by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Protect Blue Chip was determined to set
the fractions and that strategy worked out nicely as she posted the popular
$3.80 victory in Buffalo Raceway's $10,900 Class A-Open Handicapped Pace
for the filly and mares on Wednesday evening (June 2).
Starting on the outside in the short field of five, Protect
Blue Chip (Travis Henry) had to battle a bit with Yankee Secret before stomping
to the top in a moderate :29.1 clocking over the fast track. From there,
Protect Blue Chip rolled to panels of :59.1 and 1:28.4 and was in no danger of
losing the lead in the stretch, taking a three quarter length over Yankee
Secret. Lady Dudette (Kyle Cummings) held on for the show position.
Co-owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing
and Adelphia Bloodstock, the 6-year-old mare Protect Blue Chip (American
Ideal-Lucky Turn) is conditioned by Maria Rice. The win moved her bankroll to
$23,050 on the campaign and $152,455 lifetime.
Who's Got The Move ($10.20) used a perfectly timed move
executed by driver Ray Fisher Jr. and took the victory in the sub-featured
$8,600 Class B Pace for the filly and mares. She covered the mile in a seasonal
best 1:55.3 and easily disposed of She Can Party (David McNeight III) by 2-1/4
lengths while Good Lookin Woman (Drew Monti) finished in third.
Sitting third behind the front tussle between Robintheatm
(Jim Morrill Jr.) and the parked Wonderful World (Henry) through splits of
:28.2, :56.4 and 1:26.2, Fisher Jr. pulled out just in the nick of time past
the final quarter pole and never looked back.
Co-owned by trainer Lynn and Richard Fisher, it was the
second win in 15 attempts this season for the 7-year-old mare
Shadyshark Hanover-Perfect Secret). The victory improved her 2021 earnings to
$21.752 and $165,057 in her career.
Drivers Monti and McNeight III led the way on the night as
each posted a double.
The first Friday night card of the season takes place this
week with a 9-race program slated for 5 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, race replays,
results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
