by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It was the first start of the season for
Lougazi and it didn't take long for the talented 8-year-old trotter to put
another race onto his amazing highlight reel. And this one may have topped them
all.
Spotting the field more than 10 lengths after a break at the
starting gate, Lougazi ($2.90) put in another patented comeback rally and took
the $15,000 Open Trot at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (March 26). He beat
Schnickel Fritz by three quarter lengths while Sanchez Rocks finished in
third.
David McNeight III, who had four winners on the evening,
steered Lougazi to victory in 2:01.1 and he also drove Reggiano to a 1-1/2
length score in the sub-featured $14,2000 Open I-II Handicapped Pace in 1:57.1.
But the buzz of the night belonged to Lougazi.
Jumping it off just before the gate opened up, Lougazi
seemed destined to have a dismal seasonal debut. But McNeight III got Lougazi
back on task and the veteran trotter put his head down and went to work.
With Photo Bomber leading the way through a half mile of
1:00.4, Lougazi caught the pack and then was three-wide and winging it at the
three quarter marker. Going four-wide down the stretch, Lougazi ended up a
comfortable three quarters lengths and completed the amazing comeback.
Owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift, it was the
43rd career victory for Lougazi (Lou's Legacy-Winning Blade), now a winner of
$322,231 lifetime.
Reggiano used a first over trip and won the featured pace to
the wire by holding off Out On Bail (Kevin Cummings) and Stratosphere (Drew
Monti).
Mississippi Rabbit was in control of the tempo by setting
fractions of :28.2, 58.0 and 1:27.3 over the good track. But those splits
proved to be a little too ambitious as the closers began to engulf Mississippi
Rabbit.
Reggiano, who was first over, won the race to the wire,
pulling away down the stretch to notch the decision.
Owned and trained by Marc Shuttleworth, it was the second
win in six tries this year for the 10-year-old Reggiano. The victory upped his
seasonal bankroll to $20,227 and $473,045 lifetime.
Shawn McDonough had a good night as he made three trips to
the winner's circle and conditioned a pair of winners.
Racing will continue on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. with a
10-race program set. With the Pick 5 not being hit for the second card in a
row, there will be a guaranteed pool of $15,000 on Wednesday.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming
promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
