Saulsbrook Deputy puts in repeat performance

HAMBURG, N.Y. — It was an instant replay of last week’s $12,300 Class AA-Open Handicapped Pace on Saturday night (June 26) at Buffalo Raceway. As was the case last Saturday, Saulsbrook Deputy ($15.20) laid low for much of the mile but then roared down the stretch to stun Iluvtomakemoney (Ray Fisher Jr.) and collect the victory.

SM Timmy was the commander of the fractions in the early going, notching reasonable splits of :28.2 and :57.2 to the half. But the first over Iluvtomakemoney took control at the three-quarter marker in 1:26.1 and looked home free heading for home.

But Saulsbrook Deputy (Kevin Cummings) had other ideas.

Sitting fifth past the final pole, Saulsbrook Deputy looked like he was shot out of a cannon and blitzed his way to the line a length in front of a disappointed Iluvtomakemoney while Endeavors Pride (Drew Monti) was third.

Owned by Mark Keller and conditioned by Jennifer Giuliani, it was the fifth win in 23 tries for the 7-year-old gelded Saulsbrook Deputy. (Western Paradise-Racino Star). The victory upped his seasonal bankroll to $40,676 and $254,711 lifetime.

Sanchez Rocks (Monti)  ‘stoned’ the field in the Class A-Open Handicapped Trot with a solid gate-to-wire win over Tartufo Lindy (Dan Yetman) in 1:58.0 while the favored Keystone Apache (Kevin Cummings) took the show spot.

Firing out of the four post, Sanchez Rocks had little trouble in establishing the lead, rolling to fractions of :30.1, :59.1 and 1:28.1. In the race to the wire, no one could cut into the advantage of Sanchez Rocks who strolled to the line 1/1/4 lengths in front.

Owned by Marie Houghtaling and trained by Angelo Nappo, it was the fourth win in 22 starts for the 5-year-old gelded Sanchez Rocks. The victory took his yearly winnings to $26,302 and $59,771 in his career.

On the undercard to the main events, Southwind Onyx (Kyle Cummings) went a lifetime best of 1:53.2 and put away Thor De Vie (Kevin Cummings) by a half length in the $10,500 Class A Pace. London Seelster (David McNeight III) rounded out the top three.

Co-owned by trainer Tammy Cummings and Michael Blidy, it was the third victory in 15 outings for Southwind Onyx ($4.40). The 6-year-old gelding has produced $29,688 in earnings in 2021 and $144,494 in his career.

Kevin Cummings topped the drivers with five victories while Monti had a double. Gerry Sarama posted a training double.

Racing resumes on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. with a 12-race card set. The New York Sire Stakes will take the spotlight on the program as the 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers will battle in three divisions worth approximately $33,000 apiece. There will also be a pair of $15,000 Excelsior A events along with one $6,800 Excelsior B race.

For more information including the latest news, race replays, entries and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com