by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- A disappointing second place finish last
week left a bitter taste in the mouth of Sportsmuffler. But on Wednesday night
(April 18), she bounced back nice and tasted sweet victory by registering a two
length decision over Aritzia Hanover in the featured $10,400 Open Pace for the
mares at Buffalo Raceway.
After watching Aritzia Hanover reel off fractions of :28.4
and :58.4 to the half, Sportsmuffler (Drew Monti) began her first over journey
to the lead. Getting to the top with a quarter mile to pace, Sportsmuffler
($3.10) used a :28.0 final panel to seal the deal in going the mile in a
seasonal best 1:56.3.
Aritzia Hanover (Billy Davis Jr.) held on for second place
while Hey Kobe (David McNeight III) rallied late for third.
It was the second victory in five starts in 2018 for the
6-year-old Sportsmuffler (Sportsmaster-Whatifthere'smore). Owned by Rose
Campbell and trained by Steven Kiblin, Sportsmaster has now earned $14,309 this
season and $227,165 lifetime.
Monti completed the evening with a triple in the sulky while
Ray Fisher Jr. doubled. Kiblin finished the night with two training wins.
Racing will continue on Saturday night at 6 p.m. with a
12-race program scheduled.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, results, entries, simulcast schedule and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
