Diditagain Hanover did it again at Buffalo Raceway. The class-climbing six-year-old gelding earned his fifth straight victory on Saturday night in the featured $10,500 Open Pace in 1:55.4 over the fast track.
After racing in the $10,000 optional claiming ranks a little more than a month ago, Diditagain Hanover has progressively and successfully stepped up the ladder and reached the top rung this week. He showed he was ready for the challenge against the best pacers on the grounds.
Diditagain Hanover ($4.20) and driver Kevin Cummings used a slightly different tactic. Usually coming off the pace, Diditagain Hanover, who scored from the rail, went to the top and didn't look back. After putting up fractions of :29, :58.2 and 1:27, the :28.4 final panel proved to be just enough to hold off the late charge from Rock N Roll Legend (Jack Flanigen) for the half-length victory. Western Alumni (Jim McNeight) took third place.
The victory was the sixth in Diditagain Hanover's last seven starts and seventh win of the season. He is owned by Thomas Mazzone and trained by Lisa Zgodzinski. The win sent his winnings to $29,746 in 2014 and $150,040 lifetime.
Racing will resume on Wednesday night at Buffalo Raceway with an 11-race program slated for 5 p.m.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)