Close finishes in co-features at Buffalo

HAMBURG, N.Y. — It was a photo finish but Bet On Blake (Betterthancheddar-Lady Lynnly) showed he was worthy of a harness racing wager as he nipped Boston Delight by a head in 1:56.4 in the $9,000 Class B Pace at Buffalo Raceway on Friday afternoon (June 28).

Blogmaster was the ‘master’ in the first of two $9,000 Class B trots as he used a first over journey and pulled the $25.60 shocker by defeating Ricky B Sharp by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:59.4. In the second division for the sidewinders, Call About Thechase won the battle of attrition and topped The Gogester by a length in 2:00.0.

In the $9,000 pace, Bet On Blake (Denny Bucceri) stalked behind the tempo-setting Boston Delight (Joseph Chindano Jr.) through fractions of :29.0, :58.3 and 1:28.3 over the fast track. Down the stretch, Bet On Blake dipped into the passing lane and just squeaked past Boston Delight as the finish was determined by a photo. Confidence Man (David McNeight III) took the show position.

Owned by Michael Torcello and trained by Samuel Smith, it was the fifth victory in 20 appearances on the season for the 6-year-old gelded Bet On Blake. The score pushed his 2024 earnings to $27,365 and $198,978 lifetime. He paid $6.90 to win.

In the co-featured top trotting event, Blogmaster (Glidemaster-JJ’s Jordyn) and driver Drew Monti sat in fourth place but then brushed to the lead to secure the victory.

SS Tys Aflyin set the splits with :29.0, :58.3 and 1:28.3 times. With Hellrider and Jacked following SS Tys A Flyin along in second and third, that trio wouldn’t hit the ticket. Blogmaster was able to march to the lead and never looked back while Ricky B Sharp (Michael Baumeister) rallied for second place honors and Jumpinthejailhouse (John Cummings Jr.) third.

Owned by Torcello and trained by Smith, it was the third trip to the winner’s circle on the season for the 6-year-old gelded Blogmaster. The decision increased his bankroll to $28,730 on the campaign and $148,287 in his career.

The second bracket had Ruff Tough Tested and Come Home each jumping off stride which allowed Classic Sunny to establish himself on the lead from the seven post. The fractions of :29.3, 1:00.0 and 1:29.4 on the board, Classic Sunny showed the way but All About Thechase (Conway Hall-Highway Cash) was in perfect striking range down the stretch.

Going widest off all in the lane, All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) was able to turn back the late challenge from The Gogester (Baumeister) in the passing lane while Classic Sunny (Cummings Jr.) held on for third place.

Owned by the Caprio Stables LLC and conditioned by Alana Caprio, All About Thechase collected his first victory in five tries on the campaign. The win took his 2024 earnings to $6,750 and $139,523 in his life.

Kyle Swift picked up a driving triple on the matinee card with Kyle Cummings picking up two. Ryan Swift had three training victories while Kris Rickart and Smith each had a pair.

Racing will return on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. with a 13-race card to be presented.

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by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway