Perfect Man, a seven-year-old Malabar Man gelding out of the Nearly Perfect mare Perfectly Swift, won the $10,000 Open Trot in 2:05.4 over a sloppy track for owner Michael A. Ouriel of Rochester at Buffalo Raceway Friday night
(January 27). It was the first win this season for Perfect Man, who had six wins last year.
Perfect Man ($11), leaving from Post 2 and driven by reinsman Dave McNeight Jr., settled in third as Hello Carlo (Jack Flanigen) hit the quarter-mile marker in :30.4. Last week’s Open winner Bertos Angel (Kevin Cummings) came charging on the outside and was in front at the half in 1:03, and the three-quarters in 1:35.
These three broke away from the field at the top of the stretch and put on an exciting stretch drive, which saw Perfect Man prevail at the wire over Hello Carlo by one length. Bertos Angel came in third.
Trained by Dave McNeight Jr., it was the 20th lifetime win in 117 attempts for Perfect Man, whose lifetime earnings now stand at $189,910.
Drivers Kevin Cummings and newcomer Shawn Gray both had four wins on the night. Cummings scored with Winning Agenda ($8.00), First Of Fun ($65.50), Mighty Looker ($5.00) and Wild For You ($3.60). Gray steered home Jackpot Mindale ($24.40), Drivfastakechances ($6.30), Mainspring ($5.00), and Red On A Rose ($6.70).
(Buffalo Raceway)