Close finishes in joint events in Buffalo

HAMBURG, NEW YORK — It was a photo finish but Bet On Blake (Better than cheddar-Lady Lynnly) showed he was worthy of a harness racing bet by beating Boston Delight by a head in 1:56.4 in the $9,000 Class B event. Buffalo Speedway Friday afternoon (June 28).

Blogmaster was the “master” of the first of two $9,000 Class B trotting races, using a maiden course and taking the surprise victory at $25.60 by beating Ricky B Sharp by 1 3/4 lengths in 1:59.4. In the second division for sidewinders, Call About Thechase won the battle of attrition and edged out The Gogester by a length in 2:00.0.

In the $9,000 pace, Bet On Blake (Denny Bucceri) followed Boston Delight (Joseph Chindano Jr.) through splits of :29.0, :58.3 and 1:28.3 on the fast track. On the final stretch, Bet On Blake dove into the passing lane and just passed Boston Delight as the finish was determined by a photo. Confidence Man (David McNeight III) took the show job.

Owned by Michael Torcello and trained by Samuel Smith, it was the fifth win in 20 appearances this season for the 6-year-old Bet On Blake gelding. The score increased his 2024 earnings to $27,365 and $198,978 lifetime. He paid $6.90 to win.

In the co-presented high-trotting event, Blogmaster (Sliding master-JJ’s Jordyn) and driver Drew Monti found themselves in fourth place but then took the lead to secure the victory.

SS Tys Aflyin set the split times with 29.0, 58.3 and 1:28.3. With Hellrider and Jacked following SS Tys A Flyin in second and third, this trio failed to punch the ticket. Blogmaster was able to take the lead and never looked back as Ricky B Sharp (Michael Baumeister) came back for second place and Jumpinthejailhouse (John Cummings Jr.) third.

Owned by Torcello and trained by Smith, it was the third time this season that Blogmaster, a 6-year-old gelding, has reached the podium. The decision brought his earnings to $28,730 for the season and $148,287 for his career.

In the second leg, Ruff Tough Tested and Come Home each jumped on pace, allowing Classic Sunny to take the lead from post 7. With fractions of :29.3, 1:00.0 and 1:29.4 on the board, Classic Sunny led the way but All About Thechase (Conway Room-Highway Cash) was in perfect striking range down the stretch.

Going as far out of lane as possible, All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) was able to fend off a late challenge from The Gogester (Baumeister) in the passing lane while Classic Sunny (Cummings Jr.) held on to third place.

Owned by Caprio Stables LLC and conditioned by Alana Caprio, All About Thechase earned his first win in five tries during the campaign. The victory brought his 2024 earnings to $6,750 and $139,523 over his lifetime.

Kyle Swift had a triple-drive on the morning card and Kyle Cummings had two. Ryan Swift had three practice wins while Kris Rickart and Smith each had a pair.

Racing will resume Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. with a card of 13 races to be presented.

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by Brian J. Mazurekfor Buffalo Raceway