Rockefeller Lindy ($17.60) and driver David McNeight III watched the favoured Wilberforce do all the dirty work, but then cleaned up in the end to prevail in Buffalo Raceway's featured $13,000 Open Trot on Wednesday night (Jan. 29) in 1:58 over a 'good' track.
McNeight started the 2020 campaign on a memorable note, as he had four driving victories including the featured win and a $115.50 decision aboard Won Sweet Dream in the nightcap. He also had a training score.
It was the first night of the 66-day season at Buffalo Raceway. Director of Operations Jon Cramer said: "It was a good night. The clubhouse was busy, the weather cooperated, the track crew did a great job in getting the track ready and people were excited to be back."
In the feature, after briefly getting the lead, Rockefeller Lindy (McNeight) relinquished the advantage as Wilberforce (John Cummings Jr.) muscled his way to the top.
Posting fractions of :29.1, :59.2 and 1:29.1, Wilberforce braced for challengers in the stretch. The closers didn't disappoint. The pocket-sitting Rockefeller Lindy found plenty of racing room through the passing lane to collect a half-length win over Wilberforce, while the late-charging Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) picked up the show cheque.
Co-owned by the Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC, the six-year-old gelding Rockefeller Lindy (Lucky Chucky-Touch Of Lindy) has now earned $154,617 lifetime. James Clouser Jr., Buffalo Raceway's defending training champion, conditioned the winner.
Daylon Phantom (Renaldo Morales III) didn't look like he had a ghost of a chance until the top of the homestretch, but then unleashed a powerful kick to roll past a surprised Noble Legend (Billy Davis Jr.) and Some Royalty (Shawn McDonough) in the $10,000 Class A trot.
Sitting third with a quarter mile to trot, it appeared that Noble Legend and Some Royalty were going to duke it out to the wire, but Daylon Phantom ($17.80) came from way back to steal a neck victory in 1:58.3.
Owned by Franklin Meier and Super Mile LLC, it was the first triumph of the season for the five-year-old gelding Daylon Phantom (Kadabra-Daylon Marvel). Conditioned by Angelo Nappo, the victory moved his career bankroll to $64,949.
Protect Blue Chip ($2.40) paced right off the gate and never looked back in the $10,000 Class A pace for fillies and mares in the season-opening event. She beat Whos Got The Move by 3-3/4 lengths in a snappy 1:57.
As the wings opened, Protect Blue Chip (Davis) set the splits with panels of :29.2, :58.2 and 1:28.2. A :28.3 last quarter mile sealed the deal for Protect Blue Chip, while Whos Got The Move and Mean Pauline (McDonough) had to settle for second and third respectively.
Owned by the Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphia Bloodstock, it was the first win in two tries this season for the five-year-old mare Protect Blue Chip (American Ideal-Lucky Turn). Trained by Maria Rice, it upped her seasonal winnings to $5,000 and $92,004 lifetime.
Davis and Drew Monti had three wins apiece with Denny Bucceri doubling. Rice had three training victories.
Racing will continue on Saturday evening (Feb. 1), with a 12-race card set for 6 p.m.
For more information, including the latest news, race replays, results, entries, upcoming promotions and simulcast schedule, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.
(Buffalo Raceway)