In the $9,000 Open Trot, Jack Sparrow, a seven-year-old chestnut gelding by Humorous Harry out of the Overcomer mare Marie Adonno, made it back to the winner’s circle for the first time this year, and won in 2:01.2 for owner Michael Calimeri of Falconer, New York

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Driven by trainer-driver Jim McNeight, Jack Sparrow ($3.20), the prohibitive favourite in the race, finally received some post relief, and shot right to the lead from Post 3, setting all the fractions in the race, :30.2, 1:00.4, and 1:31.1. A :30.1 last quarter-mile put the winner 1-3/4 lengths ahead of second place finisher Old Trafford (Kevin Cummings). Northfield invader Conaco Orville (Jack Flanigen) came in third.

“He’s getting better, but he’s not where we want him to be,” said McNeight. “Tonight’s trip was easy on him.”

The $4,500 share of the winning purse boosted Jack Sparrow’s season bankroll to $10,530 and $246,682 lifetime.

Two mishaps marred Friday’s card. In the sixth race, Shady Time Gal (Kevin Cummings) and Getcha Sum Fortune (Ken Holliday) locked wheels at the start of the race. Getcha Sum Fortune and driver Holliday both went down to the track. Luckily both horse and driver escaped without a serious injury. Holliday complained about a dislocated thumb.

In the 13th race, horses breaking in front of Carscot Max and driver Mike Baumeister caused the driver to be thrown from the sulky. The horse continued on and was captured after the race unharmed. Baumeister hit his head pretty hard on the track, was checked by the EMTs, and was cleared to go home.

(Buffalo Raceway)