by Brian Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — A disappointing second place finish last week left a bitter taste in the mouth of Sportsmuffler. But on Wednesday night (April 18), she bounced back nice and tasted sweet victory by registering a two length decision over Aritzia Hanover in the featured $10,400 Open Pace for the mares at Buffalo Raceway.

Steve Roth photo

Sportsmuffler tasted sweet victory at Buffalo Raceway.

After watching Aritzia Hanover reel off fractions of :28.4 and :58.4 to the half, Sportsmuffler (Drew Monti) began her first over journey to the lead. Getting to the top with a quarter-mile to pace, Sportsmuffler ($3.10) used a :28 final panel to seal the deal in going the mile in a seasonal best 1:56.3. Aritzia Hanover (Billy Davis Jr.) held on for second place while Hey Kobe (David McNeight III) rallied late for third.

It was the second victory in five starts in 2018 for the 6-year-old Sportsmuffler (Sportsmaster-Whatifthere’smore). Owned by Rose Campbell and trained by Steven Kiblin, Sportsmuffler has now earned $14,309 this season and $227,165 lifetime.

Monti completed the evening with a triple in the sulky while Ray Fisher Jr. doubled. Kiblin finished the night with two training wins.

Racing will continue on Saturday night at 6 p.m. with a 12-race program scheduled.

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