Jokerman had the last laugh in the featured $9,500 conditioned pace at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (April 4) with a stunning upset victory in a seasonal best time of 1:55.1 over the fast track.
Overlooked by the betting public, Jokerman returned a hefty $27.00 to his backers after turning back the mild rally of Bakken in the race to the wire.
It was a battle to the lead as rail-sitting Lucky Nadotremblay tussled with the parked Jokerman to a quarter in a red-hot time of :27.4. Jokerman (Jim McNeight) was finally able to clear the lead and posted times of :56.2 and 1:25.4 from there.
In the race to the finish, Jokerman posted a final panel of :29.2 and that was more than enough to hold off any challenges from the remaining six horses in the field. Bakken (Ray Fisher Jr.) showed some mild kick, but finished a non-threatening length back while Lucky Nadotremblay (Shawn McDonough) rolled into the show position.
The win was the fourth in 12 starts for Jokerman and the six-year-old gelding has now been in the money in all but one start in 2015. He is co-owned by trainer Richard Roth along with Robert and Randy Roth. Jokerman (American Ideal-Shark Tail) has now earned $29,289 this year.
In the first round of the Niatross Knockout Claiming 'B' Series, Secluded Island ($4.10) was the fastest winner in the five divisions with a 1:57.1 clocking.
Dedalos ($3.30), who captured the Niatross 'A' Series earlier this season, took his leg with a 1:57.4 mark.
Other preliminary round winners included Nora Lee ($4.00), K C Colt ($15.80) and Full Circle Spirit ($12.00). The quarter-finals will be held next Saturday night.
Driver Drew Monti had a four-bagger on the night and Kevin Cummings went over the 100-win plateau on the year with four victories as well. Trainer Michelle Gramza had three wins.
The racing action will continue at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night with a 12-race card scheduled for 5 p.m.
(Buffalo Raceway)