by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It was another typical victory for Lutetium as the 9-year-old gelding went wire-to-wire in a seasonal best 1:57.0 to post an easy 3-3/4 length decision over J A T O in Buffalo Raceway's $10,000 Open Trot on Friday night (July 22).
Zooming off the gate from the five post, driver Todd Cummings, who finished the night with four victories, put Lutetium ($6.20) in his customary spot on the front end and it was clear sailing from there.
With fractions of 28.2, 58.1 and 1:27.1, Lutetium had a comfortable two length edge with a quarter mile to trot and enjoyed the uneventful journey to the finish line. J A T O (Mike Caprio) was second with Winkys Pride (Drew Monti) third.
Owned by Colleen Girdlestone and trained by Mark Laidlaw, Lutetium (Credit Winner-Luby) has won five times in 21 starts this season, pushing his earnings to $41,980 and $398,597 lifetime.
It was a great night for the long shots as the average win price on the 10-race program was $17.50. Scarlet Starlet lit up the tote board with a $53.50 victory while Jann Down ($32.60) and Livefreeordiehard ($31.20) were other big priced winners.
Kevin Cummings and Ray Fisher Jr. each had a driving double and Angelo Nappo had a pair of training victories.
Racing will resume on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. The program will feature six finals of the Championship Claiming Series.
For more information including upcoming promotions, race replays, results, simulcast schedule and the latest news, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
