It was 'girl power' in the $10,500 Open Trot at Buffalo Raceway on Friday night (Feb. 28).
Fiorentina ($4.90) reappeared after nearly a month layoff and beat Heartsaregonnaroll by one and three-quarters lengths in 1:59.1 over the 'good' track as the two mares finished one-two in beating the boys.
It was the usual strategy for Fiorentina as she once again went gate-to-wire in scoring her third victory from four attempts in 2014 at Buffalo Raceway. Fiorentina's last start was back on January 31 where she finished fifth so the rest proved to be worthwhile.
The five-year-old Angus Hall mare, driven by Ronnie Wrenn Jr., used fractions of :29.4, :59.4 and 1:29.3 to coast to the win. The :29.3 last quarter was more than enough as Heartsaregonnaroll's (Kevin Cummings) late rally was only good to secure the place position. Detailer (David McNeight III) took the show spot.
Owned by Frank Lamacchia and breeder Guy Polillo of Brantford, Ont., Fiorentina has now earned $14,225 this season and $144,004 lifetime. She is trained by John Mungillo.
A solid 11-race card is scheduled for Saturday night with the $28,250 Niatross Knockout Claiming Series finals slated along with the $10,000 consolation race. Also, the $10,500 Open Pace will be contested.
(With files from Buffalo)