HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Villiam ($5.80) used some new strategy in Buffalo Raceway's $14,000 Open Pace on Saturday afternoon (March 22) and the new tactics resulted in the same desired result, a victory.

 

Photo by Barnstormer Images
Villiam goes from last to first place.

In his last start two weeks ago, Villiam (Joseph Chindano) went wire to wire in coasting to an easy 3-3/4 length decision. This week, Villiam had to rally from seventh and last place to eventually collar Panettone Hanover (Kevin Cummings) by a half in 1:59.1 over the good track.

 

Carrythetorchman set the early pace as he was searching for his fourth straight victory at Buffalo Raceway. With fractions of :29.1 and :59.2, Carrythetorchman found his win streak was in serious peril as he had company down the backstretch the last time, that being Panettone Hanover.

 

From there. Panettone Hanover got a comfortable hitting the three quarter marker in 1:29.1 but Villiam was winging it three wide and pulled alongside preparing for the stretch drive.

 

Down the lane it was a two horse breakaway between Villiam and Panettone. But in the shadow of the wire, Villiam was able to stride ahead and take the length victory. Panettone had to settle for a heart breaking second place with Stranger Things (Shawn McDonough) collecting the third place check.

 

Owned by Chindano Jr. and trained by Maggie Chindano, Villiam (Rock N Roll Heaven-Village Mirage) had now posted two wins in eight tries on the campaign. The Triumph increased his 2025 bankroll to $20,095 and to $439,143 in his career.

 

Photo by Barnstormer Images
El Toro Loco rolls to win in Open Trot.

In the $14,000 Open Trot, El Toro Loco ($12.80) let others do the dirty work on the front end for the opening half mile but made a first over move to eventually dispose of six other competitors in 2:01. 

 

Watching Crazy Fool and Grinder battle it out on the lead through splits of :29.4 and 1:01.1, El Toro Loco patiently sat in fifth. Just before the half mile marker, Cummings signaled El Toro Loco to start his drive to the top and he did so willingly.

 

Gathering the advantage midway down the backstretch the final time, El Toro Loco opened up a comfortable three length margin at the top of the stretch and cruised home an easy 2-1/2 length winner. Communion Money (David McNeight III) finished in second but was disqualified to third due to interference in the stretch with My One Percent who was lifted into the runner up position. 

 

Co-owned by the El Dorado Stable and Michael Torcello, it was the fourth victory in eight outings on the season for the 6-year-old El Toro Loco (Walner-Southwind Cabaret). Conditioned by Samuel Smith, the score upped his seasonal bankroll to $26,750 and to $252,515 lifetime.

 

Cummings finished the matinee program with four victories while Drew Monti and McNeight III had three apiece with Chindano Jr. getting a double. Courtney Wright, James Clouser Jr. and Smith each had two training victories.

 

Racing will return on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with a 14-race program set. 

 

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