by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It wasn't easy but Justgottogetthere
managed to narrowly 'get to' the finish line before anyone else and take the
$9,500 conditioned trot at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night (May 13th) in
1:59.1 over the fast track.
In the co-featured $9,500 fillies and mares conditioned
pace, Ugly Betty continued to dominate the division with another impressive
victory. This week, she cruised to a 3-1/4 length score over A Cameo In Life in
1:56.3.
The opener saw Justgottogetthere and driver Jim McNeight use
their typical tactics, racing to the top and set the fractions. After posting
panels of 29.2, 1:00.0 and 1:29.4, the duo was prepared to take on challengers
in the final quarter mile.
The pocket-sitting Studio City (Ron Beback Jr.) gobbled up
ground down the passing lane but finished in second place just a head behind
the leg-weary but game Justgottogetthere ($5.10). Northern Bullet (Jack
Flanigen) had a great chance as well but drifted out badly in the stretch and
settled for third.
It was the sixth victory in 11 appearances this season for
Justgottogetthere (Valley Victor-Mara's Theme), who has missed the board just
once in 2015. The 6-year-old gelding is co-owned by Antonietta Landi and the
North Creek Racing Stable LLC. The win pushed his seasonal earnings to $35,387
and $173,869 lifetime.
Ugly Betty (David McNeight III) proved to be the best once
again in the co-featured pace for the ladies. She was assigned the outside
seven post, was parked the first quarter mile and that made no difference. Once
driver Kevin Cummings got Ugly Betty to the lead, it was a battle for second
place.
After being given a parking ticket by A Cameo In Life (Kevin
Cummings) to the quarter marker, Ugly Betty ($6.20) cleared and registered
times of 28.4, 58.0 and 1:27.3. She enjoyed a three-length edge at the top of
the stretch and never looked back.
A Cameo In Life managed to take the place position while
V'La Faire (Wade Tomaszewski) finished third. It was the first pari-mutuel
start for Tomaszewski.
Owned by Margaret Payne and Jennifer Falcone, Ugly Betty
(Camluck-Red Road Rage) has won seven times in 15 tries in 2015. The 7-year-old
mare has now won $39,439 this season and $210,912 in her career. Rex Clabaugh
handled the training duties.
The racing will resume on Friday night at Buffalo Raceway
with a 12-race program scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
For more information including race replays, results,
upcoming promotions and the latest news, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
