Pembroke Joey won a three-way battle for the early lead in Buffalo Raceway's $15,000 Open Pace on Saturday (May 28) and then ended up winning the war by posting a shocking $32.00 victory over Endeavors Pride in 1:55.4 over the sloppy track.
When the starting gate swung open, Pembroke Joey, Endeavors Pride and American Trademark all went to the lead and that trio were locked into a speed duel. American Trademark was the first to abort the leave attempt while Pembroke Joey eventually took over with Endeavors Pride dropping into the pocket.
With fractions of :28, :56.4 and 1:26.1, driver Denny Bucceri and Pembroke Joey braced for charges from the back of the pack. But those threats didn't materialize enough as Pembroke Joey was able to hold off Endeavors Pride (Jim Morrill Jr.) by three parts of a length while Stop Action (Kevin Cummings) snagged third.
Owned by the Lav Racing Stable and trained by Gregory Johnson, it was the third victory in 12 starts for the eight-year-old gelded Pembroke Joey (Roll With Joe - Paccini Blue Chip). The win moved his 2022 bankroll to $34,625 and $185,767 in his career.
In the $13,100 Open II Pace, Out On Bail ($4.50) made a 'jail break' for it early and never looked back in beating Illbewatchingu by a neck in 1:55.2. It was the third straight win for the five-year-old gelding.
Sprinting off the starting gate, driver Kevin Cummings immediately took Out On Bail to the front and posted fractions of :29.3, :58.3 and 1:27.1. Turning for home, Illbewatchingu (Keith Kash Jr.) was in striking position but couldn't get by the pace setter Out On Bail. Santana Beach (David McNeight III) was third.
Owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Samuel Smith, it was the fifth win in 15 tries for Out On Bail (Western Terror-Leeva). The win moved his seasonal earnings to $42,296 and $91,297 lifetime.
Kash Jr., Kevin Cummings and Morrill Jr. all had driving doubles on the program.
Live harness racing will continue on Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. with a 10-race card scheduled. The New York Sire Stakes returns once again with the three-year-old colt and gelding pacers squaring off in two divisions worth $60,300 each. There will also be a pair of $15,000 Excelsior A events.
(Buffalo)