by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It's been quite a streak for
Justgottogetthere in 2015 at Buffalo Raceway and the amazing journey continued
on a crisp Wednesday night (May 20).
For the seventh time in 12 starts, Justgottogetthere landed
in the winner's circle after hanging on for a nose victory over the
fast-closing BZ Glide in the $9,500 conditioned trot. Besides the seven wins,
Justgottogetthere has finished in second place four times as well this season.
After being assigned the seven post, driver Jim McNeight and
Justgottogetthere had to battle with Talladega Hanover to get to the top.
Posting splits of 28.4, 59.4 and 1:29.4, there were several in perfect position
ready to pick off Justgottogetthere in the stretch.
Northern Bullet was first over heading into the stretch with
BZ Glide following his live cover in hopes of catching the front-stepping
Justgottogetthere. Northern Bullet was the initial threat but tailed off to
finish third for Jack Flanigen.
Next up was BZ Glide. In his first pari-mutel start of the
season, BZ Glide went three-wide in the lane and had plenty of trot. But
unfortunately, he ran out of real estate, finishing a nostril behind the
big-hearted Justgottogethere ($5.30).
Owned by Antonietta Landi and the North Creek Racing Stable
LLC, Justgottogetthere (Valley Victor-Mara's Theme) tripped the timer in 1:59.1
over the fast track in registering the win. The decision upped the 6-year-old
gelding's earnings to $40,437 in 2015 and $178,919 lifetime. Jerry Nugent Jr.
handled the training duties.
In the co-featured $9,500 conditioned/optional claimer for
the fillies and mares, Eyemajet was on engine in the stretch to take a narrow
head win over It's De Lovely in 1:58.0.
The favored A Cameo In Life cut the fractions with times of
29.4, 59.4 and 1:29.2 but Eyemajet, trained and driven by Shawn Gray, stalked
the pace the final half mile. In the stretch, A Cameo In Life threw in the
towel while Eyemajet ($12.60) roared by the pace-setter.
The triumph didn't come easy as Eyemajet had to hold off the
late charge by It's De Lovely (David McNeight III). She's A Maniac (Jim
McNeight) took the show spot.
The 6-year-old mare Eyemajet (Jereme's Jet-Aahptometrist)
has now three victories in 16 tries in 2015, earning $23,326 and upping her
career bankroll to $213,603.
In the seventh race, Surfers Paradise pulled a shocker with
a $222.50 win for driver Mike Caprio.
Racing will resume on Friday night at Buffalo Raceway with a
13-race program set for 6:35 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, race replays,
results and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
