by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The way Rockstar Temper has been racing at Buffalo Raceway the past two weeks, he is quickly reaching 'rock star status' after rolling to another impressive victory in the $10,000 conditioned pace on Saturday night (July 4).
After watching Mr. Perserverance do the dirty work on the front end, the pocket-sitting Rockstar Temper ($3.90) cruised on by in the stretch and registered a length win in a seasonal best 1:53.2. It was his second straight victory in the week's featured pace.
Mr. Perserverance (Shawn Gray) protected pocket position from the start and put up scorching fractions of 27.3, 56.2 and 1:24.4 over the fast track while Rockstar Temper (Drew Monti) followed in tow. With a quarter mile to go, the duo broke away from the pack and were ready to duke it out to the wire. Rockstar Temper had the most punch and rolled past the helpless-feeling Mr. Perservance in the lane. Cobble Beach (Jack Flanigen) took the show spot.
Owned by James Caradori and trained by Darrin Monti, it was the fifth win this season for Rockstar Temper (Rocknroll Hanover-Dragon Temper). The 7-year-old gelding has earned $48,520 this season and increased his lifetime mark to $337,853.
In the $9,500 Open II pace, there was no stopping Ain't No Stoppin' as driver Jim McNeight was able to take him to a gate-to-wire victory in a seasonal best 1:55.3.
Starting from the pylons, Ain't No Stoppin' went to the front and posted splits of 29.1, 58.1 and 1:26.4. After seeing Ain't No Stoppin' drop anchor in the stretch last week, the closers were licking their chops at get a shot at tracking him down.
But the flame out didn't occur this week as Ain't No Stoppin' was strong enough to barely fend off the cavalry charge that developed behind him and notch the $23.20 win. The heavily-favored Burton Blue Chip (Kevin Cummings) just missed and finished a mere head behind while Art Two D Two (Monti) took third.
Owned by Michael Calimeri and trained by McNeight, it was the fourth win of the campaign for Ain't No Stoppin' (Dream Away-Lasting Approval). The 9-year-old horse has now put $21,746 in the bank in 2015 and $181,719 in his career.
LeReina Road scored a $82.50 upset victory in the third race with David McNeight III in the bike.
Racing will return on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. with a 13-race program scheduled.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, race replays and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
(Top photo) Rockstar Temper impressive in another Buffalo Raceway win.
(Bottom photo) Ain't No Stoppin' (#4) hangs on in Open II pace.
Photos by Steve Roth