by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It was hardly 'beach' weather in Western New York on a frigid Saturday night (Feb. 8) but Santana Beach (David McNeight III) topped the ticket in a 'tropical trifecta' by scoring the victory in Buffalo Raceway's featured $11,000 Class AA pace.
Santana Beach ($5.90) registered a neck win over Catch The Wave (Jim McNeight Jr.) in 1:56.3 while Beachy Dream (Kevin Cummings) was third to complete the seaside sequence.
Andy's Ideal took early command of the race as he notched splits of :28.3, :57.1 and 1:27.0. Santana Beach in the meanwhile started his first over journey just before the half mile marker and took over at the top of the stretch.
It was nervous time late for Santana Beach, however, as Catch The Wave and Beachy Dream made serious bids late but came up just short.
"He hung in there well late," McNeight III said of Santana Beach. "Trainer Richard Roth has his horses sharp right now and this one is really good."
Owned by Jason Newell and trained by Roth, it was the second straight win in as many tries for Santana Beach (Santanna Blue Chip-Chips Beach). The 8-year-old gelding has now produced $10,500 in earnings in 2020 and $146,573 in his career.
In the first of two $10,000 Class A pacing events, the cold weather didn't stop Hold The Gold ($30.20) posting the fastest mile of the meet as he covered the mile in 1:55.4 over the good track in beating Im So Handsome (McNeight III).
With Southwind Torque (Billy Davis Jr.) setting scorching fractions of :28.0, :57.0 and 1:26.3, those torrid splits were perfect for the closers as Hold The Gold (Denny Bucceri) took full advantage of the situation.
Driving widest of all in the lane, Hold The Gold easily swooped on by the front runners and took the length win over Im So Handsome while Casimir Oops (Mike Baumeister) was third.
Owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser Jr., it was the first win in two appearances this year for the 6-year-old gelded Hold The Gold (Allthatgltrsisgold-Village Jay). The victory bumped his season winnings to $5,800 and $93,261 lifetime.
The other Class A division saw Burning Shore (Kevin Cummings) sneak by Southwind Onyx in deep stretch to take the head decision in 1:56.4 Iluvtomakemoney (Ray Fisher Jr.) took third.
Southwind Onyx set the tempo with panels of :28.4, :57.4 and 1:27.3 but Burning Shore ($8.30) wore down the pace setter and got up in time to secure the win.
Owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, the 10-year-old gelded Burning Shore (No Pan Intended-Fine Line increased his career bankroll to $249,279 with the victory.
Racing will resume on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. with a 13-race scheduled. There is a $10,000 guarantee in the Pick-5 starting in the second race.
For more information including the latest news, race replays, results, entries, simulcast schedule and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
