When last seen, J A T O was in the winner's circle after posting a victory in the $10,000 New York County Fair final for two-year-old colt trotters at Monticello Raceway back on September 2, 2014.
After nearly a nine-month layoff, J A T O resurfaced again, this time on Sunday afternoon at Buffalo Raceway and the results were the same...impressive.
In winning the County Fair final back in September, J A T O broke stride at the start and spotted the field more than 11 lengths at quarter pole but roared back for the victory.
While not breaking this time, J A T O trailed the trotters in the $3,200 conditioned event at Buffalo Raceway by more than a dozen lengths after the opening panel but proved once again the lead wasn't insurmountable. The three-year-old colt got in gear and smartly trotted around the field, taking a three-quarters of a length decision over TKs Diva in a lifetime best of 2:02.1.
The was only the second pari-mutuel start for J A T O (Big Apple Deli-Highwaytoheaven), both of which are now victories. He was 8-of-9 on the non-betting New York Fair circuit in 2014, earning $16,851 including the County Fair final purse.
Co-owned by trainer Margaret Butler and Amy Butler, J A T O was driven to the win by Doug Ackley.
In the C.K.G Billings Amateur Driving Challenge, Stephen Oldford won aboard Lady Jill ($6.00) while Robert Davis sprung an upset taking Stags Leap ($11.20) to the winner's circle in the second leg.
Racing will continue on Wednesday night at Buffalo Raceway with a 10-race card scheduled for 5 p.m.
(Buffalo Raceway)