by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It was a dream trip for China Dream in the
$10,000 Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway Saturday night (Jan. 23) by coasting to a
half-length upset victory in a brisk 1:55.4 over the fast track.
After battling momentarily with Wild Shot Hanover around the
first turn, driver Jack Flanigen and China Dream settled into the lead and
posted fractions of 28.0, 57.4 and 1:27.1 past the three-quarter marker. The
pace-setting China Dream was awaiting a charge from the closers in the stretch,
including the favored Diamond Cowboy, but nothing of consequence developed.
China Dream ($20.20) had a snappy last panel of 28.3 to help
spring the surprise win. Listowel (Ron Beback Jr.) showed late pace to take
second place while Wild Shot Hanover (Truman Gale) finished in third.
Owned by Jack and Maria Rice, China Dream (If I Can
Dream-China Act) has a win and second place finish in a pair of 2016 starts,
putting $7,500 in the bank. It also moved the 5-year-old gelding's lifetime
earnings to $97,093. Maria Rice handles the training duties.
Shawn Gray, Ron Beback Jr., Shawn McDonough and Kevin
Cummings all had a pair of wins in the sulky.
Trainer JD Perrin posted two victories on the program.
Racing will continue on Wednesday evening with 12 races
slated to begin at 5 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, results and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
