Lougazi continues to win in Buffalo

HAMBURG, New York — Lougazi (Lou’s legacy$17.00) was back to his old tricks at Buffalo Raceway and that spelled the end of his competition in the $14,000 Harness Racing Open Trot on Saturday night (May 11).

One of, if not the best sidewinders at Buffalo Raceway in recent seasons, Lougazi returned to his best form and used that patented late blitz to earn his fourth straight victory. He beat Crazy Ritz and Muskingum who placed second and third respectively after initial runner-up Johnny Boy was disqualified for interference near the start.

Power And Grace took the early lead in the best trotting event and set the pace with a :28.4, :58.2 and 1:28.1. But the race was ready to evolve at the discretion of Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.).

Jacked was first to approach the final marker and Lougazi was salivating and grateful with the perfect cover. Turning three wide to head home, Lougazi used his powerful closing kick and headed for the lead while Johnny Boy, sitting in the pocket, finished second, a head behind, but was pushed back for last for interference. This allowed Crazy Ritz (James McNeight Jr.) and Muskingum (Joseph Chindano Jr.) to rise through the ranks.

Owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift, it was the fourth victory of the season in nine attempts for the 10-year-old gelding Lougazi. It was his 62nd career victory and brought his seasonal earnings to $27,592 and $542,458 lifetime.

In the $14,000 Open Pace, Mach Le More A (Mach Three$3.60) stormed down the lightning lane and beat Davey Day Trader by a head in 1:55.3 on a good track.

Davey Day Trader (McNeight Jr.) took the lead through three quarters after gaps of :28.4, :58.3 and 1:26.3. But the serious part of the race was about to begin.

Alta Engen A (Kevin Cummings) was tied with Davey Day Trader going down the stretch. Mach Le More A (John Cummings Jr.) was sitting behind the duo and fell into the passing lane and was able to pass near the finish line and win the three-way photo. Alta Engen A had to settle for second place while Davey Day Trader took the show place.

Co-owned by Marissa Russo and Fac Racing LLC and conditioned by David Russo, it was the fourth victory of 2024 in 16 appearances for Mach Le More. The move brought his campaign earnings to $37,905 and his career earnings to $298,807.

Racing resumes Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with a program of 11 races on the schedule. There is a carryover of $5,425 in the Pick 5 which begins in the second race.

For more information, including the latest news, upcoming promotions, registrations, results and race replays, visit www.buffaloraceway.com.

For full race results, click here: American trotting results.

by Brian J. Mazurekfor the Buffalo circuit