by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Peenie found out if at first you don't first succeed, try, try again. 

After starting three times off the rail in his last four starts, Peenie attempted to go wire-to-wire in each start but couldn't complete the task. 

But Saturday night (March 21) in the featured $9,500 conditioned pace at Buffalo Raceway, driver Kevin Cummings gave Peenie another chance on the front end and he passed the test with a length victory over Giant Sculpture in 1:57 over the sloppy track.

Peter Pumpkineater briefly took the lead in the race to the opening quarter pole, but Peenie wasted no time in re-taking and reaching the half in a brisk 57.4. The closers were in perfect position to challenge in the stretch but Peenie showed no quit and posted the win over Giant Sculpture (Shawn Gray). Mach Stockn Barrel (John Cummings Jr.) finished in third.

It was the first victory in eight tries this season for Peenie (Real Artist-Tre Cress) and the 50th of his career. Co-owned by Decker's Corner Stable and trainer John Mungillo, the 10-year-old gelding has now earned $12,470 in 2015 and $644,849 lifetime.

Sitting in third approaching the top of the stretch the first time, Lucky Nadotremblay was able to slip thorugh along the inside as King Otra (Drew Monti) and American Bull (Cummings) battled three-wide. 

Taking over the lead to the half, Lucky Nadotremblay ($19.60) enjoyed a two-length edge at the top of the lane and was in cruise control to the finish. Bakken used a late kick to take second while Western Alumni (Jim McNeight) finished in third.

The victory was the third in nine starts this season for Lucky Nadotremblay (Blissful Hall-Periella Hanover). Owned by the Nickel City Ranch Stable, the 5-year-old horse is trained by Ron Van Wagoner. The win upped his 2015 bankroll to $15,488 and $77,977 in his career.

Racing will resume on Wednesday night with a 12-race card set for 5 p.m at Buffalo Raceway.

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

(Top photo) Peenie completes the task in Buffalo Raceway feature.

(Bottom photo) Lucky Nodotremblay doesn't look back in $8,800 conditioned pace.

Photos by Steve Roth