109, ext. 60149 to reserve a table. An operator will be available on Monday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Buffalo Raceway offers live harness racing Friday and Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night start time is 5:00, and Sunday post time is 1:05. Simulcast action is also available each Wednesday thru Sunday, from America’s top racetracks.

Sam Pendolino..........Publicity Director/Public Relations
spendolino@buffaloraceway.com

Hamburg, NY---Two divisions of the Red Jacket series for two-year-old pacers were contested last night (June 27) at Buffalo Raceway with owner KMS Stables and trainer Megan Wilson victorious in both.

In the first division, a non-betting affair worth $3,000, Counter Top, a Pro Bono Best filly, out of the Life Sign mare Formica, left hard from the four hole with reinsman Kevin Cummings at the controls. She was parked to the quarter-pole, with the lead in :29.3. Eventual third place finisher European Vacation (John Cummings, Jr.) re-took the lead and was in front at the half in :59.3 and the three-quarters in 1:31.2. A :29.2 last quarter-mile by Counter Top put the filly one-length ahead of Regina Equorum (Ray Fisher, Jr.) at the finish line.

It was the first lifetime win for Counter Top, and the 2:01 clocking should serve her well in the New York Sire Stakes competition.

In the second division, also worth $3,000, Old Grand Blue Chip, with driver John Cummings, Jr. in the bike, won in 2:01 for his first lifetime win. Old Grand Blue Chip is a two-year-old bay ridgling of Art Major out of the Sportsmaster mare I May Be Awesome.

Getting a perfect garden spot trip behind eventual third place finishers JWilly and driver Ray Fisher, Jr., Old Grand Blue Chip bided her time as JWilly cut all the fractions in the race, :30.1, 1:00.4, and 1:31.1. A :29.3 last quarter-mile put the winner a head in front of fast closing Sea Suds (James Dunn) at the wire.

On Wednesday night June 25, the $5,400 Menchi Trot final for two-year-old trotters was held and Hitontheflipside won in 2:06.3 with driver Kevin Cummings in the sulky.

Second place finisher Winner For Life (John Cummings, Jr.) cut all the fractions in the race, :31.4, 1:04, and 1:35.3., but was overtaken by Hitontheflipside in the stretch. Mollie Maguire (David Brusseau) came in third.

Trained by James Mulcahy, Hitontheflipside, a two-year-old colt by Giant Hit out of the Meadow Road mare Lynden Leah, is owned by Thomas Marino. He was bred at Winbak Farms in Maryland..

Hamburg, NY---With amateur driver Alan Schwartz in the bike, Reigning Dough, a three-year-old colt by Cr Excalibur, trotted the fastest mile of the night, 1:59.3 Saturday, (June 21) in the third division of the NYSS with a purse of $42,901.

Owned by the En Mar Stables of New York, it was the sixth win of the year in nine attempts for Reigning Dough.

Leaving from post two in the field of eight, Schwartz and Reigning Dough ($3.70) settled in third as Pray For The Gray (Gates Brunet) hit the quarter in :31 and the half in 1:00.3. Coming down the homestretch for the first time, Schwarz pulled Reigning Dough to the outside and the duo had the lead by the three-quarter pole, which they hit in 1:30.2. A :29.1 last quarter-mile put the winner’s two-lengths ahead of Four Starz Speed (Kevin Cummings) at the finish line. Mr Pignaroni came in third.

“He raced absolutely super tonight,” said Schwartz. “He didn’t race as a two year-old, but right now, I like our chances to make the finals.”

Trained by Raheim Strong, the $21,450 share of the winning purse put Reigning Dough’s lifetime earnings at $63,129.

The other NYSS division winners were, Cinderella Man ($23.60) for driver Claude Huckabone, Crownprince Volo ($4.90) for Brian Cross, The Principle ($6.40) for Joe Nassimos, and Pembroke Chip ($5.90) for driver William Bailey.

Hamburg, NY---In the $35,364 NYSS eighth race, Corner Blitz, a three-year-old colt by Pro Bono Best, broke the track record of 1:54.1 formerly held by Exporter (John Stark, Jr.) in 2001. Capably driven by Stephane Bouchard, Corner Blitz’s 1:53.1 clocking also tied the all aged track record held by Gimmebackmybullets, which was set last year in the Buddy Gilmour Pace.

Owned by the Tripoli Stables of Norridge, Illinois, and trained by Ed Hart, Corner Blitz, leaving from the pylons in the field of seven, and facing last year’s NYSS champion Riggins, set all the fractions in the race, :28.3, :56.4, and 1:25.1. Even with a :27.3 last quarter-mile, Riggins ( Ray Schnittker) finished second 4-1/2 lengths behind the runaway winner. Cessna Flight (Phil Fluet) came in the show spot.

“He raced unbelievable tonight,” said Bouchard. “In the stretch, he (Corner Blitz) was just getting stronger and stronger. Eddie (Trainer Ed Hart) has done a great job with him.”

The $17,682 share of the winning purse put Corner Blitz’s 2008 bankroll at $21,732 and $65,288 lifetime. It was the first win of the year for Corner Blitz who paid $6.40 to win, going off as the third choice in the betting.

In the last division of the $35,364 NYSS event, longshot Jagger Blue Chip beat the overwhelming favorite Bullville Powerful (Stephane Bouchard) by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:55 with hometown reinsman Ray Schnittker in the bike.

Owned by Schnittker, Arnold, Pepin, and the Blue Crue Racing Stables, Jagger Blue Chip ($23.60) leaving from post five, settled in sixth, as the third place finisher Capote (Kevin Cummings) sell the all the early fractions, :28.1, :55.3, and 1:25.1.Ten lengths back at the half, Jagger Blue Chip made a methodical march back into contention down the backstretch, and was only 1-1/2 lengths back at the top of the stretch.

“I really didn’t think I had a chance against Stephan’s horse,” said Schnittker. “I really didn’t do much, just got a great trip. It was just his (Jagger Blue Chip) night tonight.”

The $17,682 share of the winning purse boosted Jagger Blue Chip’s 2008 bankroll too $24,557 and $101,096 lifetime.

The other NYSS division winners were, Lislea Miles (Jim Morrill, Jr.) 1:55.1 in the second, Art Glass (Stephane Bouchard) 1:54, in the fourth, which was the new track record for just three races, Grab Your Keys (Stephane Bouchard) 1:57.1 in the seventh, and Silver Delivery (Jack Flanigen) 1:57.3 in the tenth.

Fill's Victory and "Doc" Holliday capture F&M Open paceat Buffalo Friday in 1:55.2

Hamburg, NY---Filly’s Victory and driver Ken Holliday went wire to wire in the featured $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace in 1:55.2 which was just one-tenth of a second off the track record held jointly by Shady Matilda and Poppy Lustre N, who went 1:55.1 in 2006.

The six year-old daughter of Jenna’s Beach Boy, won for the third time this year for owner Betty Tauber of East Brunswick, NJ.

Leaving from post two in the field of seven, Filly’s Victory ($5.00) and Holliday quickly gained control of the race, and then set all the fractions, :28, :57, and 1:26.2. A :29 last quarter-mile put the winner two-lengths ahead of second place finishers Otherpeoplesmoney and reinsman Troy Boring at the finish line. Brenda Hanover (Kevin Cummings) came in the show spot.

“She felt real sharp tonight,” said Holliday. “The last few races, she’s been a victim of circumstances. She (Filly’s Victory) doesn’t like that re-take stuff. She loves it on the front end where she can control the race.”

Trained by Ken’s wife Sherri, the $4,500 share of the winning purse put Filly’s Victory’s 2008 bankroll at $23,704 and $188,456 lifetime.

Hamburg, NY--- Arm And A Leg, a five-year-old Nobleland Sam gelding, took the lead just before the quarter pole, and never looked back, to win for the fourth time this season in the $9,000 co-featured Open Handicap Pace for owners Mark J. Jakubik and John P. Cummings, Sr., in 1:54.3, a season’s best, over a “good” track after mid-day thunderstorms.

Leaving from the post five in the field of seven, Arm And A Leg ($20.20), capably driven by reinsman Kevin Cummings, set all the fractions in the race, :28, :55.4, and 1:25.1. Civil Attack (Matt Kakaley) who was the prohibitive favorite, raced the first half-mile hung to the outside and finished a game second, ½ lengths behind the winner. Last weeks Open winner Smarty Merit (Ron Beback, Jr.) came in third.

“He (Arm And A Leg) raced real good tonight,” said Cummings. “Trying to park him didn’t work. He really earned this victory.”

Trained by John P. Cummings, Sr., the $4,500 share of the winning purse put Arm And A Leg’s season bankroll at $31,261 and $80,837 lifetime.

Jack Sparrow, a five-year old chestnut gelding by Humorous Harry won the $9,000 co-featured Open Handicap Trot in 2:00.2 for owner Michael Calimeri of Falconer, N.Y.

Driven by trainer-driver Jim McNeight, Jack Sparrow ($5.00), who loves an off track, made his patent backside brush to collar second place finishers Keptinthecloset and driver Kevin Cummins, who set the fractions in the race, :29.3, :59.3, and 1:30.1. Eddy Kash (Ray Fisher, Jr.) came in the show spot.

It was the seventh win of the season for Jack Sparrow, and the $4,500 share of the winning purse boosted his 2008 earnings to $46,885 and $122,199 lifetime.

Fans may enjoy fine food and drinks while playing their favorite horses: call the clubhouse reservation Line at (716) 646-6109, ext. 60149 to reserve a table. An operator will be available on Monday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Buffalo Raceway offers live harness racing Friday and Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night start time is 5:00, and Sunday post time is 1:05. Simulcast action is also available each Wednesday thru Sunday, from America’s top racetracks.

By: Sam Pendolino, Publicity Director/Public Relations

Hamburg, NY---Jolly Holly, an eight-year old mare by Nobleland Sam won the $9,000 featured Filly and Mare Open Pace here at Buffalo Raceway Friday night (May 23). Owned by Jonathan Klee of East Rockaway, NY, Jolly Holly was clocked in 1:55.3, a season’s best, over a fast track.

Leaving from post five in the field of eight, and driven by reinsman Kevin Cummings, Jolly Holly ($11.60) settled in fifth, as eventual third place finishers Filly’s Victory and driver Ken Holliday set all the fractions, :27.4, :56.2, and 1:26.3. Those fast early fractions helped the closers in the race and a :28.3 last quarter-mile by Jolly Holly put her 2-1/4 lengths ahead of Camaes Eclipse (Jim McNeight) at the wire.

“This is a really nice mare,” said Cummings. “the fast early half really helped because this girl can really close.”

Trained by Bobbi Martin, it was the sixth win of the season for Jolly Holly, and the $4,500 share of the winning purse boosted her 2008 earnings to $35,001 and $179,584 lifetime.

Hamburg, NY---From the desk of Marketing Director Jon Cramer comes this mid-season update…Midway through the 2008 meet, Buffalo Raceway continues to show strong numbers. Live handle is up 6 percent, betting on Buffalo Raceway at New York OTB's is up 9 percent, and betting on Buffalo Raceway at off track sites is up almost 100%. "The racing has improved despite increased competition from neighboring tracks. We have a good driver colony and the race office has been able to maintain more competitive racing than in previous years," said James Mango, COO. "It's great to be showing some positive results."

For the second week in a row, Otherpeoplesmoney, a five-year old mare by Pro Bono Best won the $7,500 featured Filly and Mare Open Pace here at Buffalo Raceway Friday night (May 16). Owned by Todd C. Santoro of Bridgeport, NY, Otherpeoplesmoney was clocked in 1:56.4, a season’s best, over a fast track.

Leaving from the pylons in the field of seven, and driven by reinsman Troy Boring, Otherpeoplesmoney ($9.00) settled in second, and received a perfect garden spot trip, as eventual second place finishers Filly’s Victory and driver Ken Holliday cut all the fractions, :28.2, :57.2, and 1:27.2. Otherpeoplesmoney used a :29.1 last quarter-mile to win by 1-1/4 lengths. She’s Ruffstuff (Tom Agosti) came in the show spot.

“I have to tip my hat to Lisa (trainer Lisa Lederhouse),” said Boring. “Last week she (Otherpeoplesmoney) wasn’t perfect, but we still won. This week Lisa tweaked her a little bit and tonight it really showed.”

It was the fourth win of the season for Otherpeoplesmoney, and the $3,750 share of the winning purse boosted her 2008 earnings to $18,624 and $183,236 lifetime.

Move over Mike Baumeister, driver Jim McNeight is after your “King of the longshots” title. In race ten, Circle M Paul owned by the Nasty Boys Stable, trotted home the winner in 2:03.3, and paid a whopping $116.00. It was the first win in two years for the Cr Commando gelding.

Don’t forget to bring your inside track coupon and receive a beautiful 2008 Preakness glass while supplies last.