HAMBURG, N.Y. ---Smalltownthrowdown threw down the gauntlet
early and held on late to win his $61,300 leg of the New York Sire Stakes for
the 3-year-old trotting colt and geldings in a track record 1:56.2 at steamy
Buffalo Raceway Sunday afternoon (June 26).
The previous record for 3-year-old trotting colts was 1:56.4
established in 2014 by Cash Me Out.
In the other division, The Royal Harry led every step of the
mile and beat Crazycat by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:59.4 over the fast track.
Smalltownthrowdown opened up a commanding six length lead to
the quarter pole and was cruising, maintaining a two length cushion turning for
home the final time.
But after putting up splits of 29.2, 59.0 and 1:28.0,
Smalltownthrowdown ended up beckoning for the finish line and held on for a
diminishing half length victory over the never-say-die Drazzmatazz (Francisco
Del Cid). Do The Deal (Ake Svanstedt) managed to take third.
"He's good on a half-mile track," driver Dan Daley
said of Smalltownthrowdown. "The main thing was getting around the turns
here and getting to the lead. That was key."
The relieved Daley smiled when asked about the close finish
saying, "He flattened out a little bit in the end but he got the job
done."
It was the third victory in eight starts this season for
Smalltownthrowdown (Cash Me Out-Ann's Promise) and moved the Daley-trainee's
earnings to $73,108 in 2016 and $195,073 lifetime.
The Royal Harry also went to the winner's circle in
coast-to-coast fashion in the first division with a relatively comfortable
decision over Crazycat (Drew Monti).
Setting fractions of 28.4, 59.2 and 1:30.0, The Royal Harry
seemed worry-free in the stretch run but driver Svanstedt said there was an
anxious moment. "I thought he was going to break stride in the lane but he
got himself back before he did."
Crazycat made a brief rally in passing lane and settled for
second while A Jersey Contract (Jim Morrill Jr.) took third.
Co-owned by Michael and William Pozefsky and trained by
Svanstedt, The Royal Harry (Rc Royalty-Wilsonator) now has two victories in
four attempts in 2016. The win sent his seasonal earnings to $65,624 and
$79,254 lifetime.
In the $15,000 Excelsior A Series, Reasinforpleasin ($6.60)
turned in the fastest time with 2:01.2 with Kevin Cummings in the sulky while
Morrill Jr. guided Boxall ($4.60) to a 2:01.3 victory.
Chargin Cadet (Ray Schnittker) took a $6,500 division of the
Excelsior B Series with a 2:03.1 time and Thanks For Playin (Chris Lems) got
the job done in 2:03.3 in the other leg.
Robert Davis took both divisions of the C.K.G Billings
Amateur Driving Series as he steered Christina Victory ($3.50) and Goddess's
Justin ($5.30) to wins.
Morrill Jr. finished with a double as well while Buffalo
Raceway's leading trainer JD Perrin had two victories.
Racing will continue on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. with 12
race card set. The New York Sire Stakes returns once again with the 2-year-old
trotting fillies highlighting the program.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming
promotions, race replays and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
