A softer test and an inside post was the perfect recipe for Muskingum ($2.90) as the lone mare in the field showed the gentlemen how it is done by taking the featured $12,329 Class B optional claiming trot at Buffalo Raceway on Friday afternoon, June 21. She beat Spirit Of Success by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:57.4 over the fast track.
Muskingum, who previously raced in Open competition back in mid-May, has tumbled down the ladder the past three starts. Now arriving in the Class B level and drawing the pylon post, Muskingum and driver Joseph Chindano Jr. took full advantage of the situation.
When the starting gate swung open, Muskingum was ready to go as she fired right to the top and collected fractions of :29.4, :59.4 and 1:28.3. With Spirit Of Success (Drew Monti) and Jumpinthejailhouse (John Cummings Jr.) chasing Muskingum turning for home, they had little response and had to settle for the minor awards.
Owned by Fox Racing Inc. and trained by Maggie Chindano, the seven-year-old mare Muskingum (Triumphant Caviar-Abbey Craig) has now earned four victories in 15 tries on the season. The win pushed her 2024 earnings to $34,986 and lifetime bankroll over the $250,000 mark.
In the other $12,329 Class B optional claiming trot, Pennant Seelster skimmed the pylons and shocked All About Thechase by two lengths in a seasonal best 1:59.3. He paid a whopping $43.60 for the inside winning journey.
Pennant Seelster (Kyle Swift) watched patiently in the pocket as SS Tys Aflyin (Chindano Jr.) set sail from the seven post. Turning down the long homestretch, SS Tys Aflyin had plenty of contenders taking a shot, but it was Pennant Seelster who motored on by from the 'lightning lane' to grab the upset victory. All About Thechase (James McNeight Jr.) rallied for second while SS Tys Aflin had to settle for third place.
Owned by Rose Campbell and trained by David Weston, the 10-year-old gelding Pennant Seelster (Amanofmanymissions-Papi Levac) made his third trip to the winner's circle in 16 starts this year. The victory jacked his seasonal winnings to $26,828 and career earnings to $211,622.
In the tri-featured $12,329 Class B optional claiming pace, Better B Swift ($5.10) was really 'swift' when he needed to be and collared the pacesetting RD Skippy in the shadow of the finish line, notching the neck victory in 1:59.
There was a three-way tussle for early supremacy with RD Skippy (Kevin Cummings) managing to come away on top. With fractions of :29, 1:00.1 and 1:29 on the board, the final quarter-mile was going to decide the race. RD Skippy turned for home with the advantage, but Better B Swift (Monti) dipped into the passing lane and eventually wore down the pacesetter. Silas Seelster finished in third, but was disqualified for interference, thus bumping Silverhill Blaze (Jim Morrill Jr.) into the show position.
Owned by Keith Pinkowski and conditioned by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr., the seven-year-old gelding Better B Swift (Bettors Delight-Swift N Shout) picked up his third win of the season in 17 attempts. His bankroll moved to $26,239 on the year and is now just shy of $200,000 for his career.
Racing will resume on Saturday evening with a 14-race program set, with a 6 p.m. post time.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)