After watching the field go a relaxed opening half mile time, Upfront Countryboy wanted no part of that slow down in Buffalo Raceway's featured $11,500 Open Pace on Saturday night.
Putting matters into the hands of driver Shawn Gray, Upfront Countryboy used a blazing :54.4 back half, including a :27.3 final split, to waltz to an easy 4-1/2 length win over Focus Power in 1:52.4 over the fast track.
The field of five went in post position order off the gate with Western Conquest leading the way with soft opening frames of :28.3 and :58..
But then, enough was enough for Upfront Countryboy as he wasted no time in going first over and taking command at the three-quarter pole in 1:25.1.
From there, it was a sight-seeing journey down the Buffalo Raceway homestretch for Gray and Upfront Countryboy as they pulled away for the convincing decision. Focus Power (Drew Monti) took second and China Dream (Billy Davis, Jr.) third.
Owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser, Jr., it was the eighth victory in 17 starts in 2018 for the nine-year-old gelded Upfront Countryboy (Dragon Again-Cambloid). The win upped his seasonal earnings to $39,620 and $401,620 lifetime.
Gray had five victories on the card with Monti adding four. Clouser, Jr. finished with four training wins and JD Perrin got a triple.
Due to changes in the racing calendar, action that originally scheduled for this Sunday afternoon has been cancelled.
Racing will resume on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. with 11 races slated. An $845 carryover awaits in the Pick-5 which begins in the second race. The New York Sire Stakes will highlight the program with the two-year-old colt and gelding trotters to compete in three divisions. There will also be events in the Excelsior A and B series.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, simulcast schedule, race replays, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.
(Buffalo Raceway)