by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Unicorn Hanover and driver Kevin Cummings
worked out a perfect first over trip and took the featured $10,500 Open I-II
pace at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (June 20).
Sitting sixth and last place to the half, Unicorn Hanover
tipped to the outside and started his winning march to the lead, getting on
even terms with Bakken at the three-quarter pole.
As the field of six turned for home, Unicorn Hanover ($5.20)
was quickest of all, holding off a stubborn Rockstar Temper (Drew Monti) by a
half length in 1:55.2 over the fast track. Bakken (Ray Fisher Jr.), the
pace-setter for much of the race, finished in third.
Owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, Unicorn
Hanover (Four Starzzz Shark-Up Front Georgia) has now won three times in 11
attempts in 2015, putting $25,850 in the bank. The victory pushed his career
earnings to $387,361.
In the sub-featured $8,800 pace, Beachfront turned in a
seasonal best 1:55.4 and held off a late rush from Ponyta Boy (Ron Beback Jr.)
and Art Two D Two (Drew Monti).
Setting the splits of 29.0, 58.1, and 1:27.1, driver David
McNeight III and Beachfront ($6.90) were ready for challenges in the stretch
and they weren't disappointed. Ponyta Boy and Art Two D Two each made serious
late bids but Beachfront had enough in the tank to hang on for the head win.
Beachfront (Somebeachsomewhere-Up Front Norma) is a
5-year-gelding owned by the Limerick Racing Stable and trained by David
McNeight Jr. It was his third win of the season and moved the 5-year-old
gelding's winnings to $17,424 and $91,270 lifetime.
Racing resumes on Sunday afternoon with a 1:05 p.m. with a
10-race card set.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, upcoming promotions and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
