Hot Patootie has been used to going gate-to-wire recently to find her way to the winner's circle at Buffalo Raceway. But that method went out the window on Wednesday night (May 17). Getting the long journey on the outside the entire mile, Hot Patootie was still good enough to top the field in the $8,200 pace for the mares.

For Hot Patootie ($13.20), it was her third victory in her last four starts. She beat Double Joy by a half-length in 1:56 over the fast track.

It was a four-way battle to the top and when the dust settled on the warm evening, Voltina found herself in the lead. Going by the half in :57.4, Double Joy (Larry Stalbaum) was in command with Hot Patootie (Drew Monti) inching her way closer on the outside. The final panel boiled down to a battle between the two mares with the relentless Hot Patootie managing to wear down Double Joy late to take the win. Squeeze This (Ron Beback Jr.) took the show spot.

Owned by David Crumb and trained by Joe Skowyra, Hot Patootie (Hot Pans-Getting Better) earned her fifth victory of the year in 16 appearances. The win upped her seasonal earnings to $17,578 and lifetime bankroll to $80,767.

Monti finished the evening with four wins in the bike while Stalbaum and Jim Morrill Jr. posted doubles. Trainer JD Perrin had a training triple and Bo Sowers had two.

Racing will continue on Friday night at 5 p.m. with a 10-race card scheduled.

(With files from Buffalo Raceway)