It took a four-way photo to determine the winner of Buffalo Raceway's $15,500 Open Pace on Saturday night (May 27), and Sporty Deal emerged with the $19.20 upset victory.
He beat Casimir Richie P by a nose in a seasonal best 1:54.2 while Avion Seelster was a neck behind in third with Alta Engen A completing the photo by placing fourth just a half-length off.
Casimir Richie P set the pace over the fast track and rolled to splits of :27.3, :56.3 and 1:25.3. But it was a mad dash for home with Avion Seelster and Alta Engen A taking dead aim at the leader on the outside while Sporty Deal found some racing room in the passing lane.
Everyone appeared on even terms approaching the wire, but Sporty Deal managed to escape with the narrow come-from-behind win.
Owned by the L'Emmur Stable and trained by driver Keith Kash Jr., five-year-old Sporty Deal (Sportswriter-Michelles Ideal) earned his fourth win in 10 appearances on the season. The victory jumped his seasonal earnings to $29,365 and career bankroll to $75,524.
In the $13,500 pace, Villiam ($4.50) made it two straight victories by registering a half-length win over Sportskeeper in a seasonal best 1:55.2. A :27.3 last panel by Villiam secured the trip to the winner's circle.
A break by All About Lynx around the clubhouse turn the first time scattered the field slightly. Sportskeeper and Villiam, who were both intent on leaving, managed to avoid the early trouble and rush to the top.
Sportskeeper showed the way with fractions of :29.3, :58.2 and 1:27.4. But Villiam, who was drafting along in second, couldn't wait to pull the pocket and challenged the pacesetter going around the final turn. Through the stretch, Villiam slowly but steadily inched away from Sportskeeper and notched the half-length victory. American Trademark got up in time for third.
Trained by driver Joe Chindano Jr. and owned by Anthony Evgenikos, Villiam (Rock N Roll Heaven-Village Mirage) earned his third victory in nine starts on the campaign. The win moved his bankroll to $29,285 on the campaign and $293,794 lifetime.
Chindano Jr. completed the evening with a driving/training double while David McNeight III had a pair of victories as he swept the early daily double.
Racing will return on Wednesday afternoon (May 31) at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) with a 13-race card set. The New York Sire Stakes will make its first appearance of the season as a pair of $57,000 (approx.) events are slated for the three-year-old filly pacers. There's also a $20,000 Excelsior race, which will kick off the card. Also, a $2,226 carryover awaits in the Pick 5, which starts in the second race.
(Buffalo Raceway)