by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Mr. Perserverance was on quite a terror
with four straight victories before being shut down for a little rest and
relaxation on December 12.
He came back for a qualifier on January 23 and zoomed to an
easy 6-1/4 length win in 1:57.4. But would those impressive credentials hold up
in Saturday's $10,000 Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway?
The answer was a resounding yes.
Mr. Perserverance ($4.60) went gate-to-wire once again and
smoked the field of five in 1:56.4 over a good track, defeating
Youwillwishyouhad by a non-threatening length.
The race looked liked it was going to shape up as a speed
duel between China Dream and Mr. Perserverance. That didn't materialize as
China Dream was a late scratch.
Appearing to be the lone speedster off the gate, driver Ron
Beback Jr. and Mr. Perserverance took advantage of the situation and toured the
Hamburg half-mile oval with little pressure. Posting splits of 28.3, 58.3 and
1:28.0, the pair had the other four entrants battling for the minor spoils in
the battle in the stretch.
Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) finished in second place
while Arrived Late (Shawn McDonough) took third.
Owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser Jr.,
Mr. Perserverance (Real Artist-Miss Tenacity) is an 8-year-old gelding who now
has won $262,849 lifetime.
It was a superb night for Clouser Jr. as he trained four
winners on the night. Shawn Gray and Mike Carrubba each had two victories.
Jim McNeight, Gray and Ron Beback Jr. each posted doubles in
the sulky.
Racing continues at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday evening
with a 12-race program scheduled for 6 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, results and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
