by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Noahs Mill ($7.80) saved ground and used a
perfect pocket trip to register a neck victory over
Iluvtomakemoney in Buffalo Raceway's featured $12,300 Class
AA-Open Handicapped Pace on Saturday evening (July 3).
Starting from the inside hole and fresh off a strong 3-3/4
length win last week, Noahs Mill (Kevin Cummings) followed behind the pace
setting Iluvtomakemoney (Ray Fisher Jr.) through panels of :28.3, :57.3 and
1:25.2 over the fast track.
Turning for home Iluvtomakemoney, who has now finished
second in three consecutive starts in Open company, looked strong on the lead
but just couldn't hang on as Noahs Mill found a wide open passing lane and used
it to rally for the score in 1:54.2. Southwind Onyx (Kyle Cummings) took the
show position.
Conditioned by Jennifer Giuliani and owned by Terence
Miller, it was the third victory in 18 outings for the
6-year-old Noahs Mill (Camluck-Tarport Baccarat). The triumph moved
his winnings on the season to $24,822 and $128,423 in his career.
After stringing together four victories in a row earlier
this season, R J P was stuck in a mild slump with two straight setbacks. He
broke out of those doldrums in the $10,500 Class A-AA Handicapped Pace with a
hard fought three quarter length decision over a tough luck Thor De Vie in a
seasonal best of 1:54.4.
Setting out to take command early in the race, R J P
($19.80) stepped off fractions of :28.1, :57.0 and 1:25.4. Things got dicey in
the lane as pacers were coming from all angles but driver Denny Bucceri kept R
J P on task and held off a charging Thor De Vie (Cummings) and Dojea Solo
(Shawn McDonough) who placed second and third respectively.
Co-owned by the Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Jack
Piatt and Purnel & Libby, R J P (Somebeachsomewhere-Vysoke Tatry) is
trained by Jim Clouser Jr. The victory improved his 2021 bankroll to $33,466
and $353,705 in his career.
London Seelster ($5.40) fired off to the lead and never
looked back in posting the victory in the $10,500 Class A pace in a seasonal
best time of 1:54.4.
Scoring from the three post, London Seelster (David McNeight
III) had little resistance in clearing to the lead and put up splits of :29.1,
:58.0 and 1:26.3 along the way. There were no serious challengers down the
stretch as London Seelster crossed the finish line a comfortable two
lengths in front. Mr Ham Sandwich (Bucceri) was able to nudge out Hold The Gold
(Jim Morrill Jr.) for second place.
Co-owned by McNeight III and James Costa, the 7-year-old
gelded London Seelster (Camluck-Legacy) is trained by Cassandra Johnson. The
win moved his seasonal earnings to $19,327 and $205,249 lifetime.
McNeight III had a driving triple and Kevin Cummings
doubled.
Racing will continue on Wednesday evening with a 12-race
card set for 5 p.m. The New York Sire Stakes will make its final final
appearance of the 2021 campaign. The 2-year-old filly pacers will take the
center stage with a pair of $50,000 events and two $15,000 Excelsior A races.
There will be a $6,300 Excelsior B contest that will be a non-betting affair
slated to go off at 4:30 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, entries and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
