Stratosphere was shot into orbit by driver Drew Monti right before the opening panel, and that bold brush proved to be the difference as the six-year-old gelding collected the victory in Buffalo Raceway's $11,000 Class AA-Open Handicapped Pace on Saturday night (May 22).
Sitting third behind Santana Beach and Thor De Vie approaching the opening marker, Stratosphere wasn't pleased with the action on the front so he took control of matters, firing to the lead.
With splits of :28.4, :57.2 and 1:26, Stratosphere was ready to face the challenges that awaited him in the home stretch. Daylight Rush gave it a good try but couldn't get by Stratosphere as he finished a half length in front in 1:54.1. Santana Beach and Under Paid finished in a dead heat for third.
Stratosphere is owned by driver Drew Monti and conditioned by Darrin Monti. It was the third victory in eight appearances this season for Stratosphere (Mach Three-Northern Jade), now a winner of $20,010 on the campaign and $133,375 in his career. He paid $6.10 to win.
Mugshot Bro toiled in the back of the pack in the co-featured $10,000 Class A-Open Handicapped Trot, but uncorked a wicked stretch drive to beat the favoured Southern Palms by a half length in 1:58.4 over the "fast" track. Tartufo Lindy was third.
Southern Palms dictated the tempo of the race with fractions of :29.2, :59.1 and 1:28.4. Things looked under control turning for home for Southern Palms, but Mugshots Bro was widest of all in the lane, and there was no stopping him as he hit the finish line going away.
Co-owned by Herman Niedhammer and Herman Niedhammer Jr., Mugshots Bro (Jailhouse Jesse-Photo Emmy) is trained by McDonough. It was his second decision in four appearances this year for the eight-year-old gelding, a winner of $13,698 on the campaign and $231,719 lifetime. Shawn McDonough drove the winner.
Seafarer got into contention with a big move up the backstretch, then finished the job with a solid kick in the lane to capture the first of two $9,600 Class A paces in 1:55 over Sir Pugsley. Silver Beast finished in third.
Owned by Tanah Merah Farms LLC and trained by Ryan Swift, it was the fourth victory in 12 starts this season for the five-year-old gelding Seafarer (Captaintreacherous-Baez). The win increased his 2021 earnings to $16,960 and $152,404 lifetime. Ray Fisher Jr. drove the winner.
In the second division, Allstar Energy watched The Lunch Pail do all the dirty work, then pounced in the passing lane to take the surprising $20.20 win in 1:56. Major Authority rallied late to take second while The Lunch Pail got the third place position.
Trained by driver Ron Beback Jr. and co-owned by Sandra Beback and James Kustra, it was the third win in 12 outings for Allstar Energy (Four Starzzz Shark-Flickering Light). The victory upped his 2021 bankroll to $18,257 and $259,478 in his career..
Racing will continue on Wednesday evening (May 26) at 5 p.m. (EDT) with a 12-race program scheduled.
(Buffalo Raceway)