by Sam Pendolino, publicity director, Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — Two years ago a young Ohioan had aspirations about moving east and getting closer to the big tracks on the east coast. With the Peter Haughton Award (best up and coming driver in Ohio) tucked in his tack, reinsman Keith Kash, Jr. moved to Buffalo to compete on the Buffalo-Batavia circuit.

Harnessracephotos.com – Paul White

Sand Amory was a 2:03.1 winner for Keith Kash, Jr.

On Saturday night (June 16) at Buffalo Raceway, he got a little closer to that dream by taking one of five New York Sires Stake races worth $25,870 for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters.

Kash’s first NYSS win came aboard the Conway Hall colt Sand Amory, who trotted home in 2:03.1 for owner Bill G. Sanders over a fast track. It was Sand Armory’s second win of the year and first this season in Sire Stakes action. The win boosted his lifetime bankroll to $122,974.

“Trainer Tye Loy really had this guy ready,” said Kash. “He’s a real nice trotter who had plenty left at the finish.”

The fastest clocking of the night came in race nine, where driver Jim Morrill, Jr. steered the Credit Winner offspring Bet To Win to his third win in a row (all in NYSS races) for owner John Lichtenberger in 2:01. The three-quarter length victory over Jacob’s Winner (Ivan Davies) put Bet To Win’s season’s bankroll at $123,308.

“Great horses make my job really easy,” said Morrill. “This little guy has a great big heart.”

The biggest upset of the night came in race seven, where veteran reinsman Anthony Mondi guided Magic, a Credit Winner offspring, to his first win of the year for owner Lon V. Frocione in 2:02.3. Dismissed by the public at 15-1, Magic paid $32.60 to his lucky backers.

“He really had things his own way,” said Mondi. “He’s (Magic) been sick, but now he’s healthy. When the big favorite (Jack’s Reef) broke, I just put him on the lead.”

The other two Sire Stakes winners were Conway Court (Jim Morrill, Jr.) 2:01.4 and New Hampshire Boy (Ray Schnittker) in 2:02.3.

Racing will resume on Wednesday, June 20, with first post scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

Fans may enjoy fine food and drinks while playing their favorite horses: call the clubhouse reservation line at (716) 646-6109, ext. 60149 to reserve a table. An operator will be available on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Buffalo Raceway offers live harness racing on Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays starting at 6:30 p.m. Simulcast action is also available each Wednesday thru Sunday, from America’s top racetracks.