Validus Deo wired the field in the $8,800 featured pace on Saturday, Feb. 3 at Buffalo Raceway, winning in 1:53.4.
Starting from the rail, driver John Cummings Jr. sent Validus Deo to the front through a :27.4 opening panel. With middle splits of :56.3 and 1:25.4, Validus Deo maintained control through the stretch.
Runner-up Heaven Rocks and third-place finisher Montezuma Bluechip rallied late towards Validus Deo, but the $6.90 winner held a length advantage at the line.
Co-owned by trainer Kevin Cummings, Matthew Rosiek and Robert Johnson, it was the second-straight victory for Validus Deo, by Lis Mara-Madam Countess. The eight-year-old gelding has now earned $8,100 in 2018 and $513,527 lifetime.
Action will continue at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday, Feb. 7 with a 13-race card scheduled at 5 p.m.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)