by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It may have been April Fool's Day but
Strong Hope wasn't joking around at all in Buffalo Raceway's $10,000 Open Trot
on Friday night (April 1) as he registered a $17.40 surprise in a seasonal best
1:58.3.
Lutetium did the dirty work on the front end, setting splits
of 28.4, 59.2 and 1:29.1 over the fast track. Strong Hope cruised along in
second and was just waiting for the race for home. That where things got
interesting as Lutetium felt an onslaught coming from all directions. Northern
Bullet and Justgottogetthere were coming on the outside while Strong Hope went
inside.
Driver Jack Flanigen gave Strong Hope some encouragement in
the passing lane and he responded positively with a 29.1 last panel to draw off
to a 1-3/4 length advantage over Northern Bullet (Jim Morrill Jr.). Lutetium
(Ron Beback Jr.) and Justgottogethere (Jim McNeight) were in a dead heat for
the show spot.
Owned by Nancy Knockwood and trained by Joe Agostino, Strong
Hope (Cr Excalibur-Spring Lane) is a 9-year-old horse that has produced two
wins in 12 starts in 2016, putting $16,441 in the bank. The victory also upped
his career earnings to $516,324.
Beback Jr. finished the night with three victories in the
sulky while Flanigen, Jim McNeight and Drew Monti all posted doubles on the
card. Trainer Joe Agostino conditioned a pair of winners..
Racing will continue on Saturday night with a 12-race program
scheduled for 6 p.m. There's a $1,129 carryover in the Pick-5 which begins in
the fifth race.
For more information including the latest news, race
results, replays and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
