It was unfamiliar territory for Salazar, but it was a spot he quickly became comfortable with.
Salazar finally got a look at what life is like on the inside. It was heaven as he strolled around the Buffalo Raceway oval, going gate-to-wire in the $10,500 Open Pace on Saturday night (April 26).
The heavily favoured Salazar ($2.60) has started the last eight times in the five post or worse. Despite the horrendous starting positions, the eight-year-old gelding has been more than competitive in the Opens, finishing no worse than fourth including one victory. So the post relief was much appreciated.
Starting from the rail, Salazar went right to the lead for driver Ron Beback Jr. and put up fractions of :28.1, :58.1 and 1:27 en route to a season-best 1:55 winning time over the fast track. He had a comfortable length advantage at the top of the stretch and the scorching :27.3 final quarter had the remainder of the field in surrender mode. Sand Savage (Drew Monti) finished 3-1/2 lengths back in second while Fantasypan (John Cummings Jr.) was third.
Owned by Lisa Denison and trained by Lisa Lederhouse, Salazar (McArdle-January Spur) has now scored four victories in 14 appearances this season. He has earned $29,072 in 2014 and $247,656 lifetime.
Racing will resume on Wednesday night at Buffalo Raceway with a 13-race program scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
(Buffalo Raceway)