A jump up in class didn’t seem to bother Talladega Hanover as he won the $11,000 featured trot in 1:59.4 at Buffalo Raceway Friday night over a fast track.

The win was the second in three attempts this season for the six-year-old Cantab Hall gelding, who is owned by Www Ventures LLC of Woodville Ohio.

As the race unfolded, Talladega Hanover and driver Shawn Gray settled in fourth while Photosmart (Billy Dobson) set the early fractions, :30 to the quarter and 1:00.2 to the half. With a strong backside brush, Talladega Hanover hit the three-quarters with the lead in 1:29.2. A :30.2 last quarter-mile put the winner nine and a quarter lengths ahead of second-place finisher Hailstorm Volo (Jack Flanigen) at the wire. Keystone Bernard (Dan Noble) came in third.

Trained by Dan Walski, the $5,500 share of the winning purse put Talladega Hanover’s seasonal earning at $9,600 and lifetime bankroll at $113,810. The win was his 12th in 81 lifetime starts.

January was an exceptional month at Buffalo Raceway. The total handle wagered increased over 70 per cent versus last year.

“The racing has been exciting,” said COO Jim Mango. “New faces and an increase in purses are helping to make the races very competitive. January was a good start to the meet.”

(Buffalo Raceway)