by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It may be a different venue but Sgt Molly
Pitcher continued to make the winner's circle her home after claiming her fifth
consecutive victory on Wednesday night (April 11) by taking Buffalo Raceway's
featured $10,400 Filly and Mare Open Pace in a seasonal best 1:55.2 over the
fast track.
After posting three straight decisions at Freehold Raceway
in New Jersey, Sgt Molly Pitcher shuffled off to Buffalo and immediately won
her Western New York debut on April 4 with a 1-1/4 score in 1:57.0 in an
optional claimer.
Things seemed they might be tougher this time around with
entry into the Open Pace for the ladies but Sgt Molly Pitcher had no trouble in
confidently going gate-to-wire for driver Jim Morrill Jr. Sportsmuffler, last
week's winner of this event, finished in second with Hey Kobe (David McNeight
III) finishing in third.
It was a slight tussle for Sgt Molly Pitcher in getting past
Voltina to take the lead at the start but she easily breezed to fractions of
:28.3, :57.3 and 1:26.4. Both Sportsmuffler (Drew Monti) and Hey Kobe appeared
to be in perfect striking position in the stretch to challenge the pace-setter
but came up empty.
Sgt Molly Pitcher, an 8-year-old mare, has won eight times
in 12 starts in 2018. The eight victories are currently the second most in the
United States this season with Galarina and Regil Tiger and just one behind
leaders Walks Of Life and Ideal Candidate who each have nine wins nationally.
Owned by William Emmons and trained by Jim Clouser Jr., Sgt
Molly Pitcher (Jenna's Beach Boy-Wendy) has earned $25,651 this year and
$232,635 in her career.
Morrill Jr. and Monti each had triples on the program with
JD Perrin registering a training double.
Racing will continue on Saturday night with a 13-race
program slated for 6 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, results, entries, simulcast schedule and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
