by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Ever since arriving at Buffalo Raceway
from Flamboro Downs in early February, YS Lotus has been a model of perfection
and the 11-year-old gelding kept that going on Saturday night (April 2) by
powering his way to a 3/4 length win over Foolish Prophet in the $15,000 Open
Pace.
It was the fourth straight victory for YS Lotus in as many
starts this season at the Hamburg half-mile oval. His win streak
was overlooked by the betting public however as he returned a healthy
$12.80 for the victory in a seasonal best of 1:56.1.
While YS Lotus pulled the mild surprise,
Castyourcrown pulled an even bigger upset by taking the $15,000 Open Trot
over the heavily favored Lougazi in 1:57.3, returning $28.60 for the decision.
Things didn't come easy for YS Lotus (Kevin Cummings) early
on as he was sandwiched between eventual pace-setter Foolish Prophet and Wild
Bill M. When things finally were sorted out, YS Lotus was able to drop into the
pocket.
With Foolish Prophet (Jim Morrill Jr.) putting up fractions
of :28.2, :58.3 and 1:27.3 over the fast track, YS Lotus was yearning to find
an opening from the garden spot and did so at the top of the stretch. Tipping
to the outside, YS Lotus was much too strong down the lane and easily romped
past Foolish Prophet while Reggiano (David McNeight III) took third.
Owned by Michael Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, it
was the fourth victory in eight tries in 2022 for YS Lotus (If I Can
Dream-Bolero Bakara). The win upped his seasonal earnings to $22,502 and $470,129
lifetime.
Castyourcrown (Morrill Jr.) got the perfect pocket
journey in the featured trot and had more than enough in the tank to put a
damper on Lougazi's late-race heroics.
With Wilberforce in charge through the opening three panels,
Castyourcrown was able to get the jump on Lougazi in the lane to hold on
for the 3/4 length win in 1:57.3, the fastest trotting mile of the season.
Co-owned by Blake Daniels and Never Give Up Racing, the
4-year-old gelded Castyourcrown (Dontyouforgetit-Future Cast). The win was the
third in nine appearances on the campaign for Castyourcrown who increased
his bankroll to $21,240 in 2022 and $101,540 in his career.
Morrill Jr. completed the evening with three driving wins
while Drew Monti doubled. Trainers Jennifer Giuliani and Russell Bratt each
conditioned a pair of winners.
Racing will resume on Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. as
Buffalo Raceway starts its new live post time for the remainder of the season.
There will be a $5,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick 5 which begins in the second
race.
