Hamburg, NY — Big Baller Beane ($7.60) finally got a post position where he could use his early speed and he took full advantage of that situation to go coast to coast in Buffalo Raceway’s $16,000 Open Trot on Friday (June 27) afternoon. He beat Uncle Archie by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:58.4 over the sloppy track.
After two consecutive starts from outside post positions, Big Baller Beane had no chance to use his early gate speed. But getting the three post for driver Kevin Cummings, that opportunity finally arose. Battling Uncle Archie for early bragging rights, Big Baller Beane was able to cross over and put up splits of :29.0, :59.1 and 1:29.1.
There was a wall of horses behind Big Baller Beane looking to rally for the win as the field turned for home but their attempts came up way short. The pocket sitting Uncle Archie (Jim Morrill Jr.) held on for second place while Dealin With Dewey rallied from last place to collect the third place check.
Co-owned by Kathy Schoeffel, James Reuther and Roger Romesser, the 5-year-old gelded Big Baller Beane (Father Patrick-Global Decision) is trained by Angelo Nappo. It was the fourth victory in 19 tries on the season, pushing his earnings to $60,840 and to $215.243 in his career.
In the $14,500 pace for the fillies and mares, Downtown Tonight ($16.20) ventured up from Tioga Downs riding a four-race win streak. She left making it five consecutive victories with a nose decision over Firstofanera in 1:57.2.
After playing give and go with Scenic Adventure for the early command, Downtown Tonight (Joseph Chindano Jr.) laid down splits of :28.4, :57.4 and 1:27.3 as Scenic Adventure followed along in the pocket.
Turning for home, Downtown Tonight looked in charge as Scenic Adventure seemed to have lost interest. But things didn’t come easy however as Firstofanera (Brett MacDonald) came flying from seventh place but just came up a nose short to Downtown Tonight in trying to pull out the massive comeback. Sweet Gadgets (Steve Hudon) was third.
Owned by Summer Wind Stables of NY, the 4-year-old Downtown Tonight (Shanghai Phil-Fanciful) is trained by James Clouser Jr. It was her tenth win in 16 starts in 2025, putting $50,835 in the bank and $95,481 lifetime.
Drew Monti and Chindano Jr. each had three victories on the program with Kevin Cummings, James McNeight Jr. and David McNeight II each doubling. Courtney Wright, Jeff Martin and Nappo each had two training wins.
Racing will return on Saturday (June 28) afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with a 14-race card to be presented.
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