Southern Palms bested his competition in Buffalo Raceway's $10,400 Open Trot on Saturday, May 5, wiring the field in a seasonal best 1:57.2.

He easily beat Noble Legend by 2-1/4 lengths.

Starting from post three, Southern Palms trotted to the lead and notched fractions of :29.0, :58.4 and 1:27.4. In the drive to the wire, driver Kevin Cummings kept Southern Palms on task to top Noble Legend by two-and-one-quarter lengths, with Empire Earl N checking in third.

Trained by Gerry Sarama and owned by Michael Torcello, it was the second straight pace-setting victory for the five-year-old gelded Southern Palms, by RC Royalty-Pacific Elegance. The win moved his 2018 bankroll to $14,278 and $208,379 in his career. He paid $15.20 to win.

In the co-featured $9,600 pace, Upfront Countryboy went off as the 1-9 favourite and romped by five-and-three-quarter lengths over his six rivals.

Scoring from the rail, driver Shawn Gray put Upfront Countryboy $2.30 to the lead and never looked back. After registering splits of :28.2, :57.3 and 1:26.2, he finished the mile in 1:54.1 over the fast track.

China Dream nabbed second over Linkjack Hanover.

Owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser Jr., it was the sixth win in 10 appearances for Upfront Countryboy, by Dragon Again-Cambloid. The nine-year-old gelding has earned $22,157 this season and $385,157 in his career. He paid $2.30 to win.

Racing continues on Wednesday, May 9 with an 11-race program scheduled for 5 p.m.

(With files from Buffalo Raceway)