A better draw, an easier level and a perfect pocket trip were the ingredients for Hey Kobe, as she cooked up a victory in Buffalo Raceway's featured $8,400 pace on Wednesday night (April 25) in a seasonal best 1:56.3 over a 'sloppy' track.
Dropping down into an optional claimer after competing in the Open Pace for the ladies the past three weeks, Hey Kobe ($11.60) also found the two-hole to her liking as well after getting saddled with three consecutive five-posts in those outings.
Sgt Molly Pitcher (John Cummings Jr.) splashed out to the early lead and Hey Kobe (David McNeight III) followed in tow from the garden spot through splits of :28.3, :58.2 and 1:27.3.
Coming around the final turn before the stretch run, Hey Kobe tipped to the outside and eventually wore down the pacesetting Sgt Molly Pitcher to notch a neck decision. Sportsmuffler (Drew Monti) showed plenty of late kick but could only muster up a third-place finish.
Owned by Keith Pinkowski and trained by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr., it was the third win in 14 appearances for the six-year-old mare Hey Kobe (Bettors Delight-American West). The victory pushed her 2018 earnings to $19,681 and $279,730 lifetime.
It was bombs away in the tenth race, as Panalytical (Monti) scored a $72.50 victory which helped ignite an 8-5 exacta that returned $2,523 and an 8-5-4 trifecta that cashed out for $5,078.75.
Billy Davis Jr. and Monti completed the action with triples in the bike, while Richard Roth finished with a training double.
Racing will continue on Saturday night (April 28) with a 12-race program scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, race replays, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.
(Buffalo Raceway)