by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Buffalo Raceway had their own version of
'March Madness' in the $10,000 Open Pace on Saturday night (March 19) as Burton
Blue Chip delivered a $21.40 upset victory in a seasonal best 1:56.0 over the
fast track.
Drawing the rail, Burton Blue Chip managed a perfect pocket
trip as Western Alumni (Jim McNeight) posted fractions on the front end of
28.3, 58.1 and 1:27.0. In the stretch run, the two closers, Youwillwishyouhad
and China Dream were nowhere to be found, thus leaving Burton Blue Chip and
Western Alumni to battle it out for top honors.
Driver Lee Dahn gave Burton Blue Chip a little encouragement
in the lane and the 7-year-old gelding responded to roll past Western Alumni,
scoring the 3/4-length decision. Cobble Beach (David McNeight III), the
lukewarm favorite, finished in third.
Co-owned by trainer Lee Dahn and Larry Dahn, Burton Blue
Chip (American Ideal-Crickets Can Talk) has now recorded two wins in seven
tries in 2016, earning $12,260 and $126,757 lifetime.
Buffalo Raceway's leading driver Jack Flanigen had a
three-bagger while Todd Cummings doubled.
Trainers JD Perrin and Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr. each conditioned
two winners.
Racing continues on Wednesday night with an 11-race card
scheduled for 5 p.m.
For more information including the latest mews, upcoming
promotions, race replays and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
