Hamburg, NY---Crazy About Pat, a three-year-old colt by Crazed, out of the Malabar mare Dibrizzi, won his $35,846 division of the New York Sire Stakes in 1:56.3 here at Buffalo Raceway Sunday afternoon (June 23). That winning time now goes in the record book along with Delano (2012), for three-year-old trotters, and Scorpion Moon (2007) for aged trotters.
Dismissed by bettors at 6-1, Crazy About Pat ($15.40) was masterfully driven by Cat Manzi, who settled him in sixth from post seven, as eventual fourth place finisher Modest Prince (Jeff Gregory) set some very quick fractions, :28.2, :56.3, and 1:26.
Still 13 lengths behind at the half-mile marker, Manzi started his assault on the leaders, and with a remarkable :27.3 last quarter-mile beat second place finisher Wannacmyguns (John Stark, Jr.) by 4-1/4 lengths at the finish line. The 4/5 favorite Tirade Hanover (Jim Morrill, Jr.) came in third.
“I took it easy early, because I thought there was a lot of early speed in the race”, said Manzi. “When I asked him for speed, he (Crazy About Pat) really responded. This is a really nice horse”.
Trained by Noel Daley for the Patricia Stables of Massapequa, NY, it was only the third lifetime win in 17 attempts for Crazy About Pat, and the $17,923 share of the winning purse put his lifetime earnings at $76,062.
The other three Sire Stakes winners were New Yorks Best (Conway Hall-Ada Winds) in 2:00.1 with driver Jeff Gregory at the controls, Jacks To Open (Conway Hall-Jodi’s Jayme) in 1:58 with reinsman Jim Morrill, Jr. in the bike, and Therapeutic (Crazed-Psychotherapist) in 1:59.1 also with Jim Morrill, Jr., in the sulky.
To view these races and others from this Sunday afternoon go to Buffalo Raceway :: Races on Demand
Jim Morrill, Jr., led all drivers with three wins on the card.
Racing will resume on Wednesday June 26, with first post scheduled for 5:00 pm eastern time.
Sam Pendolino..........Publicity Director/Public Relations
spendolino@buffaloraceway.com
Photos by Paul White