Former WEG circuit competitor Hard To Mach didn't find it hard to navigate the snowy Buffalo Raceway half-mile track on Saturday night (March 29) and notched a neck win in 2:00.4 over Running Book in the featured $10,500 Open Pace.
After battling at Pocono, Yonkers and Woodbine thus far this season, the Ontario-sired five-year-old Hard To Mach (Kevin Cummings) dropped in at Buffalo Raceway and overcame the sloppy, snowy and windy conditions to secure the victory.
Starting from the seven post, Hard To Mach ($12.60) got the lead at the quarter pole, registering fractions of :29, 1:01.3 and 1:33. He had just enough at the wire to hold off the late bid by Running Book (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.). Naked News (Jim McNeight) rallied for the show spot.
Owned by Susan Oakes and trained by Nick Gampietro Jr., the son of Mach Three has now won twice in seven appearances in 2014, earning $17,670 this year and $319,997 lifetime.
After the featured eighth race, the remaining three races on the card were cancelled for the safety of the drivers and horses due to the poor weather and track conditions. The wagers on the final three races were refunded.
The cancellation of the final three races included the $22,500 final of the Michael Scores Knockout Claiming Series, which was scheduled for the ninth race. It is expected to be made up next Saturday.
The $10,000 consolation race of the Michael Scores Knockout Claiming Series was held and Well Al B (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) paced away to a convincing four-length victory over Kamanche Sun (Kevin Cummings) in 2:00.4. American Friskie (Jack Flanigen) finished in third.
Buffalo Raceway kicks into a three-night a week schedule starting Wednesday night with a 13-race program on tap beginning at 5 p.m. The track will also race on Friday and Saturday nights in April with post time at 6:40 p.m.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)