by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The fireworks started two days early at
Buffalo Raceway as American Bull was as hot as a firecracker in deep stretch
and blew up the tote board with a $38.20 victory in the featured $9,000 Open II
pace on Saturday night (July 2).
Getting a pocket journey for most of the mile, American Bull
(Todd Cummings) was able to win the cavalry charge to the finish by beating
Jolt Of Whiskey (Kevin Cummings) by a neck while Bad Fox (Lee Dahn) took third.
Big Bad George played give-and-go with American Bull to set
the tempo with times of 30.0, 59.2 and 1:29.1. But in the final panel of pacing
action, the favored Big Bad George was in retreat mode while American Bull,
Jolt Of Whiskey and Bad Fox were gearing up three-wide heading for the wire.
Using the passing lane, American Bull had all the momentum
in the shadow of the finish line to power past Jolt Of Whiskey and Bad Fox in
1:58.0.
Owned by Sidney Easton and trained by Anthony Cummings,
American Bull (American Ideal-Touch Of Pearls) is a 5-year-old gelding that has
two wins in 11 appearances this season. The win upped his 2016 bankroll to
$15,210 and $103,865 lifetime.
It was a great night for Shawn McDonough as he drove home
four winners and had a pair of training victories while Drew Monti had a triple
in the bike. Maria Rice had a training double.
Racing will resume on Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. with a
12-race program scheduled.
For more information including upcoming promotions, the
latest news, race replays and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
