Justgottogetthere Wins Buffalo Open

Published: February 25, 2015 07:22 pm EST

Ugly Betty turned in another 'beautiful' effort while Justgottogetthere had little trouble in disposing of his competition to highlight the harness racing action at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night (February 25).

Despite starting from the seven post, Ontario-sired Ugly Betty made it three straight by circling the field in the $9,500 pace for the fillies and mares in 1:58.3.

A race later, Justgottogetthere, a hard-charging $58.50 winner last week, showed it wasn't a fluke. He used a front-running journey this time around to capture the $9,500 Open Trot in 2:01.3 over the good track.

Ugly Betty (Shawn Gray), drawing the rail the past three weeks and scoring two wins and a second-place finish from there, was assigned the outside post this week. She showed it wasn't an issue.

After sitting seventh and last, Ugly Betty ($8.90) started the first over trip just before the half-mile marker. She tipped three-wide to the three-quarter pole and rolled right to the lead in the stretch and never looked back. Ugly Betty registered a comfortable two-length victory over Sadies Place (Andrew Monti) with Shes A Maniac (Jim McNeight) taking the show position.

Owned by Margaret Payne and Jennifer Payne, the seven-year-old mare (Camluck-Red Road Rage) is trained by Dennis Dylo. The victory moved her 2015 winnings to $18,055 and $189,847 lifetime.

Justgottogetthere ($5.20) in the meantime used a completely different method to get to the winner's circle.

After showing a late kick in last week's victory, Justgottogetthere (Jim McNeight) flew off the gate from the four spot and was never threatened. Posting fractions of :31, 1:02 and 1:32.3, there was no serious threats in the lane as Justgottogetthere smartly trotted off to a two and a half length win over Flaming Yankee (Gray) while Northern Spark (John Cummings Jr.) placed third.

Justgottogetthere (Valley Victor-Maras Theme) is owned by Antonietta Landi and North Creek Racing LLC. The six-year-old gelding, trained by Jerry Nugent Jr., has now won three times in four starts this season, earning $14,750 in 2015 and $152,932 in his career.

(With files from Buffalo Raceway)

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