by Sam Pendolino, publicity director, Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — Jolly Holly, an 8-year-old mare by Nobleland Sam won the $9,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway on Friday night (May 23). Owned by Jonathan Klee, Jolly Holly was clocked in 1:55.3, a season’s best.

Paul White photo

Jolly Holly rallied in the lane to win the Filly and Mare Open.

Leaving from post five in the field of eight, and driven by reinsman Kevin Cummings, Jolly Holly ($11.60) settled in fifth as eventual third place finishers Filly’s Victory and driver Ken Holliday set all the fractions, :27.4, :56.2, and 1:26.3.

Those fast early fractions helped the closers in the race and a :28.3 last quarter-mile by Jolly Holly put her 2-1/4 lengths ahead of Camaes Eclipse (Jim McNeight) at the wire.

“This is a really nice mare,” said Cummings. “The fast early half really helped because this girl can really close.”

Trained by Bobbi Martin, it was the sixth win of the season for Jolly Holly, and the $4,500 share of the winning purse boosted her 2008 earnings to $35,001 and $179,584 lifetime.

Racing will resume on Saturday, May 24, with first post scheduled for 6:30 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.