by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — Hot Patootie ($4.60) was sure astubborn mare in the home stretch at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night (May24) and it paid off with a narrow nose victory over Classy Lane Rose in the$10,000 Open Pace for the ladies

Steve Roth photo

Hot Patootie scored a narrow victory at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night (May 24), defeating Classy Lane Rose in the $10,000 Open Pace for mares.

It was the third straight win for Hot Patootie (LarryStalbaum) who covered the mile in 1:55.4 over the fast track.

Starting from the post six, it took Hot Patootie a quarter-mileto reach the top in 27.4. She was helped by the pocket-sitting Voltina who broke stride stride and scattered the field.

With a half of 56.0, Hot Patootie opened up a three lengthedge to the three-quarter marker but looked like she was going to drop anchorin the lane as Classy Lane Rose (Drew Monti) cut into the margin.

But Stalbaum kept the Hot Patootie afloat in the stretch andhad just enough to hang on for the victory over a tough luck Classy Lane Rose.Squeeze This (Ron Beback Jr.) took the show position.

Owned by David Crumb and trained by Joe Skowyra, the5-year-old Hot Patootie (Hot Pans-Getting Better) now has six wins in 17 triesin 2017. The victory upped her seasonal bankroll to $22,578 and $85,767lifetime.

Jim Morrill Jr. had the hot hand in the sulky with four winswhile Monti had a triple and Stalbaum added a double.

Racing will continue on Friday night at 5 p.m. with a10-race card on tap.