by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Jokerman was the longest shot on the board
in the $10,500 Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (July 11) and
showed he was 'no joke' at the finish line.
Registering a seasonal best time of 1:54.4 over the fast
track, the determined Jokerman (David McNeight III) managed to nip the
heavily-favored Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) by a nose and return a
healthy $49.60 for the victory.
Watching from fourth as Mr. Perserverance put up splits of
27.1, 56.0 and 1:25.2, Jokerman swung three wide as the field of six turned
from home. Youwillwishyouhad got the lead in the early drive to the wire
but couldn't hold off the pesky Jokerman at the line. Rockstar Temper
(Drew Monti), the winner of the past two Saturday night features, finished in
third.
Co-owned by trainer Richard Roth along with Robert and Randy
Roth, Jokerman (American Ideal-Shark Tail) has now won seven times in 22 starts
in 2015, earning $49,644. The 6-year-old gelding increased his career bankroll
to $98,787.
The tote board showed that the sub-featured $9,500 Open II
Pace was going to be a wide-open affair and the field of eight didn't
disappoint. Cobble Beach (Cummings) had a wicked trip but somehow held on for a
head victory over Burton Blue Chip.
Cobble Beach, starting from the eight post, had to race
three-wide past the quarter pole before finally settling on top. With fractions
of 27.4, 55.2 and 1:25.1, there was no rest for the weary.
There were pacers coming from everywhere in the lane but
Cobble Beach turned in a gutsy performance to hold back the attacks put forth
by Burton Blue Chip (Lee Dahn), Art Two D Two (Monti) and I C D
Moolah (Ron Beback Jr.) who completed the top four placements in the
blanket finish.
The 5-year-old gelded Cobble Beach has now scored three
victories in 23 starts for owner-trainer James Clouser Jr. The win increased
his seasonal earnings to $35,440 and $130,347 lifetime.
It's a big afternoon of racing coming up Sunday at 1:05 p.m.
at Buffalo Raceway. The New York Sire Stakes highlights the program with the
3-year-old filly trotters battling it out. Hall of Fame driver John Campbell
will be in town, making his first appearance at the track since 1992. He is
scheduled to compete in four events.
It's also 'Sunday Funday' with free sno cones, cotton candy,
bounce house and crafts for the kids while the track side grill will also be
open during the 13-race card.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming
promotions, race replays and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
