by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- After opening the season with an
impressive three-race win streak, Southern Palms hit the skids and failed to
earned a check in his next two starts.
But on Friday night (March 3) in Buffalo Raceway's $10,000
Open Trot, Southern Palms regrouped and got back to his winning ways with a
$23.40 upset victory in a seasonal best 1:58.2 over the fast track. He was able
to comfortably hold off the late charge by Ali De Vie (Kevin Cummings) and
Winkys Pride (Drew Monti) who finished second and third respectively.
There were two consecutive stunners to open the Friday card
which produced a $1479.00 early daily double. The opening leg was kicked off by
an $85.50 win by Change Your Luck (Monti) which was then followed by Southern
Palms' effort.
After a battle to get the lead from the start in the
feature, Southern Palms (Ray Fisher Jr.) settled in and produced fractions of
28.2, 58.3 and 1:28.3.
There looked like plenty of contenders as heads turned for
home but they ended up being pretenders as Southern Palms convincingly trotted
to the wire with 3/4 lengths to spare.
Owned by Michael Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, it
was the fourth victory in six tries for the 4-year-old gelded Southern Palms
(Rc Royalty-Pacific Elegance). The win pushed his seasonal bankroll to $14,300
and $168,505 lifetime.
Fisher Jr. had four winners in the sulky, Shawn Gray had
three with Monti and Larry Stalbaum each getting a double. Sarama had a
training triple.
Racing will continue on Saturday night at 6 p.m. with an
11-race card scheduled. There is a $692 carryover in the Pick-5 which begins in
the second race.
For more information including upcoming promotions, race
replays, results and the latest news, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
