When Dealin With Dewey is allowed to set the tempo, it's not good news for the rest of the field. That was the case in Buffalo Raceway's $21,622 Open Handicap Trot on Friday afternoon, July 11 as Dealin With Dewey ($9.50) got to the lead and never looked back in topping Crazy Ritz by a length in 1:56.2 over the fast track.

The last time the Canadian-campaigned Dealin With Dewey was victorious was on June 13 at Buffalo Raceway when he bottomed out the field out of the seven post by four lengths in 1:56.2. This time around, it was almost an instant replay of that win.

Once again being assigned the seven-hole, Dealin With Dewey, driven by Brett MacDonald, had an early scuffle with Crazy Ritz (James McNeight Jr.) before taking command before the opening quarter pole in :28.1. From there, Dealin With Dewey cruised along through fractions of :57.3 and 1:27.2 but had Crazy Ritz and favourite Valentine Express (Drew Monti) in hot pursuit. Down the lane, Crazy Ritz and Valentine Express put subtle pressure on Dealin With Dewey but had to settle for second and third place, respectively, as their rallies fell short.

Owned by trainer Sara Baillargeon of Guelph, Ont., Dealin With Dewey (Wheeling And Dealin-Rockin With Dewey) has now won six times in 16 attempts during his seven-year-old season. The career winner of 23 races now has earnings just shy of $400,000.

In the sub-featured $15,000 Open I-II Handicap Pace for the fillies and mares, Mary Kat ($10.60) once again was the 'cat's meow' with a three-quarter-length score over Rocknroll Shelli in a seasonal best effort of 1:55.2.

Mary Kat, driven by David McNeight III, found the winner's circle for the ninth time in 23 starts on the campaign with a front-running victory, marking her 35th career success.

Able to pump out splits of :28.4, :58 and 1:26.2, Mary Kat was in total control down the lane as Rocknroll Shelli (Kyle Cummings) and Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) made belated rallies but couldn't finish the job.

Mary Kat (Bettors Delight-Nanny Withafanny) is owned by the Ohio-based Lucky Label Stable and conditioned by Taylor Fritz.

Monti continued his torrid streak with four more victories while Kevin Cummings, MacDonald and McNeight III each posted doubles.

Racing will return on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with a 13-race card. There's a $920 carryover in the Pick 5, which begins in the second race.

(With files from Buffalo Raceway)