Buzzer handles sloppy oval in debut

NICHOLS, NY – Saturday night’s (Jul. 23) first post at Tioga Downs was scheduled for 6:15pm. At 5:30 pm, patrons began taking their seats under partly cloudy skies, enjoying the pleasant breeze that made the 90-degree-day more tolerable. It seemed an idyllic night for harness racing at the Nichols oval.

Then the storms arrived.

This meant that Buzzer, the two-year-old son of Heston Blue Chip/Sports Alert would have to wait a bit longer to make his debut in the first race. After a 35-minute weather delay, filled with wind, rain and lightning, the field of five young pacers lined up to kick off the night. For the Stacy Mclenaghan trainee, Buzzer, the wait was worth it.

Racing from the rail in a non-winners of 1 pari-mutuel race, Buzzer settled in third early, chasing the two favorites, Brushing Up (Byron/Byron) and Boozin N Cruisin (Merton/Harmon). The former was dismissed at even money and set the tempo through an opening quarter of :29.2 and a half in 1:00.0. Down the backstretch, Buzzer was shuffled to fourth as they paced through the rain.

The order remained unchained when the field hit three quarters in 1:28.4. In the final turn, Boozin N Cruzin pulled the pocket and Buzzer found himself in behind horses, needing a way through. Driver Corey Braden, guided Buzzer four-wide in deep stretch and seeing daylight, the two-year-old responded, kicking home to win a four-way photo in 1:58.3. Del Mar Doug finished second. Brushing Up held on for third.

BUZZER REPLAY

“We bought him at auction and he got sick after his first qualifier,” said Mclenaghan. “With the track conditions, I didn’t expect that kind of kick, but I’m glad he has raced up to what he has shown in his qualifiers.”

Buzzer was sent off at 7-1 odds and paid $16.00 to win.

THROUGH THE SHADES: Tioga Downs hosts two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for three-year-old pacing fillies tomorrow, July 24 with a 1pm post time. Sundays are “Family Days” featuring $1 food specials, bounce houses, a water slide, a meet-and-greet with a retired racehorse and interactive fan games for prizes.

For complete race results, click here.

by Andrew Demsky, for Tioga Downs