HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Rockefeller Lindy ($17.60) and driver David McNeight III watched the favored Wilberforce do all the dirty work but then cleaned up in the end to take Buffalo Raceway's featured $13,000 Open Trot on Wednesday night (Jan. 29) in 1:58.0 over the good track.

 

McNeight III started the 2020 campaign on a memorable note as he had four driving victories including the feature win and a $115.50 decision aboard Won Sweet Dream in the nightcap. He also had a training score.

 

Photo by Bill Burke
Rockefeller Lindy pulls surprise in $13,000 Open Trot.

It was the first night of the 66-day season at Buffalo Raceway. Director of Operations Jon Cramer said, "It was a good night. The clubhouse was busy, the weather cooperated, the track crew did a great job in getting the track ready and people were excited to be back."

 

In the feature, after briefly getting the lead, Rockefeller Lindy (David McNeight III) relinquished the advantage as Wilberforce (John Cummings Jr.) muscled his way to the top. 

 

Posting fractions of :29.1, :49.2 and 1:29.1, Wilberforce was bracing for challengers in the stretch. The closers didn't disappoint. The pocket-sitting Rockefeller Lindy found plenty of racing room through the passing lane to collect the half length win over Wilberforce while the late-charging Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) picked up the show check. 

 

Co-owned by the Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC, the 6-year-old gelded Rockefeller Lindy (Lucky Chucky-Touch Of Lindy) was now earned $154,617 lifetime. James Clouser Jr., Buffalo Raceway's defending training champion, conditioned the winner.

 

Daylon Phantom (Renaldo Morales III) didn't look like he had a ghost of a chance until the top of the home stretch but then unleashed a powerful kick to roll past a surprised Noble Legend (Billy Davis Jr.) and Some Royalty (Shawn McDonough) in winning the $10,000 Class A trot.

Photo by Bill Burke
Morales III gets Buffalo win with Daylon Phantom.

Sitting third with a quarter mile to trot, it appeared that Noble Legend and Some Royalty were going to duke it out to the wire but Daylon Phantom ($17.80) came from way back to steal a neck victory in 1:58.3.

 

Owned by Franklin Meier and Super Mile LLC, it was the first triumph of the season for the 5-year-old gelded Daylon Phantom (Kadabra-Daylon Marvel). Conditioned by Angelo Nappo, the victory moved his career bankroll to $64,949.

 

Protect Blue Chip ($2.40) paced right off the gate and never looked back in taking the $10,000 Class A pace for the filly and mares in the season opening event. She beat Who's Got The Move by 3-3/4 lengths in a snappy 1:57.0.

 

As the wings opened, Protect Blue Chip (Davis Jr.) set the splits with panels of :29.2, :58.2 and 1:28.2. A 28.3 last quarter mile sealed the deal for Protect Blue Chip as Who's Got The Move and Mean Pauline (McDonough) had to settle for second and third respectively.

 

Owned by the Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphia Bloodstock, it was the first win in two tries this season for the 5-year-old mare Protect Blue Chip (American Ideal-Lucky Turn). Trained by Maria Rice, it upped her seasonal winnings to $5,000 and $92,004 lifetime.

 

Davis Jr. and Drew Monti had three wins apiece with Denny Bucceri doubling. Rice had three training victories.

 

Racing will continue on Saturday evening with a 12-race card set for 6 p.m. It will be 'Lucky Exacta Night' with customers receiving a pair of ceramic Buffalo Raceway coasters and a lucky exacta combination which could win you free wagers.

 

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