Driver Keith Kash Jr. has found success at Buffalo Raceway recently so it just made sense for him to bring along one of his trainees for a visit and to try their luck. The journey and the toss of the dice ended up being well worth it.
American Trademark ($3.10) made his debut at Buffalo Raceway an impressive one as he wired the field in the $15,000 Open Pace in 1:55 over the fast track. It was the first start of the year at the Hamburg oval for the Kash Jr. barn.
Starting from the inside, American Trademark appeared like he was going to be pressed on the outside by McSpidey in the early going but that leave attempt was quickly snuffed out. Now enjoying the uncontested lead, American Trademark put up splits of :29.1, :58 and 1:26.2.
There was little action coming down the lane for American Trademark to worry about as he easily held off Pembroke Joey by 1-1/4 lengths and a late charging Stop Action (Kevin Cummings) who finished in second and third respectively.
Owned by the L'Emmur Stables LLC and trained by Kash Jr., American Trademark (Rockin Image - L Dees Lourdes) earned his fifth victory in 20 starts this year. The win boosted his bankroll to $46,769 for 2022 and $136,197 in his career.
In the $13,100 Open II Pace, favoured Long Train Runnin ($3.40) closed like a 'freight train' and collared Endeavors Pride by a head in the shadow of the wire in 1:56.
My Money Honey set the fractions off the rail with splits of :29.2, :58.1 and 1:27.2.
Endeavors Pride was first over with a panel to go while Long Train Runnin (Drew Monti) sat in the garden spot. Heading for home, Long Train Runnin scooted along in the passing lane and narrowly snuck past Endeavors Pride (Kevin Cummings) while My Money Honey (Kyle Cummings) had to settle for third in the three-way photo.
The win was the sixth in 13 appearances this season for the seven-year-old Long Train Runnin (Big Bad John - On The Choo Choo), who is co-owned by Drew Monti and Mark Jakubik and trained by Darrin Monti. The win jumped his seasonal earnings to $31,728 and lifetime bankroll to $195,593.
The hot and humid weather had the toteboard scorching as well with some big balloons produced. Lucky Nadotremblay has the biggest return on the afternoon with a $51.50 decision while Mr Fantasy notched a $45.20 win and Amrcanbootscoota A a $34.80 triumph.
Shawn McDonough, Kevin Cummings and Dan Yetman each had driving doubles while McDonough had two training victories.
Live harness racing will return on Wednesday afternoon with an 11-race card set for 1:30 p.m. The New York Sire Stakes will be back with the three-year-old filly pacers going at it in a pair of contests worth $56,100 each. There will also be a pair of $15,000 Excelsior A events as well. There will be a guaranteed pool of $5,000 in the Pick 5 which begins in the second race.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)