by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The record book hasn't been safe recently
at Buffalo Raceway and Winkys Pride sure is helping in re-writing it.
For the second time in three weeks, Winkys Pride ($3.90) set
a new standard in winning the $10,500 Open Trot at Buffalo Raceway Wednesday
night (June 24), going the mile in 1:57.0. The time broke the all-aged mares
trotting record and aged (5+) mare mark of 1:57.2 established by her on June
10th.
It was the ninth time in 2015 that a track record has either
been tied or broken at the lightning-fast Hamburg half-mile oval located at the
Erie County Fairgrounds.
Driver Drew Monti was all smiles in the winner's circle with
Winkys Pride after the victory, saying "Wow, another track record, but it
was tougher than I expected."
Being assigned the six-post, Winkys Pride went right to the
top and posted splits of 29.0, 58.3 and 1:28.1. But it was the hard-charging
Serious George (Shawn Gray) which made Winkys Pride work hard late and hold on
for the half length win. Studio City (Ron Beback Jr.) finished in third.
Owned and trained by Robert Hummel, Winkys Pride (Winkys
Smile-Yankee Paco) is a 7-year-old mare who now has four victories in 2015,
earning $20,394 along the way. She has made $196,317 lifetime.
In the $9,500 Open II pace for the fillies and mares, Kisses
N Kicks ($7.70) roared down the stretch and nipped the pace-setting Infrontigo
Hanover by a nose in 1:56.4.
With Infrontigo Hanover putting up fractions of 28.2, 58.1
and 1:27.4, she looked home free until Kisses N Kicks (David McNeight III)
arrived on the scene at the top of the stretch. Using a 28.3 last panel, Kisses
N Kicks got up in the shadow of the wire to pin the disappointing setback on Infrontigo
Hanover (Jim McNeight). Country Delight (Jack Flanigen) took the show spot.
Owned by Courtney McNeight and trained by McNeight III, it
was the seventh win in 21 starts for the 7-year-old mare. Kisses N Kicks (Life
Sign-Kissing Rain) now has bankrolled $37,553 this season and $195,960
lifetime.
Kevin Cummings finished the night with three victories while
David McNeight III and Jim McNeight doubled.
Racing will continue on Friday night with a 10-race program
scheduled to go to the post at 6:35 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming
promotions, race replays and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
