by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Trainer Bill Rhoades made his debut at
Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday evening (March 3) and he found it to be just
'perfect'.
Rhoades, a regular at Northfield Park and The Meadows, went
a perfect three for three in his initial appearance at the Hamburg half mile
oval. He had a big opening night as all three of his winners,
Diamondtequilashot ($2.40), Pappy Rocks ($4.10) and Tequilas Jet ($2.90),
won as heavy favorites.
Diamondtequilashot (Kevin Cummings) was the shining star for
Rhoades as she took the $11,000 Open for the distaff pacers, rolling to a
convincing two length victory over Lady London (Ray Fisher Jr.) in a solid
1:56.4 over the fast track.
Sitting back as the starting gate opened,
Diamondtequilashot started to make her steady grind to the top as the
field approached the half mile marker. Taking the lead with a quarter mile
to pace, Diamondtequilashot proved to be way too tough in the lane and strolled
to the easy win. Lady London was able to take the place position while Blue
Bell Bonnie (Jim Morrill Jr.) finished in third.
Diamondtequilashot (Palone Ranger-Straighteqilanite) is
owned by Rick Senger. The 8-year-old mare has now won three times in six
outings this season, amassing $18,920 in 2021 and $363,925 in her career.
In the sub-featured $8,800 Class A pace for the ladies, a
change of scenery didn't bother Pappy Rocks (Morrill Jr.) as she collected
a head victory over Little Joke in 1:59.1 in her Buffalo Raceway debut.
Arriving from The Meadows on a two-race win streak, Pappy
Rocks made it three straight by charging from fourth place down the stretch to
grab the decision in the shadow of the wire. Little Joke (Davis Jr.) was a
tough luck second while Wonderful World (Ray Fisher Jr.) took the show spot.
Owned by Thomas Mucci and trained by Rhoades, it was the
fourth win in seven appearances in 2021 by Pappy Rocks. The 5-year-old mare
(Pet Rock-Hokie Heart) has earned $18,875 this season and $138,228 lifetime.
Morrill Jr., David McNeight III and Cummings all had driving
triples on the night while Jim McNeight had two training victories.
Racing will continue on Saturday evening with a 10-race card
set for 6 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
