Big win for Lougazi at Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. — Lougazi (Lou’s Legacy-Winning Blade, $6.60) got back to his familiar antics at Buffalo Raceway as he used his patented late charge to sweep by the field in the $15,500 Open Trot on Saturday night (Jul. 1) in a harness racing seasonal best 1:57.2. He roared past Muskingum to collect the three quarter length victory while Mugshots Bro was third.

In the $15,500 Open Pace, Gunslinger Hill ($4.50) continued to pay off for new owner Scott Rubman and trainer Jennifer Giuliani by holding back One Off Delight A by three quarters of a length in seasonal best 1:53.4 over the fast track.

Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) settled in fifth place off the starting wings as Batting Stats put up splits of :29.0 and :57.4. Approaching the half, Lougazi started his journey on the outside and was able to pick up the live cover of Muskingum.

With a quarter mile to trot, Batting Stats said good night as Muskingum (Joseph Chindano Jr.) made the lead. But that move ended up being a perfect set up for Lougazi. Turning for home, Lougazi tipped out and used his usual charge to blitz the stunned Muskingum with a :29.0 last split.

Owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift, Lougazi has now won four times in 16 attempts. He has earned $32,595 on the season and $457,196 lifetime. Lougazi earned $108,340 in 2022 thanks to eight victories and 23 in the money finishes in 30 starts.

Gunslinger Hill (Bettor’s Delight-Word Of Her Own) was a $12,000 claim for Rubman and Giuliani back on June 3 at Buffalo Raceway and he has been nothing short of spectacular since hitting the new barn. With two victories and a second place finish by a mere neck, Gunslinger Hill already earned his keep for the new connections by winning $14,375 before hitting Open Class.

Firing off the gate, Gunslinger Hill had things his own way, using splits of :28.0, :57.2 and 1:26.0. Things got interesting with a quarter mile to go as Idealthecards got on even terms but then tailed off. Gunslinger Hill still wasn’t home free though as One Off Delight A (Kevin Cummings) made a final charge in the passing lane but came up a half length short. Villiam (Chindano Jr.) rallied for the show position.

It was the fifth win in 20 outings for the 8-year-old Gunslinger Hill. He has now earned $42,430 on the campaign and $269,590 in his career.

Racing will return on Wednesday afternoon with a 13-race slated. The New York Sire Stakes will return as a field of five 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters will square off in the seventh race for a purse of $102,500. There’s also a pair of $20,000 Excelsior Series events for the gentlemen. There’s also a $6,000 guarantee in the Pick 5 which begins in the second race.

For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.

For complete race results, click here.

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway