Lougazi ($17) was back to his old tricks at Buffalo Raceway and it spelled doom for his competition in the $19,178 Open Trot on Saturday night, May 11.
One of the best, if not the best, side-winders at Buffalo Raceway the past few seasons, Lougazi regained his top form once again and used that patented late blitz to take his fourth consecutive victory. He beat Crazy Ritz and Muskingum, who were placed second and third, respectively, after the original runner-up Johnny Boy was disqualified for interference near the start.
The mare Power And Grace (Drew Monti) got the early advantage in the top trotting event and set the tempo with fractions of :28.4, :58.2 and 1:28.1. But the race was ready to evolve to the liking of Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.).
Jacked (David McNeight III) was first-over approaching the final marker and Lougazi was salivating and thankful with the perfect cover. Turning three-wide for home, Lougazi used his powerful closing kick and zoomed to the lead while the pocket-sitting Johnny Boy (Kyle Cummings) finished in second, a head behind, but was kicked back to last for the interference. That allowed Crazy Ritz (James McNeight Jr.) and Muskingum (Joseph Chindano Jr.) to move up the ladder.
Owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift, 10-year-old gelding Lougazi (Lous Legacy-Winning Blade) earned his fourth (consecutive) win of the season in nine attempts. Thie victory was the 62nd of his career and upped his earnings over the $550,000 mark.
In the $19,178 Open Pace, Mach Le More A ($3.60) came thundering through the lightning lane and edged Davey Day Trader by a head in 1:55.3 over the good track.
Davey Day Trader (McNeight Jr.) had the edge through three-quarters after splits of :28.4, :58.3 and 1:26.3. But the serious portion of the race was about to begin.
Alta Engen A (Kevin Cummings) got on even terms with Davey Day Trader coming down the stretch. Mach Le More A (John Cummings Jr.) was sitting behind the duo and dropped into the passing lane and was able to squeak by near the finish line and win the three-way photo. Alta Engen A had to settle for second place while Davey Day Trader took the show spot.
Co-owned by Marissa Russo and Fac Racing LLC and conditioned by David Russo, nine-year-old gelding Mach Le More (Mach Three-Runs On Love) scored his fourth win of 2024 in 16 appearances. His 30th career win lifted his bankroll to $312,364.
Racing resumes on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with an 11-race program on tap. There is a $5,425 carryover in the Pick 5. which begins in the second race.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)