Ontario-sired Ugly Betty has tried the same front-running tactics in the $10,500 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway for two straight weeks. So far, so good.
For the second consecutive week, Ugly Betty ($3.50) has gone wire-to-wire and recorded a 1-1/2 length victory over Seascape Hanover in 1:54.3 over the fast track Wednesday night (May 21). The winning time was a seasonal mark for Ugly Betty and just one-fifth of a second off the track record for aged pacing mares at Buffalo Raceway.
Driver Jack Flanigen alertly sent Ugly Betty to the lead at the start and dared the remaining seven to try and catch her. With fractions of :28,2, :57 and 1:26, Ugly Betty enjoyed a comfortable two length lead at the top of the stretch and breezed to the finish line with no serious challenges. Seascape Hanover (Ron Beback Jr.) rode the pocket the entire mile and finished in second while Majic Laughter (Jim McNeight) rallied for third.
The win was the fifth in 14 starts this season for Ugly Betty (Camluck-Red Road Rage), who has now earned $33,933 this season and $144,194 lifetime. The six-year-old mare is owned by Margaret Payne and Jennifer Falcone and is trained by Dennis Dylo. Ugly Betty now has been in the money 10 out of 14 starts in 2014.
Racing will continue on Friday night at Buffalo Raceway with a 13-race program set to begin at 6:40 p.m.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)