There was no relaxing for Weekend Atnannies in Buffalo Raceway's $15,000 Open Pace on Saturday (June 4) as he had to work every step of the mile to take a narrow head victory over American Trademark in 1:56.3 over the fast track.
Weekend Atnannies, the longest shot on the board in the field of six, won a four-way photo at the finish line and returned a healthy $18.60 to his backers.
American Trademark made an early attempt for the lead but was stuffed back to the rail by Weekend Atnannies. That tuck didn't last long as American Trademark came right back out and got the lead but before the opening quarter.
Setting fractions of :28, :57.4 and 1:27.1, American Trademark (Keith Kash Jr.) was all out in the dash to the line. Weekend Atnannies (Jim Morrill Jr.), who got the perfect pocket trip, zoomed up the passing lane while Stop Action and Stratosphere took their shots on the wide side of the track. The photo showed Weekend Atnannies a head in front while American Trademark had to settle for the heartbreaking runner up spot and Stop Action (David McNeight III) third.
Co-owned by Jaclyn Giuliani and Benjamin Ortiz, the seven-year-old gelded Weekend Atnannies (Western Paradise - Lacoste Gal) has found the winner's circle three times in 13 attempts on the year. The Shawn McDonough trainee has produced $32,146 in winnings in 2022 and $183,897 in his career.
In the $13,100 Open II Pace, My Money Honey got the sweet victory and the first place cash with a neck victory over Long Train Runnin in 1:55.4.
Long Train Runnin (Drew Monti) was able to sprint out to the early advantage but My Money Honey (Kyle Cummings) wasn't about to let him cut the fractions and took over the top just before the opening marker.
With splits of :29.2, :58.3 and 1:27.4 through three quarters of a mile, My Money Honey was bracing for a charge from the back of the pack. That never materialized as My Money Honey was easily able to fend off Long Train Runnin while Endeavors Pride (Kevin Cummings) rounded out the top three.
Owned by Kyle Cummings and trained by Tammy Cummings, six-year-old gelding My Money Honey (Sneaky B Skipalong-Kayveonnasstarlite) picked up his fourth win in 15 starts. The victory moved his 2022 bankroll to $39,298 and $158,406 lifetime.
Kash Jr., McNeight III, Kevin Cummings and Morrill Jr. all collected doubles on the card. Chris Naedele had a pair of training wins.
Live harness racing will resume on Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. with a 12-race program to be presented. The New York Sire Stakes will return with a pair of $57,000 divisions for the three-year-old filly trotters set along with two $15,000 Excelsior A events.
(Buffalo)