Dontustopbelievn N is starting to show her versatility and it's paying off big time at Buffalo Raceway as the eight-year-old mare snagged the victory in the $15,000 Open Pace for the ladies on an absolutely perfect Wednesday afternoon (May 11).
After notching the win last week in gate to wire fashion in the Open, Dontustopbelievn N came from off the pace this time to turn back Sapphire Blue Chip in a seasonal best of 1:56 over the "fast" track.
Sapphire Blue Chip was able to get out to the early lead as Dontustopbelievn N, who was assigned the outside post in the five-horse field, dropped into fourth.
With fractions of :28.3 and :58.1 to the half, Sapphire Blue Chip knew trouble was brewing approaching the three-quarter marker as favoured Dontustopbelievn N was first over and charging toward the lead.
Turning for home, Dontustopbelievn N was able to nudge past the stubborn Sapphire Blue Chip on the outside while Xenias Chip tried her luck from the passing lane. Hitting the wire, Dontustopbelievn N had a half-length advantage, making it two-consecutive Open wins for the distaff pacers. Xenias Chip finished third.
Owned by Michael Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, it was the third victory in 14 starts on the season for Dontustopbelievn N (Somebeachsomewhere-Bedtime). The win upped her 2022 bankroll to $26,380 and $162,420 lifetime. Kevin Cummings drove the $4.60 winner.
While Dontustopbelievn N came from behind in the main event, Mach Of Shame led every step of the way to turn back the favored Doctor Sunshine in a seasonal best of 1:57.1 in the $11,300 pace for the filly and mares.
Scoring from the rail, Mach Of Shame danced out to the lead, putting up splits of :30, 1:00.1 and 1:28.4. Doctor Sunshine was in perfect position for the drive to the wire but couldn't get the job done, coming up a length short. JK Kissntell earned the show spot.
Trained by Michael Ohol and owned by Michael Ohol Jr., it was the second victory in 11 appearances for the 6-year-old mare Mach Of Shame (Mach Three-Spend It All). The win moved her seasonal earnings to $23,564 and $91,004 in her career. Dave McNeight III drove the $8.80 winner.
McNeight III and Drew Monti each collected doubles on the program with Gerry Sarama getting a pair of training scores.
Live racing will return on Friday afternoon with an eight-race card slated for 1:30 p.m. (EDT) with a nine-race program set for Saturday (May 14).
(Buffalo Raceway)