by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Red Clay wasn't asked to do much for more than three quarters of the mile but when driver Shawn McDonough called on him to go to work, he responded in a big way and captured the $10,000 Open Trot at Buffalo Raceway on Friday night (July 15).
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| Photo by Steve Roth | ||
| Red Clay and driver Shawn McDonough capture Open Trot |
Getting a perfect pocket trip, Red Clay ($11.00) roared by the pace-setting Winkys Pride in the stretch and scored a convincing two length victory in 1:59.1 over the fast track.
Winkys Pride managed to grab the lead from the start and set fractions of 28.3, 59.2 and 1:29.1. Red Clay in the meantime was more than happy to draft along in second until the top of the lane.
When his opportunity arrived, Red Clay pounced on it and rolled to the lead while Winkys Pride (Drew Monti) could do nothing but watch. Serious George (Mike Caprio) showed some late trot and gobbled up the show spot.
Co-owned by trainer Carmen Cappotelli and Patricia Cappotelli, Red Clay (American Mike-Ersa Kash) now has three victories in 12 starts in 2016. The 6-year-old gelding has earned $20,526 this season and $46,340 lifetime.
Todd Cummings and Kevin Cummings each had driving doubles while trainer Angelo Nappo had two wins.
Action continues on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a 13-race card on tap. There's a $857 carryover in the Pick-5 which begins in the fifth race.
