HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Rain, wind and a sloppy track was a winning combination for Rockstar Temper ($8.00) as he took the $10,500 Open Pace in convincing fashion at Buffalo Raceway Saturday night (June 27), beating Unicorn Hanover by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:58.1.

 

The heavily-favored Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) was parked to the opening panel in the feature and needed a wicked 27.3 first split to reach the lead. The hot fractions of 58.0 and 1:28.3 over the sloppy going would eventually be costly for the front runner.

 

Sand Savage (Jim McNeight) was first over going down the backstretch the final time and Rockstar Temper (Drew Monti) drafted perfectly behind.  

 

The brutal times took their toll on Youwillwishyouhad as he threw in the towel at the top of the stretch and Sand Savage had enough as well.

 

Rockstar Temper (Shawn McDonough) in the meantime was loving the proceedings and rolled off cover to post the victory. Unicorn Hanover (David McNeight III) showed late kick to take second while Mr. Perserverance (Shawn Gray) rode the pylons for third.

 

Owned by James Caradori and trained by Darrin Monti, Rockstar Temper has scored four victories in 18 appearances in 2015. The 7-year-old gelding (Rocknroll Hanover-Dragon Temper) has earned $43,520 this season and $332,153 lifetime.

 

Jokerman ($43.40) didn't joke around in the $9,500 Open II pace by springing a 1-1/2 length upset win over Beachfront in 1:57.2.

 

After watching a speed duel on the front end between Ain't No Stoppin' and I C D Moolah, Jokerman was in 'wait and see' mode. Waiting and seeing the speed crumble, Jokerman was three-wide and winging, rolling in the stretch for a 1-1/2 length win over Beachfront (McNeight III). Cobble Beach (Cummings) rallied for the show spot..

 

Co-owned by trainer Richard Roth along with Randy and Robert Roth, Jokerman has six victories on the season and $43,894 in the bank. The 6-year-old gelding (American Ideal-Shark Tail) has now made $93,037 in his career.

 

Racing will continue on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. with a 12-race card.

 

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