by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- There were a couple of surprises at
Buffalo Raceway on a gorgeous Friday night (June 3).
First, Strong Hope stunned the betting public again with an
easy 2-1/2 length victory over Cold Certified in the $10,000 Open Trot.
But not to be outdone two races later, Noble Legend set the
track record for four-year-old gelding trotters with a 1:57.3 time over the
fast track in beating Red Clay in a $8,200 conditioned event by a half length.
It erased the old standard of 1:58.2 held by Sams Hope (2003), Baby Boy Grin
(2009) and BZ Glide (2013).
Noble Legend ($3.40), driven by Kevin Cummings, was third at
the top of the lane and used a late charge to nip Red Clay in the record
setting clocking.
Owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Jack Rice, Noble
Legend (Kadabra-Lovin It) has earned $25,758 this season thanks to four wins in
14 appearances this season. Maria Rice trained the winner.
In the feature, Strong Hope returned $22.20 for the win to
go along with his $11.80, $17.40 and $53.50 in previous victories since April
1. The 9-year-old also has had two second places finishes during that stretch
as well, but ironically has yet to go off the post time favorite.
As expected, Lutetium (Kevin Cummings) set the fractions
starting from the seven post and put up reasonable splits of 28.3, 59.1 and
1:29.0. Strong Hope, who sat fourth from the beginning, was first over to the
half and was on even terms with Lutetium at the top of the stretch.
There was no denying Strong Hope in the lane however as he
powerfully trotted away from the field and left second place finisher Cold
Certified (Shawn McDonough) and third place finisher B Z Glide (Mike Caprio) in
his wake.
Owned and trained by Joe Agostino, it was the fifth win in
18 tries this season for Strong Hope (Cr Excalibur-Spring Lane Joanie). It
moved his seasonal earnings to $35,691 and $536,574 lifetime.
James McNeight Jr. got his first pari mutual win ever as the
19-year-old steered Jim Dandy to a $9.70 win in the eleventh race.
Kevin Cummings had five wins in the bike while Fisher Jr.
finished the night with a four-bagger. Angelo Nappo scored a training triple.
Racing will continue on Saturday night with an 11-race card
set for 6 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming
promotions, race replays and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
