Unicorn Hanover and driver Kevin Cummings worked out a perfect first over trip and took the featured $10,500 Open I-II Pace at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (June 20).
Sitting sixth and last place to the half, Unicorn Hanover tipped to the outside and started his winning march to the lead, getting on even terms with Bakken at the three-quarter pole.
As the field of six turned for home, Unicorn Hanover ($5.20) was quickest of all, holding off a stubborn Rockstar Temper (Drew Monti) by a half length in 1:55.2 over the fast track. Bakken (Ray Fisher Jr.), the pace-setter for much of the race, finished in third.
Owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, Unicorn Hanover (Four Starzzz Shark-Up Front Georgia) has now won three times in 11 attempts in 2015, putting $25,850 in the bank. The victory pushed his career earnings to $387,361.
In the sub-featured $8,800 pace, Beachfront turned in a seasonal best 1:55.4 and held off a late rush from Ponyta Boy (Ron Beback Jr.) and Art Two D Two (Drew Monti).
Setting the splits of :29.0, :58.1, and 1:27.1, driver David McNeight III and Beachfront ($6.90) were ready for challenges in the stretch and they weren't disappointed. Ponyta Boy and Art Two D Two each made serious late bids but Beachfront had enough in the tank to hang on for the head win.
Beachfront (Somebeachsomewhere-Up Front Norma) is a five-year-gelding owned by the Limerick Racing Stable and trained by David McNeight Jr. It was his third win of the season and moved the five-year-old gelding's winnings to $17,424 and $91,270 lifetime.
Live harness racing resumes on Sunday afternoon with a 1:05 p.m. with a 10-race card set.
(Buffalo)