from harness publicists across North America

Saturday’s (March 27) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Miami Valley Raceway and Buffalo Raceway.

Astreo’s Love upsets in Miami Valley Open

Lebanon, OH — Astreo’s Love raced creditably in his first eight starts at Miami Valley Raceway this winter, earning almost $16,000, but could only garner a pair of fifth place finishes when elevated to Open company. That changed Saturday night as driver Brad Hanners tactfully guided the 5-year-old gelding to an 18-1 upset in the $18,150 feature race.

Conrad photo

Astreo’s Love scored a 1:51.2 upset in the $18,150 Open Pace.

Sensing hot fractions on the front end, Hanners settled the winner into sixth along the pylons as the leaders reached the quarter in :25.4 and the halfway marker in :53.3. Ice Scraper (Ken Holliday) tripped the first beam while favorite A Sweet Ride (Josh Sutton) tripped the second one.

Twilight Bonfire (Chris Page) was first to move to the outside just past the half with Orion’s Belt (Greg Grismore) assuming the second-over position and Astreo’s Love following him. Twilight Bonfire, who recently surpassed the $1 million earnings plateau with three Open class victories at Miami Valley in recent weeks, failed to fire on this night leaving Orion’s Belt and Astreo’s Love no choice but to swing three-wide around the final turn.

Both advanced steadily as the field passed the 1:22.2 third stanza, but it was Hanners who had his charge pacing fastest down the middle of the stretch to gain the victory in 1:51.2.

Owned by Eash Racing Stable, winning punters got $38.20 back on their $2 tickets on Astreo’s Love. With Ice Scraper holding on for second the exacta returned $170.60. Another longshot, Kyron (Kayne Kauffman) rallied for the show dough.

There were seven successful claims on the Saturday night program bringing the total to almost 200 after just 61 nights of racing — tangible evidence that owners, both old and new, and trainers continue to be excited about the recent resurgence in the Ohio racing program.

— Miami Valley Raceway

Buffalo Raceway
Mach Stockn Barrel continued to flex his muscles at Buffalo Raceway as the 4-year-old gelding registered his sixth victory of the season in 10 starts with an impressive 1-1/4 length win over Jokerman in the featured $9,500 pace Saturday night. Driver John Cumminigs Jr. was determined to get Mach Stockn Barrel to the top. It took some effort as Mr Perserverance (Shawn Gray) handed out a parking ticket to the quarter pole in a solid :28.4. But once gaining the top, Mach Stockn Barrel ($5.40) bottomed out the field, enjoying a widening two length edge at the top of the stretch. There weren’t any threats to the finish line as Mach Stockn Barrel was throttled down. Jokerman (Jim McNeight) showed some late kick to take second while Union Man Hanover (Shawn McDonough) finished in third. Mach Stockn Barrel (Mach Three-Timeless Classic) is owned by Leonard Segall and is trained by James Clouser Jr. The win pushed his winnings to $26,666 in 2015 and $51,247 lifetime. In the sub-featured $8,800 pace, the old veteran Peenie ($13.20) found the winner’s circle for the second time in a week and the 51st time in his career with a head victory over I C D Moolah in 1:59.2. Peenie (Gray) was sitting fifth at the three-quarter marker but was sailing on the outside down the stretch. He used a terrific final panel of :28.1 to notch the head win. I C D Moolah (Drew Monti) had to settle for the disappointing place spot while Lucky Nadotremblay (McDonough) arrived in the show position. Co-owned by Decker’s Corner Stable and trainer John Mungillo, the 10-year-old gelded Peenie (Real Artist-Tre Cress) has now earned $16,860 this season and $649,249 lifetime. John Cummings Jr. and Shawn Gray each scored four victories on the 13-race card while Buffalo Raceway’s leading driver Kevin Cummings had a double.