by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- After pulling a mild $17.40 upset at
Buffalo Raceway last Friday night, it seemed only natural that the public would
give Strong Hope some more respect at the betting windows this week.
But that wasn't the case at all. Strong Hope was sent off at
25-to-1 odds this time around and proved his doubters dead wrong by posting a
$53.50 victory over Northern Bullet in the featured $9,000 trot in 1:59.0 over
the fast track.
Being assigned the outside post, Strong Hope (Ray Fisher
Jr.) managed to drop into fourth place as Lutetium played catch me if you can
as usual.
Strong Hope began his first over grind at the half, slowly
chipped away at the lead and wore down eventual third place finisher Lutetium
(Ron Beback Jr.) in the stretch. Northern Bullet (Jim Morrill Jr.) rallied late
to take second place, a non-threatening length behind.
Owned by Nancy Knockwood and trained by Joe Agostino, Strong
Hope (Cr Excalibur-Spring Lane Joanie) is a 9-year-old horse that has now
earned $20,581 this season and $521,824 lifetime. It was the third victory of
the season in 13 tries for Strong Hope.
Morrill Jr. finished the night with five wins, Fisher Jr.
and Todd Cummings each doubled in the sulky while Agostino had a training
double for the second Friday in a row.
In other news from the Hamburg half-mile oval, current
leader in the driver's standings Jack Flanigen will be out of action
several weeks after suffering a broken arm in off-track mishap.
Racing will continue on Saturday night at Buffalo Raceway
with an 11-race card set for 6 p.m. There will be a $991 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
