Mc Ryan Michael, a seven-year-old Mannart Howard gelding out of the Artsplace mare Quadzzzena, won the $10,000 Open Pace in 2:02.2 for owner-trainer Megan Wilson at Buffalo Raceway Saturday night

(January 14).

Mc Ryan Michael, who won four of 14 races last year, was making his 2012 debut.

Mc Ryan Michael ($3.10), leaving from Post 4 due to the scratch of Terlingua, and driven by Kevin Cummings, made every pole a winning one while setting fractions of :29.2, 1:01.4, and 1:33. A :29.2 final quarter-mile put the winner 1-3/4 lengths ahead of second place finisher Cam Patch (Shawn Gray) at the finish line. Box Car Billie (Jack Flanigen) came in third.

Speaking of Cummings, he was the hot driver on the cold chilly night steering home three winners. Besides the Open Pace, Cummings also won with Hitouch Emotion ($6.10) and Road Ranger ($17.00).

In the battle of the new drivers, Mark Beckwith took top honours with two wins. Beckwith scored with Girl Band ($4) and Mighty Cullen ($20.20). Last year’s top dash leader Dan Noble had a win with Brandons Art ($17) while Shawn Gray, the top UDR driver in the U.S., won with Eternal Revenue ($48.40).

(With files from Buffalo Raceway)