Barn Hall makes it three straight

HAMBURG, N.Y. — It was a workman-like effort for Barn Hall in Buffalo Raceway’s $15,000 Open Trot on Friday afternoon (May 20) as he made it three consecutive harness racing victories with a three-quarter length win over CR Blazin Beauty in 1:58.4.

After tying the all-aged colt trotting mark last week with a 1:56.2, Barn Hall (Kevin Cummings) didn’t need a big mile to dispose of the other six entrants this time around.

Facing no resistance in getting to the lead from the assigned seven post, Barn Hall caught somewhat of a break as E Street broke from the rail and the second choice on the betting board, Frank’s Watching, was tardy at the start. This allowed Barn Hall ($3.50) to easily grab the lead and he put his head down and went to work despite beginning from the outside for the first time this season.

With sensible fractions of :30.2, 1:00.2 and 1:30.1 over the fast track, Barn Hall found CR Blazin Beauty (David McNeight III) as the lone threat down the stretch. A :28.3 last panel by Barn Hall extinguished those hopes as CR Blazin Beauty had to settle for second. Its A Horse (Kyle Cummings), who sat in the pocket until the top of the lane, held on for third.

It was the third victory in five tries in 2022 for Barn Hall (Conway Hall-Exotic Form). The four-year-old horse is co-owned by trainer Steven Pratt, Nancy Pratt, Purple Haze Stables and the Out In The Country Stable. The win moved Barn Hall’s seasonal earnings to $26,500 and $151,296 lifetime.

Keith Kash Jr. had a driving triple on the card while McNeight III and Kevin Cummings each had a pair. Ryan Swift and Angelo Nappo posted two training victories apiece.

Racing will continue on Saturday afternoon with a nine-race card scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway