Lougazi got back to his familiar antics at Buffalo Raceway as he used his patented late charge to sweep by the field in the $15,500 Open Trot on Saturday night (July 1) in a seasonal best 1:57.2. He roared past Muskingum to collect the three-quarter length victory while Mugshots Bro was third.
Lougazi settled in fifth place off the starting wings as Batting Stats put up splits of :29 and :57.4. Approaching the half, Lougazi started his journey on the outside and was able to pick up the live cover of Muskingum.
With a quarter mile to trot, Batting Stats said 'good night' as Muskingum made the lead. But that move ended up being a perfect set up for Lougazi. Turning for home, Lougazi tipped out and used his usual charge to blitz the stunned Muskingum with a :29 last split.
Owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift, Lougazi (Lous Legacy-Winning Blade) has now won four times in 16 attempts. He has earned $32,595 on the season and $457,196 lifetime. Lougazi earned $108,340 in 2022 thanks to eight victories and 23 in the money finishes in 30 starts. Ray Fisher Jr. drove the $6.60 winner.
In the $15,500 Open Pace, Gunslinger Hill continued to pay off for new owner Scott Rubman and trainer Jennifer Giuliani by holding back One Off Delight A by three-quarters of a length in seasonal best 1:53.4 over the fast track.
Gunslinger Hill was a $12,000 claim for Rubman and Giuliani back on June 3 at Buffalo Raceway and he has been nothing short of spectacular since hitting the new barn. With two victories and a second-place finish by a mere neck, Gunslinger Hill already earned his keep for the new connections by winning $14,375 before hitting Open class.
Firing off the gate, Gunslinger Hill had things his own way, using splits of :28, :57.2 and 1:26. Things got interesting with a quarter-mile to go as Idealthecards got on even terms but then tailed off. Gunslinger Hill still wasn't home free though as One Off Delight A made a final charge in the passing lane but came up a half-length short. Villiam rallied for the show position.
It was the fifth win in 20 outings for the eight-year-old Gunslinger Hill (Bettors Delight-Word Of Her Own). He has now earned $42,430 on the campaign and $269,590 in his career. He paid $4.50 to win.
Racing will return on Wednesday afternoon (July 5) with a 13-race slated. The New York Sire Stakes will return as a field of five two-year-old colt and gelding trotters will square off in the seventh race for a purse of $102,500. There's also a pair of $20,000 Excelsior Series events for the gentlemen. There's also a $6,000 guarantee in the Pick 5, which begins in the second race.
(Buffalo Raceway)