Beddanburg stays in shape at Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, New York — Beddanbourg (Artistic talk-Seaside Rory) stayed sharp Friday afternoon (May 17) as the 4-year-old gelding claimed victory for the fourth time in his last five harness racing starts with a half-length victory over Sportsmanship Buffalo Speedway co-presented a $9,000 beat.

In the $9,000 highlighted trot, after a narrow three-quarter defeat last week, Poets N Pirates made sure he didn’t suffer the same heartbreak again by racing to an easy five-length decision over Lunar Credit in 1:59.1.

Beddanburg, who has been in the money 11 out of 13 times this season, was overlooked on the betting table despite his gaudy stats as he returned $19.60 for the triumph.

The race went perfectly for Beddanburg (Kyle Swift). Trailing in sixth position, Seafarer was first and took Beddanburg along for the ride. With Ys Lotus setting the fractions of :28.3, :57.1 and 1:26.1, it was time for the farmers to take over.

As Ys Lotus ended his day at the top of the lane, Beddanburg turned to the outside and easily took the lead. But things weren’t done yet as a sportsman (Joseph Chindano Jr.) arrived late but narrowly missed the Beddanburg clash. My Money Honey (Kyle Cummings) took the show job.

Owned by David Del Pozzo and conditioned by Christopher Petrelli, it was Beddanburg’s sixth victory of the season in 13 tries. The win brought his bankroll to $27,980 for the campaign and $48,841 lifetime.

Poets and pirates (spring girl-Kandy’s Lo) with driver Kevin Cummings was fourth as a battle between Cartier Zette, Crazy Brother Jim and Hellrider unfolded. When things calmed down, Cartier Zette took the lead and posted fractions of :28.2, :57.3 and 1:29.0. But the top three were about to wave the white flag and were in retreat mode.

Passing the three-quarter mark, Poets N Pirates took command and despite drifting in the lane, their lead was large enough that it ultimately made little difference. Lunar Credit (James McNeight Jr.) took second place while Bridge Works (Monti) rallied in third place.

Owned by Michael Torcello and trained by Samuel Smith, it was the second victory in 15 starts this year for the 6-year-old Poets N Pirates. The score brought his earnings in 2024 to $22,184 and $183,308 over his career.

There were two legs in the Spring Up Series for non-winning $12,500 trotters ($15,000 mares) in 2024 with at least 10 starts.

Caviar’s Yankee ($4.30) won the premier division as Dan Yetman guided him to a two-length victory over Daisys Duchess in 2:00.4. Jumpinthejailhouse ($2.50) buried the field in the second race as John Cummings Jr. steered him to a five-length victory in 2:00.3. They toppled Retha Babe and Finnick Odair who finished in a tie for second place.

Racing will resume Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a program of 13 races scheduled.

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by Brian J. Mazurekfor the Buffalo circuit