by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The thermometer at Buffalo Raceway read a
brisk 19 degrees on Saturday night (March 4) but Gallant Seelster sure did make
the mercury rise with an impressive victory in the featured $8,600 pace.
Tying the fastest mile of the 2017 meet with a 1:54.4,
Gallant Seelster (David McNeight III) went gate to wire and beat Shady City
(Larry Stalbaum) by solid 2-1/4 lengths. A scorching 56.4 second half mile
including a 28.0 last panel was more than enough for Gallant Seelster to
register the $5.50 win.
Starting from the five post, Gallant Seelster faced little
resistance in setting the pace. After putting up splits of 29.1, 58.0 and
1:26.4, Gallant Seelster was waiting for some challengers in the lane, but
there were no takers. Shady City managed to hang onto second place while Babe's
I Scoot (Ray Fisher Jr.) was third.
Gallant Seelster (Stoneridge Regal-Gold Not Silver) is
co-owned by Pete Kibler, James Costa and Courtney McNeight. David McNeight Jr.
handled the training duties for the 7-year-old gelding, now a winner of four
races this season in nine appearances. Gallant Seelster has earned $20,578 in
2017 and $409,407 lifetime.
Shawn Gray and Ray Fisher Jr. had triples in the bike with
Kevin Cummings and McNeight III each getting a double. Sabrina Clevenger, Maria
Rice and Gerry Sarama each had two training victories.
Racing will resume on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. with 11
races scheduled.
