HAMBURG, N.Y. --- China Dream lulled the field to sleep with a leisurely half-mile split in Buffalo Raceway's featured $10,500 Open I-II Pace on Saturday night (June 16) and when the six entrants finally awoke, things ended up being a nightmare for them.

Photo by Steve Roth
China Dream blazes to victory in Open I-II Pace.

 

With a opening half of a mere :59.0 over the fast track, China Dream ($6.80) blazed the final two stanzas  in :55.1, including a last panel of :27.1, and easily rolled to a 5-1/4 length win over Classic American N in a seasonal best 1:54.1.

 

Starting from the two post, driver Billy Davis Jr. sent China Dream right to the point, putting up soft fractions of :29.4 and :59.0. From there, the 7-year-old gelding went to work and bottomed out the field with a :28.1 third quarter. 

 

Enjoying a four-length advantage at the top of the stretch, China Dream stamped his ticket to the winner's circle by using a blistering 27.1 last quarter to coast to the victory.

 

Classic American N (Ron Beback Jr.) won the battle for second place with Validus Deo (Kevin Cummings) taking third.

 

Co-owned by trainer Maria Rice and Jack Rice, it was the fourth win in 15 starts for China Dream (If I Can Dream-China Art). The score upped his season earnings to $28,571 and $263,334 lifetime.

 

Shawn Gray finished the evening with five driving victories while Davis Jr. had a triple. James Clouser Jr. had a training four-bagger while Steve Andzel and Rice had doubles.

 

The first matinee of the season comes up on Sunday with a 12-race program scheduled for 12:30 p.m. The 3-year-old filly trotters are in town for the New York Sire Stakes races along with Excelsior A & B series events.

 

It's also Father's Day at the track with 'Lucky Exacta Magnets' being given away with chances to win free wagers while the kids can enjoy free sno cones and cotton candy. The track side grill will also be open during the card.

 

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