by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- When last seen, J A T O was in the winner's
circle after posting a 1-1/2 victory in the $10,000 New York County Fair final
for 2-year-old colt trotters at Monticello Raceway back on September 2, 2014.
After nearly a nine-month layoff, J A T O resurfaced again,
ths time on Sunday afternoon (June 21) at Buffalo Raceway and the results were
the same...impressive.
In winning the County Fair final back in September, J A T O
broke stride at the start and spotted the field more than 11 lengths at quarter
pole but roared back for the victory.
While not breaking this time, J A T O trailed the trotters
in the $3,200 conditioned event at Buffalo Raceway by more than a dozen lengths
after the opening panel but proved once again the lead wasn't insurmountable.
The 3-year-old colt got in gear and smartly trotted around the field, taking a
3/4-length decision over TK's Diva in a lifetime best of 2:02.1.
The was only the second pari-mutuel start for J A T O (Big
Apple Deli-Highwaytoheaven), both of which are now victories. He was 8-of-9 on
the non-betting New York Fair circuit in 2014, earning $16,851 including the
County Fair final purse.
Co-owned by trainer Margaret Butler and Amy Butler, J A T O
was driven to the win by Doug Ackley.
In the C.K.G Billings Amateur Driving Challenge, Stephen
Oldford won aboard Lady Jill ($6.00) while Robert Davis sprung an upset taking
Stags Leap ($11.20) to the winner's circle in the second leg.
Ray Fisher Jr. was the only driver on the 10-race card as he
posted a double.
Racing will continue on Wednesday night at Buffalo Raceway
with a 10-race card scheduled for 5 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, results and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
