In the $9,000 Open Handicap Trot, A Work In Progress, a six-year-old chestnut gelding by SJs Caviar out of the Lindy Lane mare Angela Lane, won in a season’s best 1:59.3 to register his third win of the year, for owner Betty Tauber of East Brunswick, NJ, at Buffalo Raceway, Friday night

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Trained by the meets top trainer Sherri Holliday, A Work In Progress ($6.20), received a perfect pocket trip by reinsman Trent Tharps, who was filling in for regular driver Ken Holliday.

As the field of seven hit the top of the stretch, A Work In Progress had the lead, and a :29.2 last quarter-mile put the winner 2-3/4 lengths ahead of second place finishers Hello Carlo and driver Russell Swartz. Northfield invader Celebrity Yank (Pat Melloy, Jr.) came in third.

“He raced great tonight,” said Tharps. “I didn’t even have to pull the plugs.”

The $4,500 share of the winning purse boosted A Work In Progress’ season bankroll to $16,380 and $115,919 lifetime.

(Buffalo Raceway)