Hamburg, NY — Big Baller Beane ($8.60) got to the lead early and never looked back in capturing the $16,000 Open Trot at Buffalo Raceway on Friday afternoon (May 30). He handily beat the heavily favored Dealin With Dewey by three lengths in a seasonal best 1:56.3 over a fast track.
With the field scratched down to six with Paya Tuesday being excused, Big Baller Beane wasted no time in setting up shop on the point. Trotting through splits of :29.1, :59 and 1:27.4, Big Baller Beane had a healthy 1-1/2-length edge at the top of the lane and extended that advantage in crossing the finish line.
Dealin With Dewey (Brett MacDonald) had to go three-wide approaching the final marker in an attempt to catch Big Baller Beane, but the margin was much too large in hopes of getting the comeback win. Double Class (David McNeight III) took third place.
Owned by Kathy Schoeffel, James Reuther and Roger Romesser, the 5-year-old gelded Big Baller Beane (Father Patrick-Global Desire) is trained by Angelo Nappo. The score jumped his 2025 earnings to $43,560 and to $205,963 in his career.
In the $14,500 pace for fillies and mares, Firstofanera (MacDonald) arrived at Buffalo Raceway off a sparkling 3-1/2-length, 1:54 win at Flamboro Downs, and that effort carried across the border as she wired the field in 1:55.2. Firstofanera ($5.50) beat a pesky McVera (Jim Morrill Jr.) by a half length while Sweet Gadgets (Steven Hudon) was third.
Just like in her last start at Flamboro Downs, Firstofanera blasted off from the five-hole and immediately took control of the front end. With fractions of :28.4, :57.4 and 1:26.4, Firstofanera had only to deal with the pocket-sitting McVera down the stretch. But the threat was mild at best as Firstofanera stayed strong and held back the never-say-die McVera by a half length.
Co-owned by Brett MacDonald and Hartel Maintenance Inc., the 5-year-old Firstofanera (Jk Endofanera-Do Me First) is trained by Ronald MacDonald. It was her fourth win in 21 attempts on the year, upping her seasonal bankroll to $21,981 and to $113,113 lifetime.
Drew Monti and Joseph Chindano Jr. each tripled on the program. Rachel Mungillo and Nappo each posted training doubles.
Racing at Buffalo will continue on Saturday afternoon (May 31) with a 13-race program to be presented. For more information, including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.