The longest stretch on a half-mile track in the United States and a pacer with a form that shows a big-time closing kick were the perfect recipe for trainer/driver Shawn Gray in Buffalo Raceway's $10,000 Open Pace on Saturday evening (Jan. 16).
Diamond Cowboy ($6.20) was parked out in the field of six from the start, but was perfectly rated by Gray to stay in contention as Youwillwishyouhad set fractions of :29.1, :59.4 and 1:29.1. Gray tipped the locked and loaded Diamond Cowboy three-wide around the final turn and the pacer effortlessly went on to score the one and a quarter-length win in 1:58.4. China Dream (Jack Flanigen) rode the pylons for second while Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) held on for the show spot.
Diamond Cowboy (Six Of Diamonds-Money For Munchkin) is a seven-year-old gelding owned by William Emmons. A winner of $61,118 in 2015 thanks to six victories, Diamond Cowboy has now earned $499,915 lifetime.
It was a great all around night for Gray as he registered a driving and training triple. He also drove and conditioned Harmony Oaks Ruler ($2.90) and Mercurio N ($3.60) to victories.
Shawn McDonough and Truman Gale each notched three-baggers as well on the evening. Courtney Ohol scored a double for the second straight night on the trainer's side while Craig Gilmour also found the winner's circle twice.
Racing will resume on Wednesday at 5 p.m. with an 12-race program, which will feature some of the best filly and mare pacers on the grounds battling for a purse of $9,200 in the opener.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)