It was almost paradise for the chalk players at Buffalo Raceway on Friday afternoon (June 23) as the favourites dominated on the 12-race program.
There were just three winners that paid more than $10, those being Undertaker ($10.80), Ginger Tree Lerue ($14.40) and Pennant Seelster ($15.60). Other than that, it was short prices all around.
One of the heavy favourites to win was Lunar Credit ($3.10). He was out of this world in the $8,200 conditioned trot as he notched his second consecutive victory with a seasonal best 1:58 clocking over the fast track. Lunar Credit easily beat Hellrider (Mike Caprio) by three lengths while Time To Quit (Jim Morrill Jr.) was third.
Stepping up in class after last week's gate-to-wire victory in 2:00, Lunar Credit (James McNeight Jr.) proved to be no match for the tougher competition. Scoring from the three post, Lunar Credit zipped right to the lead and posted fractions of :29.2, :59.3 and 1:29.2. The last quarter-mile was smooth sailing for Lunar Credit as a :28.3 last split kept Hellrider from making up any substantial ground in the stretch.
Owned by McNeight Jr. and trained by Jim McNeight, eight-year-old Lunar Credit (Credit Winner-Lunar Dream) earned his third win in 11 tries this season. The score jumped his seasonal earnings to $14,883 and lifetime bankroll to $205,085.
Ray Fisher Jr. and Morrill Jr. led the drivers on the card with three trips to the winner's circle while McNeight Jr. and Joseph Chindano Jr. each getting two. James Clouser Jr. picked up a pair of training decisions.
Racing will resume on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a 12-race program set.
(Buffalo Raceway)