HAMBURG, N.Y. --- China Dream and driver Drew Monti couldn't have asked for a better trip and the pair took total advantage of the situation to notch a 1-1/2 length victory over Knocking Around in Buffalo Raceway's featured $10,000 Open I-II pace on Saturday night (June 4).

 

After watching Lucky Nadotremblay cut the half in 57.4, China Dream began a second over trip, following the live cover of Whosurpal (Jim Morrill Jr.).

 

With a quarter mile to pace, China Dream ($7.20) tipped three-wide in the stretch, unleashing a 28.4 final panel to easily secure the win in 1:55.0 over the fast track. Knocking Around (David McNeight III) rallied late and picked up the place position with Lucky Nadotremblay (Shawn McDonough) finishing in third.

 

Co-owned by trainer Maria Rice and Jack Rice, it was the sixth victory in 16 tries this season for the 5-year-old gelded China Dream (If I Can Dream-China Art). The win pushed his 2016 earnings to $41,975 and $131,568 lifetime.

 

Morrill Jr. finished the night with five wins in the sulky while Ray Fisher Jr. doubled. Maria Rice had two training victories.

 

Racing will resume on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. with a 12-race card scheduled. There will be a $697 carryover in the Pick-5 which begins in the fifth race.