Santana Beach topped the ticket again, fronting a "tropical trifecta" in Buffalo Raceway's featured $11,000 Class AA Pace on Saturday (Feb. 8).
Andys Ideal took command and notched splits of :28.3, :57.1 and 1:27. Meanwhile Santana Beach started his first-over journey just before the half and took over control at the top of the stretch.
Though Santana Beach was not yet clear as Catch The Wave and Beachy Dream made serious bids late, but came up just short. Santana Beach registered a neck win over Catch The Wave in 1:56.3 while Beachy Dream was third to complete the seaside-themed sequence.
"He hung in there well late," McNeight III said of Santana Beach. "Trainer Richard Roth has his horses sharp right now and this one is really good."
_0.jpg)
Owned by Jason Newell and trained by Roth, it was the second-straight win in as many tries for Santana Beach (Santanna Blue Chip-Chips Beach). The eight-year-old gelding has now produced $10,500 in earnings in 2020 and $146,573 in his career. David McNeight III steered the $5.90 winner.
In the first of two $10,000 Class A pacing events, Hold The Gold posted the fastest mile of the meet as he paced in 1:55.4 over the "good" track.
With Southwind Torque setting scorching fractions of :28., :57. and 1:26.3, those splits poised Hold The Gold (Denny Bucceri) to dash from the back of the pack.
Driving widest of all in the lane, Hold The Gold easily swooped by the leaders and won by a length over Im So Handsome while Casimir Oops was third.
Owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser Jr., it was the first win in two appearances this year for the six-year-old gelded Hold The Gold (Allthatgltrsisgold-Village Jay). The victory bumped his season winnings to $5,800 and $93,261 total. Denny Bucceri drove the $30.20 winner.
The other Class A division saw Burning Shore sneak by Southwind Onyx in deep stretch to take the head decision in 1:56.4 with Iluvtomakemoney finishing third. Southwind Onyx set the tempo with panels of :28.4, :57.4 and 1:27.3 but Burning Shore wore down the pace setter and got up in time to secure the win.
Owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, the 10-year-old gelded Burning Shore (No Pan Intended-Fine Line) increased his career bankroll to $249,279 with the victory. Kevin Cummings drove the $8.30 winner.
Racing will resume on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. with a 13-race scheduled. There is a $10,000 guarantee in the Pick 5 starting in the second race.
(with files from Buffalo Raceway)