HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Jokerman had the last laugh in the
featured $9,500 conditioned pace at Buffalo Raceway Saturday night (April 4)
with a stunning upset victory in a seasonal best time of 1:55.1 over the fast
track.
Overlooked by the betting public, Jokerman returned a hefty
$27.00 to his backers after turning back the mild rally of Bakken in the race
to the wire
It was a battle to the lead as rail-sitting Lucky
Nadotremblay tussled with the parked Jokerman to a quarter in a red-hot time of
27.4. Jokerman (Jim McNeight) was finally able to clear for the lead and posted
times of 56.2 and 1:25.4 from there.
In the race to the finish, Jokerman posted a final panel of
29.2 and that was more than enough to hold off any challenges from the
remaining six horses in the field. Bakken (Ray Fisher Jr.) show some mild kick
but finished a non-threatening length back while Lucky Nadotremblay (Shawn
McDonough) rolled into the show position.
It was the fourth win in 12 starts for Jokerman and the
6-year-old gelding has now been in the money in all but one start in 2015. He
is co-owned by trainer Richard Roth along with Robert and Randy Roth. Jokerman
(American Ideal-Shark Tail) has now earned $29,289 this year.
In the first round of the Niatross Knockout Claiming 'B'
Series, Secluded Island ($4.10) was the fastest winner in the five divisions
with a 1:57.1 clocking.
Dedalos ($3.30), who captured the Naitross 'A' Series
earlier this season, took his leg with a 1:57.4 mark.
Other preliminary round winners included Nora Lee ($4.00), K
C Colt ($15.80) and Full Circle Spirit ($12.00). The quarter-finals will be
held next Saturday night.
Driver Drew Monti had a four-bagger on the night and Kevin
Cummings went over the 100-win plateau on the year with four victories as well.
Trainer Michelle Gramza had three wins.
The racing action will continue at Buffalo Raceway on
Wednesday night with a 12-race card scheduled for 5 p.m.
