Beddanburg remains in key form at Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. — Beddanburg  (Artspeak-Seaside Rory) remained razor sharp on Friday afternoon (May 17) as the 4-year-old gelding was victorious for the fourth time in his last five harness racing starts with a half a length win over Sportsmanship in Buffalo Raceway’s co-featured $9,000 pace.

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

Beddanburg, who has been in the money 11 out of 13 attempts this season, was overlooked on the betting board despite his gaudy statistics as he returned a healthy $19.60 for the triumph.

The race set up perfectly for Beddanburg (Kyle Swift). Lagging behind in sixth, Seafarer was first over and brought along Beddanburg for the ride. With Ys Lotus setting the fractions of :28.3, :57.1 and 1:26.1, it was time for the closers to take over.

As Ys Lotus was calling it a day at the top of the lane, Beddanburg swung to the outside and easily gained the lead. But things weren’t done yet as a hard charging Sportsmanship (Joseph Chindano Jr.) came flying late but just missed in shocking Beddanburg. My Money Honey (Kyle Cummings) took the show position.

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

Poets N Pirates (Spring Gal-Kandy’s Lo) with driver Kevin Cummings was sitting fourth as a battle between Cartier Zette, Crazy Brother Jim and Hellrider was on. When things settled down, Cartier Zette got the edge and posted fractions of :28.2, :57.3 and 1:29.0. But the front three were about to wave the white flag and were in retreat mode.

Passing the three-quarter marker, Poets N Pirates took command and despite drifting out down the lane, his lead was large enough that it made little difference in the end. Lunar Credit (James McNeight Jr.) took the second place spot with Bridge Works (Monti) rallied for third.

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 moved his 2024 earnings to $22,184 and $183,308 in his career.

There were two legs in the Spring Up Series for trotters who are non-winners of $12,500 (mares $15,000) in 2024 and have at least 10 starts.

Caviar’s Yankee ($4.30) took the first 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 dead heat for second.

Racing will resume on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a 13-race program scheduled.

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byBrian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway