by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- After enjoying a successful stint earlier
this season at Northfield Park in Ohio, Noble Legend ($4.60) has come back home
to Buffalo Raceway and hasn't forgotten where the winner's circle is.
Noble Legend and driver Billy Davis Jr. are currently making
a weekly appointment with track photographer Steve Roth by notching another
gate-to-wire win in the $12,000 Open Trot on Wednesday night (March 13). He
beat Southern Palms by a comfortable half length in 2:00.4 over the good track,
his second straight victory since returning.
In the $10,500 Class A Open Handicap Pace for the filly and
mares, HP Sissy (Denny Bucceri) kept her sizzling campaign going with a
front-running three-quarter length nod over Kaitlyn Rae in a seasonal best
1:58.1. In seven appearances this year, HP Sissy has four wins and three second
place finishes.
Scoring from the five post, Noble Legend wasted no time in
taking early command. Setting splits of :30.1, 1:00.4 and 1:31.2, the only
worry Noble Legend faced down the lane was a late rally from Southern Palms
(Shawn Gray) but he ran out of real estate. Are You In (Kevin Cummings) took
the show spot.
Co-owned by the Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Jack Rice,
it was the fourth victory in nine attempts for Noble Legend (Kadabra-Lovin It).
The 7-year-old gelding, trained by Maria Rice, has now produced $27,390 in
earnings this year and $227,476 lifetime.
HP Sissy ($5.00) and Bucceri enjoyed the tour around the
Hamburg half-mile oval. With fractions of :30.2, 1:00.2 and 1:29.1, a :29.0
final panel took the starch out of the attempted threats from the potential
closers. Kaitlyn Rae (Drew Monti) was second and You Mach Me Crazy (Gray)
rounded out the top three.
Owned by Finocchario's Dream Stable, HP Sissy (Up The
Credit-Monica Blue Chip) is a 6-year-old mare that is conditioned by Mike Ohol.
The win upped her bankroll to $26,513 and $282,149 in her career.
Ray Fisher Jr. and Gray each completed the night with
triples with Davis Jr. and Monti getting doubles. Rice and James Clouser Jr.
each conditioned two winners.
Racing will continue on Saturday evening with a 13-race card
slated to begin at 6 p.m. The World Harness Handicapping Challenge qualifier
will take place as well with a $10 entry fee. The winner will receive $500, two
nights hotel accommodations and paid entry into the WHHC Tournament at The
Meadowlands on Saturday, April 6 while the second place finisher will get $250
and third place $100.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, results, entries, upcoming promotions and simulcast schedule, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
