Change of venue works for Just Plain Loco

HAMBURG, N.Y. — A change of harness racing venue seems have agreed with Just Plain Loco (Well Said-Symphony In Motion) as he notched his second straight victory in as many starts since arriving from Yonkers Raceway with a solid length win over Stop Action in Buffalo Raceway’s $16,500 Open Pace on Sunday afternoon (June 26).

After a convincing four length score in his Buffalo Raceway debut in the Open last week, Just Plain Loco ($3.70) and driver David McNeight, III showed it wasn’t a fluke as he rallied from last place to first this time around.

Stop Action (Kevin Cummings) got the lead early and set strong splits of :29.1, :57.3 and 1:26.0 over the fast track. But Just Plain Loco, who was sixth and last in the early going, was on the move on the outside approaching the three-quarter marker. He then powered his way past Stop Action midway down the stretch to get the nod. Out On Bail (Jim Morrill Jr.) was third.

Owned by Paul R. Lang and conditioned by Jennifer Giuliani, it was the third win in 16 starts on the season for the 6-year-old Just Plain Loco. The victory increased his bankroll to $48,695 on the season and $335,270 in his career.

Yankee On The Move (Yankee Skyscrapper-Fox Valley Raquel) continues to move in the right direction after scoring his third consecutive victory with an impressive five length victory over My Money Honey in the sub-featured $14,400 Open II pace.

Yankee On The Move and driver Kevin CummingsAshleysbest and Weekend Atnannies had a wicked speed duel to the top and that took the starch out of them up later in the race. Yankee On The Move, sitting in third, started his first over grind approaching the half-mile marker and was in total control with a panel to pace. With things well in command, Yankee On The Move cruised home the easiest of winners while My Money Honey (Kyle Cummings) took second and Tullow N (David McNeight III) was third.

Owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser Jr., it was the seventh victory in 22 starts for the 5-year-old gelded Yankee On The Move. The win moved his 2022 earnings to $39,246 and $108,930 lifetime.

Kevin Cummings and Morrill Jr. each had driving triples with James Clouser Jr. posting two training victories.

Racing will resume on Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. with a 10-race card set. The New York Sire Stakes continues its tour with a pair of $53,000 events set for the 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters. There will also be a $15,000 Excelsior A race for the gentlemen along with a $6,300 Excelsior B battle.

For complete race results, click here.

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway