Sarama-Torcello combo nearly perfect

HAMBURG, N.Y. — You want to talk about perfection? Harness racing trainer Gerry Sarama and owner Michael Torcello were as close to being perfect on Wednesday afternoon (May 4) at Buffalo Raceway as possible.

The Sarama/Torcello combination sent seven to the post and came out with six winners and a second-place finish with the runner up losing by a mere nose. A longer nose would have made for even a more memorable day.

There was a mixture of chalks and a couple longer prices to spice up their day while four different drivers shared in the wealth.

Jim Morrill Jr., who had five winners on the card, benefited the most as he guided $15,000 Open fillies and mare pace feature winner Dontustopbelieiven N ($3.50) to the winner’s circle while also steering Rhythm Seelster ($3.20) and Twomickeytrip ($3.00) to victories.

Drew Monti notched the decision with Dewar N Jack ($2.90), David McNeight III was aboard McDelicacy ($10.60) while Denny Bucceri popped with long shot Americanation ($29.00).

Sarama, Morrill Jr. and Torcello took the featured event as Dontustopbelieven N went gate to wire in 1:59.0 over the sloppy track. She beat the pocket sitting Sapphire Blue Chip (Shawn McDonough) by a head with Xenia’s Chip (McNeight III) finishing in third.

Dontustopbelieven N (Somebeachsomehwhere-Bedtime) is an 8-year-old mare that was won twice in 13 starts on the season. The victory jumped her 2022 earnings to $18,880 and $154,920 lifetime.

 

In the sub-featured $11,300 event for the distaff pacers, Delilah De Vie ($4.50) was the strongest down the long home stretch and pulled away for a 2-1/4 length win over JK Kissntell in 1:58.1.

It was a battle on the front end early as Atoritotell and Valentine Delight fought for supremacy. Atoritello won that as Valentine Delight made a miscue approaching the half and dropped out of contention.

There was no rest on the top for Atoritello as JK Kissntell came a calling alongside at the three-quarter marker and took over command.

That advantage didn’t last long as Delilah De Vie (Kyle Cummings) blitzed on past and easily paced across the finish line ahead of JK Kissntell (Justin Irvine) while Mach Of Shame (David McNeight III) was third.

Owned by Brianne Good and trained by James Clouser Jr., the 8-year Delilah De Vie (Art Major-Beach Girl De Vie) has won three times in 11 starts on the season. The win pushed her seasonal bankroll to $23,656 and $91,656 lifetime.

Kyle Cummings and Monti each had driving doubles on the program.

Racing will resume on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. with an 11-race card set.

For complete race results, click here.

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway