HAMBURG, N.Y. --- On paper in Buffalo Raceway's featured $9,500 Open II Pace for the fillies and mares on Wednesday night (May 16), it appeared that it was going to be a battle to see if anyone could knock off the front running Sgt Molly Pitcher. Hey Kobe showed she was up to the challenge.

Photo by Steve Roth
Hey Kobe goes seasonal best 1:55.2 in a victory.

 

After stalking the slightly favored Sgt Molly Pitcher for more than three quarters of a mile, the second choice in the wagering Hey Kobe (Drew Monti) used the 'lightning lane' to nudge past the pace setter by a neck in a seasonal best 1:55.2 over the fast track.

 

Sgt Molly Pitcher (Jim Morrill Jr.) was in charge early with fractions of :28.1, :57.3 and 1:27.0. But turning for home it appeared the major danger to her was going to come from the first-over Rock My World (John Cummings Jr.). That threat never materialized but Hey Kobe was ready to take her turn.

 

Midway down the lane, Hey Kobe ($4.00) snuck up the passing lane and eventually got past Sgt Molly Pitcher just before the wire. Double Down Jo (Kevin Cummings) rallied late for third.

 

Owned by Keith Pinkowski and trained by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr., it was the fourth victory in 17 attempts this season for the 6-year-old mare Hey Kobe (Bettor's Delight-American West). The victory pushed her seasonal bankroll to $26,681 and $286,730 lifetime.

 

The amazing Quicksilvercandy A, a 14-year mare that produced 22 wins in 47 starts last season, continued to make her final year of racing a memorable one as she notched her 11th win in just 14 tries on the campaign with a 1-1/2 length decision over Tymal Luckynpink in 1:57.1.

 

Owned and trained by Riley Asher-Stalbaum, Quicksilvercandy A (Bad Bert-Forzett) has won four straight races now, putting $36,875 in the bank in 2018 and $717,103 in her career.

 

Ray Fisher Jr. completed the night with four victories in the bike while Kevin Cummings tripled.

 

Racing will resume on Saturday night with a 13-race card scheduled for a special 7 p.m. post to accommodate the running of the Preakness Stakes.