The Niatross Claiming Series wrapped up Saturday night with a $31,000 final. Carded as the 12th of 13 races, the $15,500 winner's share was more than the earnings for the entire year of 2010 for five of the eight horses, who normally compete for $3,300

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After starting with 64 horses and four weeks of exciting races, Iam Billy The Man took home the top prize. “He got sharp at the right time,” said trainer John Mungillo or Hamburg, New York. “Doc gave him a great drive, I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Dine N Dash, starting from Post 6, went for the early lead and captured it but not to for long as “Billy” and driver Ken Holliday made his move at the quarter pole. Coming to the half, a quartet of horses lead by co-favourite Sound Dragin pulled out and tried to make a move on the outside. At the three-quarter mark, “Billy” had not relinquished the lead. Using the cover of Sound Dragin, driver Jamie Dunlap and Sun E made their move at the top of the stretch but did not have enough to take the lead and finished second. Sound Dragin, with driver David McNeight Jr., finished third in a photo with co-favourite Mister Briunski.

Along with the final, the $10,000 Niatross Consolation was also contested. Clear For Flight was put on the lead by driver Jack Flanigen and never looked back, winning by half a length for trainer Bobbi Martin.

(Buffalo Raceway)