Lutetium ($4.50) zoomed to the lead as the starting gate swung opened with no issues and never looked back from there, posting a 2-3/4 length victory over Studio City in 1:59.4 over the sloppy track.

 

Earlier this season, Lutetium had problems at the start, breaking in two consecutive races. But trainer Mark Laidlaw ironed out the miscues and Lutetium has been untouchable since. He won the Open II Trot in front-running style last week by two lengths.

 

Setting fractions of 28.4, 59.2 and 1:29.3 en route to a 1:59.4 mile, Lutetium had no serious threats in scoring his second win of the season. Studio City (Aaron Byron) sat in the garden spot the entire race but had no answers while Armed Dangerously (Ray Fisher Jr.) took the show spot.

 

A 7-year-old gelding, Lutetium is owned by Colleen Girdlestone. He has now earned $13,335 this season and $199,141 lifetime.

 

The racing will continue on Saturday night at Buffalo Raceway with an 11-race card slated to begin at 6:40 p.m. The $22,500 finals of the Michael Scores Knockout Claiming Series will be held along with the $10,000 consolation race. Also on tap is the $10,500 Open Pace.