HAMBURG, N.Y. — McNatural L (McArdle-Natural Paradise) got the early jump on the harness racing field in Buffalo Raceway’s $10,400 Class A Pace for the fillies and mares on Wednesday afternoon (May 29) and never looked back in defeating Hurrikane Ms. Rodine by a diminishing neck in 1:55.4 over the fast track.
Starting from the four post, McNaturalĀ L ($5.00) was able to grab the lead with ease. Guiding the pack through panels of :29.1, :58.1 and 1:26.3, McNatural L, Hurrikane Ms. Rodine and Rightfully Mine broke away from the field with a quarter mile to go.
Going around the final turn, McNatural L (David McNeight III) enjoyed the lead and only had to deal with Hurrikane Msrodine (Jim Morrill Jr.) down the lane as Rightfully Mine (Billy Davis Jr.) dropped out of contention. Things got a little dicey approaching the line as Hurrikane Msrodine made a final thrust toward the lead, but McNatural L held off that final burst.
Owned by the El Dorado Stables and trained by David McNeight Jr., it was the third win in 14 appearances for the 6-year-old McNatural. The victory pushed her seasonal earnings to $28,868 and $145,398 in her career.
In the second round of action in the Spring Up Series for non-winners of $8,000 ($10,000 for fillies and mares) in 10 or more starts before May 11, Golden Leader (Morrill Jr.) impressively buried the field in 1:56.1. The 7-year-old mare cruised to a 4-1/4 length decision over Murrow Boy and returned $2.60 for the score.
The second division saw Good Lookin Woman (Kyle Swift) pull her second straight upset with a stunning rally to notch the $25.40 victory. The 9-year-old mare beat longshot Union Station by a length.
Morrill Jr. finished the afternoon with a driving triple with Drew Monti getting two victories. Sam Smith posted a pair of training victories.
Racing is set to resume on Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with 11 races scheduled. There’s a $1,232 carryover in the Pick 5 which begins in the second race.
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by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway