Buzzer, the two-year-old son of Heston Blue Chip-Sports Alert, stepped onto the track following a 35-minute weather delay on Saturday (July 23) at Tioga Downs and frolicked in his debut.
Racing from the pylons in a non-winners of one pari-muteul race, Buzzer settled in third early chasing the two favourites, Brushing Up and Boozin N Cruisin. The former was sent at even money and set the tempo through an opening quarter of :29.2 and a half in 1:00. Down the backstretch, Buzzer was shuffled to fourth as they paced through the rain.
The order remained unchained when the field hit three-quarters in 1:28.4. In the final turn, Boozin N Cruzin pulled the pocket and Buzzer found himself in behind horses, needing a way through. Driver Corey Braden guided Buzzer four wide in deep stretch and — seeing and opening — the two-year-old responded, kicking home to win a four-way photo in 1:58.3. Del Mar Doug finished second. Brushing Up held on for third.
“We bought him at auction and he got sick after his first qualifier,” said McLenaghan. “With the track conditions, I didn't expect that kind of kick, but I'm glad he has raced up to what he has shown in his qualifiers.”
Buzzer was sent off at 7-1 odds and paid $16.00 to win.
THROUGH THE SHADES: Tioga Downs hosts two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for three-year-old pacing fillies Sunday (July 24) with a 1 p.m. (EDT) post time. Sundays are “Family Days” featuring $1 food specials, bounce houses, a water slide, a meet-and-greet with a retired racehorse and interactive fan games for prizes.
(Tioga Downs)