by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Little Santamonica ($6.90) unleashed
a furious rally in the stretch and stunned Mach This Way by a head Wednesday
night (Feb. 10) to take Buffalo Raceway's $10,000 Open Pace for fillies and
mares in 1:59.2 over the sloppy track.
It appeared that Mach This Way had things under control at
the top of the stretch with a brush to take the lead. But Little Santamonica,
who was sitting dead last at the three-quarter marker, quickly began picking
off horses one by one on the far outside to move into contention.
In the race to the wire, Little Santamonica had driver Shawn
McDonough holding on tight as the pair zoomed past Mach This Way (Ron Beback
Jr.) who were left in total disbelief. A sizzling 28.3 final panel proved to be
the difference. Charmschooldropout (Jim McNeight) took the show position.
Owned and trained by Jordan Hope, it was the first win in
five tries in 2016 for Little Santamonica (Little Steven-Tonianne N) whose last
six attempts came at Yonkers Raceway. The 8-year-old mare has now won $5,700
this year and $323,563 lifetime.
Driver David McNeight III continued his torrid pace as he
posted a four-win night while Todd Cummings tripled and Ray Fisher Jr. added a
double. Trainers Kirk Desmond and David McNeight Jr. each had a pair of
victories.
Racing resumes Friday night at Buffalo Raceway with a
12-race card scheduled for 5 p.m. Ronnie Wrenn Jr., one of the top drivers in
North America, is slated to participate in 11 of the 12 races.
For more information including the latest news, replays,
results and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
