Hamburg, NY — Hunt Off The Press ($3.30) stole the headlines in the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers on Wednesday afternoon (July 9) at Buffalo Raceway with a rousing 7-1/2-length thumping of Shaw Time in 1:56.4 over a fast track.
Almost as impressive was Fragment ($2.70), who showed that his victory in the New York Sire Stakes at Yonkers Raceway on June 16 was no fluke, as he made it two straight victories with a length win over Lakewood Nick in his $54,500 division.
Hunt Off The Press, who lost by four lengths to Fragment at Yonkers in the NYSS, showed he is going to be a force to be reckoned with as the series marches on.
In the early going, Hunt Off The Press sat back as several breaking horses around the opening turn caused some commotion. But as things settled down, Hunt Off The Press (Tyler Buter) blasted his way to the top, and the race was basically done after that in a contest that was worth $55,400.
With fractions of :28.4, :57.4 and 1:27.2, Hunt Off The Press gave Fragment a little something to think about later in the year as he crossed the finish line comfortably in front. Shaw Time (Jason Bartlett) was second; The Quiet Cowboy (Gary Gibson) picked up the show check.
It was the first career victory for Hunt Off The Press (Huntsville-Off The Press), who is owned by Thomas Grossman and conditioned by Jared Bako. With the win, he moved his bankroll to $47,055 in two outings.
Fragment won in his career debut at Yonkers with an easy four-length decision in 1:55.1. At Buffalo Raceway, he made it look just as easy.
Starting from post seven, Fragment was cautiously guided around the first turn by driver Jason Bartlett due to the early inside speed and the breaking Killing Joke. But once maneuvering through the opening turn, Bartlett stepped on the pedal and Fragment responded perfectly, hitting the opening panel in :28.2.
With fractions of :57.3 and 1:27 in the books, Fragment just had to deal with Lakewood Nick (Jody Jamieson) and Ideal Rebel (Tyler Buter) down the stretch. While the pair managed to cut slightly into the lead, they couldn’t mount a serious rally as Fragment safely crossed the wire in front.
Co-owned by the Engblom Stable LLC and Douglas Sipple, Fragment (Huntsville-The Show Returns) is trained by Per Engblom and is a perfect two-for-two in his career, amassing $65,900 in earnings thanks to his NYSS victories.
In the lone $20,000 Excelsior event, Shakeitonthebeach ($4.40) led every step of the way and beat Southwind Iron by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:58.1.
Shakeitonthebeach (Bartlett) took to the top immediately and was able to secure fractions of :29.3, :59.3 and 1:29.4. Southwind Iron (Braxten Boyd) was first-over as they reached the three-quarter pole but couldn’t cut into the advantage of Shakeitonthebeach in the lane. Jericho Johnny (Buter) finished third.
It was the first win of his career in two attempts for Shakeitonthebeach (Huntsville-Wannashakeyourtree), whom Shane Tritton trains for owner Joshua Jay Graber. The win was worth $10,000, the first earnings lifetime for Shakeitonthebeach.
Racing will continue on Friday afternoon (July 11) at 2:30 p.m. with a 13-race card scheduled.
For more information, including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.