It was the first start of the season for Lougazi on Saturday (March 26) at Buffalo Raceway, and it didn't take long for the talented eight-year-old trotter to put another race onto his amazing highlight reel. And this one may have topped them all.
Spotting the field more than 10 lengths after a break at the starting gate, Lougazi ($2.90) put in another patented comeback rally and took the $15,000 Open Trot. He beat Schnickel Fritz while Sanchez Rocks finished in third.
David McNeight III, who had four winners on the evening, steered Lougazi to victory in 2:01.1 and he also drove Reggiano to a 1-1/2 length score in the sub-featured $14,2000 Open I-II Handicapped Pace in 1:57.1.
But the buzz of the night belonged to Lougazi.
Jumping it off just before the gate opened, Lougazi seemed destined to have a dismal seasonal debut. But McNeight III got Lougazi back on task and the veteran trotter put his head down and went to work.
With Photo Bomber leading the way through a half mile of 1:00.4, Lougazi caught the pack and then was three-wide and winging it at the three-quarter marker. Going four-wide down the stretch, Lougazi ended a comfortable three-quarters lengths and completed the amazing comeback.
Owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift, it was the 43rd victory for Lougazi (Lous Legacy-Winning Blade), now a winner of $322,231 lifetime.
Reggiano used a first-over trip and won the featured pace to the wire by holding off Out On Bail and Stratosphere.
Mississippi Rabbit was in control of the tempo by setting fractions of :28.2, 58 and 1:27.3 over the "good" track. But those splits proved to be a little too ambitious as the closers began to engulf Mississippi Rabbit.
Reggiano, who was first over, won the race to the wire, pulling away down the stretch to notch the decision.
Owned and trained by Marc Shuttleworth, it was the second win in six tries this year for the 10-year-old Reggiano. The victory upped his seasonal bankroll to $20,227 and $473,045 lifetime.
Shawn McDonough had a good night as he made three trips to the winner's circle and conditioned a pair of winners.
Racing will continue on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. (EDT) with a 10-race program set. With the Pick 5 not being hit for the second card in a row, there will be a guaranteed pool of $15,000 on Wednesday.
(Buffalo Raceway)