by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- After watching the field go a relaxed
opening half mile time, Upfront Countryboy wanted no part of that slow down in
Buffalo Raceway's featured $11,500 Open Pace on Saturday night (June 23).
Putting matters into the hands of driver Shawn Gray, Upfront
Countryboy used a blazing :54.4 back half, including a :27.3 final split, to
waltz to an easy 4-1/2 length win over Focus Power in 1:52.4 over the fast
track.
The field of five went in post position order off the gate
with Western Conquest leading the way with soft opening frames of :28.3 and
:58.0.
But then, enough was enough for Upfront Countryboy as he
wasted no time in going first over and taking command at the three-quarter pole
in 1:25.1.
From there, it was a sight-seeing journey down the Buffalo
Raceway homestretch for Gray and Upfront Countryboy as they pulled away for the
convincing decision. Focus Power (Drew Monti) took second and China Dream
(Billy Davis Jr.) third.
Owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser Jr., it
was the eighth victory in 17 starts in 2018 for the 9-year-old gelded Upfront
Countryboy (Dragon Again-Cambloid). The win upped his seasonal earnings to
$39,620 and $401,620 lifetime.
Gray had five victories on the card with Monti adding four.
Clouser Jr. finished with four training wins and JD Perrin got a triple.
Due to changes in the racing calendar, action that
originally scheduled for this Sunday afternoon has been cancelled.
Racing will resume on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. with 11
races slated. An $845 carryover awaits in the Pick-5 which begins in the second
race. The New York Sire Stakes will highlight the program with the 2-year-old
colt and gelding trotters to compete in three divisions. There will also be
events in the Excelsior A and B series.
