by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Lougazi ($6.60) got back to his familiar antics at Buffalo Raceway as he used his patented late charge to sweep by the field in the $15,500 Open Trot on Saturday night (July 1) in a seasonal best 1:57.2. He roared by Muskingum to collect the three quarter length victory while Mugshots Bro was third.

In the $15,500 Open Pace

Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) settled in fifth place off the starting wings as Batting Stats put up splits of :29.0 and :57.4. Approaching the half,  Lougazi started his journey on the outside and was able to pick up the live cover of Muskingum.

With a quarter mile to trot, Batting Stats said good night as Muskingum (Joseph Chindano Jr.) made the lead. But that move ended up being a perfect set up for Lougazi. Turning for home, Lougazi tipped out and used his usual charge to blitz the stunned Muskingum with a :29.0 last split.

Owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift, Lougazi (Lou's Legacy-Winning Blade) has now won four times in 16 attempts. He has earned $32,595 on the season and $457,196 lifetime. Lougazi earned $108,340 in 2022 thanks to eight victories and 23 in the money finishes in 30 starts.

Racing will return on Wednesday afternoon with a 13-race slated. The New York Sire Stakes will return as a field of five 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters will square off in the seventh race for a purse of $102,500. There's also a pair of $20,000 Excelsior Series events for the gentlemen. There's also a $2,130 carryover in the Pick 5 which begins in the second race.

For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to www.buffaloraceway.com