Hamburg, NY — Lougazi ($17.00) was back to his old tricks at Buffalo Raceway and it spelled doom for his competition in the $14,000 Open Trot on Saturday night (May 11).

One of the best sidewinders — if not the best — at Buffalo Raceway the past few seasons, Lougazi regained his top form once again and used his patented late blitz to take his fourth consecutive victory. He beat Crazy Ritz and Muskingum, who were placed second and third respectively after the original runner up Johnny Boy was disqualified for interference near the start.

Power And Grace got the early advantage in the top trotting event and set the tempo with a :28.4, :58.2 and 1:28.1. But the race was ready to evolve to the liking of Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.). Jacked was first-over approaching the final marker, and Lougazi was salivating and thankful with the perfect cover. Turning three-wide for home, Lougazi used his powerful closing kick and zoomed to the lead while the pocket-sitting Johnny Boy finished in second, a head behind, but was kicked back to last for the interference. That allowed Crazy Ritz (James McNeight Jr.) and Muskingum (Joseph Chindano Jr.) to move up the ladder.

Lougazi rallied powerfully to just prevail in Saturday’s Open Trot at Buffalo. Barnstormer Images.

Owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift, the 10-year-old gelding Lougazi (Lou’s Legacy-Winning Blade) recorded his fourth win of the season in nine attempts. It was his 62nd career victory and upped his seasonal earnings to $27,592 and $542,458 lifetime.

In the $14,000 Open Pace, Mach Le More A ($3.60) came thundering through the lightning lane and edged Davey Day Trader by a head in 1:55.3 over a good track.

Davey Day Trader (McNeight) had the edge through three quarters after splits of :28.4, :58.3 and 1:26.3. But the serious portion of the race was about to begin.

Alta Engen A (Kevin Cummings) got on even terms with Davey Day Trader coming down the stretch. Mach Le More A (John Cummings Jr.) was sitting behind the duo and dropped into the passing lane and was able to squeak by near the finish line and win the three-way photo. Alta Engen A had to settle for second place while Davey Day Trader took the show spot.

Co-owned by Marissa Russo and Fac Racing LLC and conditioned by David Russo, Mach Le More (Mach Three-Runs On Love) recorded his fourth win of 2024 in 16 appearances. The decision pushed his earnings to $37,905 on the campaign and $298,807 in his career.

Racing resumes on Wednesday afternoon (May 15) at 2:30 p.m. with an 11-race program on tap. There is a $5,425 carryover in the Pick 5, which begins in the second race.

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