The Niatross Knockout Final is all Set
Hamburg, NY---It isn’t often that $4,000 claimers get to run for a purse of $26,000, but that’s exactly what will happen next Saturday, as eight of Buffalo Raceway’s finest four claimers qualified for the final Saturday night.
In one of the semi-final legs, worth $6,000, the long awaited battle between Encil (Tom Agosti) and Long Beach Tea (Jamie Dunlap) did not disappoint. Encil, who had the rail, re-took the lead from Long Beach Tea just past the quarter-pole, which was hit in a snappy: 28.4. Now with the lead, Encil hit the half in :59, and the three-quarters in 1:29.4. A great battle down the stretch saw Long Beach Tea ($8.10) hit the finish line first in 1:59.1, with Encil a head back in second. SB Quents Knight (Kevin Cummings) finished third, while Clear For Flight (Jimmy Whisman) came in fourth.
“I wanted to cut the mile”, said Dunlap. “When he (Encil) went by me past the quarter, the best place to be was right on his back. It was a good battle down the stretch”.
Both Long Beach Tea and Encil were claimed for $7,000 out the race.
In the other leg, Runrun Big Eagle ($7.60) with Tom Agosti in the sulky, won in 1:58.3, which was a few tics faster than the first leg. Runrun Big Eagle beat second place finisher Full Of Speed (Kevin Cummings) by three-quarters of a length. Rock N Roll Pan (Jamie Dunlap) who cut the mile finished third, and Wine Guide (Jimmy Whisman) came in fourth.
“What a handy little horse this is,” said Agosti. “I really like him a lot, but I think he got claimed too”.
Tom was right, as Runrun Big Eagle was claimed along with Make Me Proudchico, who did not qualify for the final, but will be eligible for the $6,000 consolation.
Racing will resume on Wednesday February 24, with first post scheduled for 6:40 pm.
Fans may enjoy fine food and drinks while playing their favorite horses: call the clubhouse reservation Line at (716) 646-6109, ext. 60149 to reserve a table. An operator will be available on Monday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Sam Pendolino..........Publicity Director/Public Relations
spendolino@buffaloraceway.com
