It was ladies first at Buffalo Raceway on Friday afternoon, April 26 as Gracious Triumph ($4.80) was a 'gracious winner' against the gentlemen.
The five-year-old mare defeated the boys in the featured $12,603 conditioned/optional claiming trot in a seasonal best 1:59.1 over the fast track. She beat Bridge Works by 2-1/2 lengths while Red Hot Sun was third.
Bridge Works (David McNeight III) set the early fractions as he posted splits of :30.3, 1:01.1 and 1:30.2. Drafting along in the pocket, Gracious Triumph was itching to go at the top of the stretch and when driver Shawn McDonough gave her the cue to go, she responded perfectly. Using a final panel of :28.4, Gracious Triumph easily breezed past the tempo-setting Bridge Works while Red Hot Sun (James McNeight Jr.) took third-place honours.
Owned by Harry Wortzman and trained by McDonough, Gracious Triumph (Triumphant Caviar-Sweet Touch) earned her third victory in 10 2024 appearances. The win was her 26th lifetime and lifted her bankroll over the $200,000 mark.
Mike Baumeister and Kyle Swift each produced a pair of victories on the card while McDonough notched a double on the training side of the ledger.
Racing will resume on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with an 11-race card.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)