There was plenty of patience displayed in Buffalo Raceway's featured $9,600 Class AA-Open Handicapped Pace on Saturday evening (March 13). But when it was time to go, Allstar Energy showed the most zip down the stretch.
Driven by Ron Beback Jr., Allstar Energy used the open stretch and was able to win the five-horse dash to the wire in 1:56.4 over the "fast" track. He beat Percys Z Tam by a head while Under Paid finished in third in the blanket finish.
Under Paid showed the way through the first three panels, with splits of :28.4, :58.2 and 1:28.2 as the field of five were content to stay in post-position order.
However, the action picked up turning for home, as all the pacers tried to find a place to give it their best shot down the stretch. The open stretch was the perfect spot for the pocket-sitting Allstar Energy, as he was able to muster the most "energy" and rally in time to collect his second victory in four starts this season.
Co-owned by Sandra Beback and James Kustra and trained by Beback Jr., the nine-year-old gelded Allstar Energy (Four Starzzz Shark-Flickering Light) has now earned $11,100 in 2021 and $251,321 in his career. He paid $11.40 to win.
In the sub-featured $8,800 Class A Pace, Mr Ham Sandwich went first over approaching the half and never looked back in taking a one-and-a-half length win over Southwind Onyx in a season's best 1:55.3.
Sitting fifth, Mr Ham Sandwich used a :28.3 third quarter to take total control of the event. Southwind Onyx tried to make a late rally but came up well short. Andys Ideal rolled into the show position.
Owned by Rose Campbell and conditioned by Russell Bratt, it was the second victory in six tries this year for Mr Ham Sandwich (Cams Rocket-Pretty Daring). The seven-year-old horse has now collected $10,208 in earnings on the season and $256,380 in lifetime. David McNeight III drove the $3.10 winner.
It was a big night in the sulky for McNeight III as he guided home five winners on the card while Billy Davis Jr. added a double.
Racing will continue on Wednesday evening (March 17) at 6 p.m. (EDT) with a 10-race card slated. There will be a guaranteed pool of $3,000 in the Pick 5 starting in the second race.
(Buffalo Raceway)