HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It was 'girl power' in the $10,500 Open Trot at a frigid Buffalo Raceway on Friday night (Feb. 28).
Fiorentina ($4.90) reappeared after nearly a month layoff and beat Heartsaregonnaroll by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:59.1 over the good track as the two mares finished one-two in beating the boys.
It was the usual strategy for Fiorentina as she once again went gate-to-wire in scoring her third victory in four attempts in 2014. Fiorentina's last start was back on January 31 where she finished fifth so the rest proved to be worthwhile.
The 5-year-old Fiorentina (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) used fractions of 29.4, 59.4 and 1:29.3 to coast to the win. The 29.3 last quarter was more than enough as Heartsaregonnaroll (Kevin Cummings) late rally was only good to secure the place position. Detailer (David McNeight III) took the show spot.
Owned by Frank Lamacchia and Guy Polillo, Fiorentina now has amassed $14,225 this season and $144,050 lifetime. She is trained by John Mungillo.
A solid 11-race card is scheduled for Saturday night with the $28,250 Niatross Knockout Claiming Series finals slated along with the $10,000 consolation race. Also, the $10,500 Open Pace will be contested.
by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway