Ever since arriving at Buffalo Raceway from Flamboro Downs in early February, YS Lotus has been a model of perfection and the 11-year-old gelding kept that going on Saturday night (April 2) by powering his way to a three-quarter-length win over Foolish Prophet in the $15,000 Open Pace.
It was the fourth straight victory for YS Lotus in as many starts this season at the Hamburg half-mile oval. However, his win streak was overlooked by the betting public as he returned a healthy $12.80 for the victory in a seasonal best of 1:56.1.
While YS Lotus pulled the mild surprise, Castyourcrown pulled an even bigger upset by taking the $15,000 Open Trot over the heavily favoured Lougazi in 1:57.3, returning $28.60 for the decision.
Things didn't come easy for YS Lotus early as he was sandwiched between eventual pace-setter Foolish Prophet and Wild Bill M. When things finally were sorted out, YS Lotus was able to drop into the pocket.
With Foolish Prophet posting fractions of :28.2, :58.3 and 1:27.3 over the "fast" track, YS Lotus was yearning to find an opening from the garden spot and did so at the top of the stretch. Tipping to the outside, YS Lotus was much too strong down the lane and easily romped past Foolish Prophet while Reggiano took third.
Owned by Michael Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, it was the fourth victory in eight tries in 2022 for YS Lotus (If I Can Dream-Bolero Bakara). The win upped his seasonal earnings to $22,502 and $470,129 lifetime. Kevin Cummings piloted the winner.
Castyourcrown got the perfect pocket journey in the featured trot and had more than enough in the tank to put a damper on Lougazi's late-race heroics.
With Wilberforce in charge through the opening three panels, Castyourcrown was able to get the jump on Lougazi in the lane to hold on for the three-quarter-length win in 1:57.3, the fastest trotting mile of the season.
Co-owned by Blake Daniels and Never Give Up Racing, the four-year-old gelded Castyourcrown (Dontyouforgetit-Future Cast). The win was the third in nine appearances on the campaign for Castyourcrown who increased his bankroll to $21,240 in 2022 and $101,540 in his career. Jim Morrill Jr. drove the winner.
Morrill Jr. completed the evening with three driving wins while Drew Monti doubled. Trainers Jennifer Giuliani and Russell Bratt each conditioned a pair of winners.
Racing will resume on Wednesday afternoon (April 6) at 1:30 p.m. (EDT) as Buffalo Raceway starts its new live post time for the remainder of the season. There will be a $5,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick 5 which begins in the second race.
(Buffalo Raceway)