One thing is for certain, seven isn't a lucky number for Justgottogetthere.
With four starts in his last six outings coming from the seven post, Justgottogethere has come up empty. But the six-year-old gelding has been lights out when drawing from the six post inward, going a perfect four-for-four.
Wednesday night (June 17) was a perfect example of that. Justgottogetthere took advantage of some much appreciated post relief and went gate-to-wire to claim the featured $9,500 conditioned trot at Buffalo Raceway.
Driver Jim McNeight took the pacesetting Justgottogetthere right to the lead from the three-hole and posted splits of :28.3, :59 and 1:28.1. In the stretch, however, Justgottogetthere ($3.10) was begging for the finish line as BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) was charging fast, but finished a disappointing neck behind in 1:57 over the fast track. Serious George (Shawn Gray) took the show position.
Now victorious eight times this season in 15 starts, Justgottogetthere (Valley Victor-Maras Theme) has earned $46,327 in 2015 and $126,938 lifetime. He is co-owned by Antonietta Landi and North Creek Racing LLC.
Kisses N Kicks ($10.40) ground out a first-over trip and pulled away from the field late in the $9,500 Open II for the distaff pacers.
A Cameo In Life posted the fractions of :29.2, :59 and 1:28.1, but Kisses N Kicks started the slow and steady grind on the rim just before the opening half. In the drive to the wire, Kisses N Kicks had little trouble holding off her competition and took a one and a quarter length victory in 1:57. Infrontigo Hanover (Jim McNeight) finished a non-threatening second while Country Delight (Jack Flanigen) rallied for third.
Driven and trained by David McNeight III and owned by Courtney McNeight, Kisses N Kicks (Life Sign-Kissing Rain) has now won six times in 20 starts this season, putting $41,588 in the bank. The win upped the seven-year-old mare's career total to $166,890.
Kevin Cummings finished the night with three victories and Jim McNeight had a driving double.
Racing returns to Buffalo Raceway on Friday night at 6:35 p.m. with a 10-race card scheduled.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)