It was an instant replay of last week's $12,300 Class AA-Open Handicapped Pace on Saturday night (June 26) at Buffalo Raceway. As was the case last Saturday, Saulsbrook Deputy laid low for much of the mile but then roared down the stretch to stun Iluvtomakemoney and collect the victory.
SM Timmy was the commander of the fractions in the early going, notching reasonable splits of :28.2 and :57.2 to the half. But the first-over Iluvtomakemoney took control at the three-quarter marker in 1:26.1 and looked free heading for home.
But Saulsbrook Deputy had other ideas.
Sitting fifth past the final pole, Saulsbrook Deputy looked like he was shot out of a cannon and blitzed his way to the line a length in front of a disappointed Iluvtomakemoney while Endeavors Pride was third.
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Owned by Mark Keller and conditioned by Jennifer Giuliani, it was the fifth win in 23 tries for the 7-year-old gelded Saulsbrook Deputy (Western Paradise-Racino Star). The victory upped his seasonal bankroll to $40,676 and $254,711 lifetime. Kevin Cummings drove the $15.20 winner.
Sanchez Rocks "stoned" the field in the Class A-Open Handicapped Trot with a solid gate-to-wire win over Tartufo Lindy in 1:58 while favoured Keystone Apache took the show spot.
Firing out of post 4, Sanchez Rocks had little trouble in establishing the lead, rolling to fractions of :30.1, :59.1 and 1:28.1. In the race to the wire, no one could cut into the advantage of Sanchez Rocks, who strolled to the line 1 1/4 lengths in front.
Owned by Marie Houghtaling and trained by Angelo Nappo, it was the fourth win in 22 starts for the 5-year-old gelded Sanchez Rocks. The victory took his yearly winnings to $26,302 and $59,771 in his career. Drew Monti sat in the sulky.
On the undercard to the main events, Southwind Onyx went a lifetime best of 1:53.2 and put away Thor De Vie by a half length in the $10,500 Class A Pace. London Seelster rounded the top three.
Co-owned by trainer Tammy Cummings and Michael Blidy, it was the third victory in 15 outings for Southwind Onyx. The 6-year-old gelding has produced $29,688 in earnings in 2021 and $144,494 in his career. Kyle Cummings drove the $4.40 winner.
Kevin Cummings topped the drivers with five victories while Monti had a double. Gerry Sarama posted a training double.
Racing resumes on Wednesday evening (June 30) at 5 p.m. (EDT) with a 12-race card set. The New York Sire Stakes will take the spotlight on the program as the 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers will battle in three divisions worth approximately $33,000 apiece. There will also be a pair of $15,000 Excelsior A events along with one $6,800 Excelsior B race.
(Buffalo Raceway)