by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Hey Kobe ($7.30) popped the pocket at the
top of the stretch and eventually collared the pace-setting Aritzia Hanover in
the shadow of the wire to collect the victory in Buffalo Raceway's featured
$7,700 Open II Pace for the mares on Wednesday night (March 14).
After putting up splits of :29.1, :59.3 and 1:30.1, Aritzia
Hanover (Billy Davis Jr.) seemed at ease on the lead with a quarter mile to
pace. That comfort level evaporated quickly as Classy Lane Rose (Drew Monti)
started to attack on the outside but then called it a night.
Meanwhile, Hey Kobe (David McNeight III) was getting the
perfect pocket trip, pulled out at the top of the stretch and needed every
stride down the lane to finally get past the never-say-die Aritzia Hanover by a
head in 2:00.3 over the sloppy track. Cut And Paste (Mike Micallef) gobbled up
ground late to earn the third place check.
Owned by Keith Pinkowski and trained by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr.,
it was the second win in eight appearances this season for the 6-year-old Hey
Kobe (Bettor's Delight-American West). The victory pushed her 2018 earnings to
$10,000 and $270,049 lifetime.
Davis Jr. completed the evening with a four-bagger with
Monti getting a triple and Jim Morrill Jr. and McNeight III each getting
doubles. Trainer Russell Bratt and JD Perrin each picked up a pair of
victories.
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 and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
