by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Gallant Seelster got his first taste of
Open competition at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (March 11) and he found
it to be delicious.
Rising up through the ranks successfully the past four
weeks, Gallant Seelster ($6.20) landed in the $10,000 Open Pace this time
around and led at every marker in scoring the three-quarter length win over
China Dream in 1:55.3 over the fast track.
Just a few weeks ago, Gallant Seelster was in $15,000
optional claimers and after stringing together three impressive wins in four
tries, it was time to tackle the best.
Using the same tactics that got Gallant Seelster into the
Open event, driver David McNeight III sent the 7-year-old gelding right to the
lead.
After putting up splits of 28.0, 57.4 and 1:26.4, the
lukewarm favorite Gallant Seelster was primed to take on any callers through
the stretch. There was just one taker, that being China Dream (Shawn
Gray).
While in perfect striking position, China Dream couldn't
make up any ground in the stretch as Gallant Seelster had more than enough pace
to withstand the challenge. Believe This Bob (Drew Monti) took the show
position.
Co-owned by Pete Kibler, James Costa and Courtney McNeight,
Gallant Seelster (Stonebridge Regal-Gold Not Silver) is trained by David
McNeight Jr. Now a winner of five races this season in 10 tries, Gallant
Seelster has put $25,578 in the bank in 2017 and $414,507 lifetime.
Jim Morrill Jr. remained on fire as he notched five wins in
the sulky while Larry Stalbaum had a double. Gerry Sarama posted a training
triple and David Russo had two.
Racing will resume on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. when an
11-race card is set. There will be a $848 carryover in the Pick-5 which begins
in the second race.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming
promotions, race replays and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
