by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The longest stretch on a half-mile track
in the United States and a pacer with a form that shows a big time closing
kick. That was the perfect recipe for Diamond Cowboy in Buffalo Raceway's
$10,000 Open pace on Saturday evening (Jan. 16).
Diamond Cowboy ($6.20) was parked out in the field of six
from the start but was perfectly rated by driver Shawn Gray to stay in
contention as Youwillwishyouhad set fractions of 29.1, 59.4 and 1:29.1.
At the three-quarter station, Gray tipped the locked and
loaded Diamond Cowboy three-wide around the final turn and effortlessly went on
to score the 1-1/4 length win in 1:58.4. China Dream (Jack Flanigen) rode the
pylons for second while Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) held on for the show
spot.
Diamond Cowboy (Six Of Diamonds-Money For Munchkin) is a
7-year-old gelding owned by William Emmons and trained by Gray. A winner of
$61,118 in 2015 thanks to six victories, Diamond Cowboy has now earned $499,915
lifetime.
It was a great all around night for Gray as he registered a
driving and training triple. He also drove and conditioned Harmony Oaks Ruler
($2.90) and Mercurio N ($3.60).
Shawn McDonough and Truman Gale each notched three-baggers
as well on the evening.
Courtney Ohol scored a double for the second straight night
on the trainer's side while Craig Gilmour also found the winner's circle
twice..
Racing will resume on Wednesday at 5 p.m. with an 12-race
program which will feature some of the best filly and mare pacers on the
grounds battling for a purse of $9,200 in the opener.
For more information including the latest news, results,
replays, entries and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
