by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Luck was on the side of Red Clay on Friday
the 13th at Buffalo Raceway.
After making a costly break while leading the pack last
week, Red Clay was on his best behavior this time around and scored a neck
victory in 1:59.2 over Lucky Pablo in the featured $8,200 trot.
Sitting sixth and last past the half mile pole, Red Clay
started his march to top as Lucky Pablo set the splits of 29.3, 59.4 and 1:30.2
over the fast track. At the top of the stretch, driver Shawn McDonough and Red
Clay went three-wide, stayed on gait, and put a neck in front just before the
wire. Lucky Pablo (Jim Morrill Jr.) was a broken hearted second and Striker Ace
(Ray Fisher Jr.) third.
Co-owned by Patricia Cappotelli and trainer Carmen
Cappotelli, Red Clay (American Mike-Ersa Kash) is a 6-year-old gelding who won
for the first time in his third start of the campaign. His seasonal earnings
moved to $5,142 and $30,956 lifetime.
McDonough, Morrill Jr. and David McNeight III finished the
evening with a driving doubles while trainer John Mungillo had a pair of
victories.
Racing will continue on Saturday at 6 p.m. with an 11-race
program scheduled. The Pick-5, which begins in the fifth race, will have a
carryover of $1,217.
For more information including upcoming promotions, race
replays, results and the latest news, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
