by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — Rebel Jet ($12.40) has been a well-traveled pacer the past few months but he found a perfect landing spot at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (Jan. 21) by winning the $10,000 Open in 1:57.1 over the ‘good’ track.

After visiting Vernon Downs, Batavia Downs, Pocono and The Meadowlands in the past three months, Rebel Jet (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) was ready to give Buffalo Raceway a try.

Steve Roth photo

Rebel Jet used the passing lane in his Buffalo Raceway win.

It was a success as he got a perfect pocket trip then used the passing lane late to hold off Knocking Around (David McNeight III). Southwind Torque (Shawn Gray) took third.

After taking the lead briefly, Rebel Jet had to settle into second place as Southwind Torque set the pace with splits of :29.2, :58 and 1:27.1. Turning for home, Southwind Torque hung tough but retreated to third place. Rebel Jet, however, revved his engines in the passing lane and squeezed out the half-length decision while Knocking Around came on the outside to take second.

Owned by Rocco Stebbins and trained by Joe Skowyra, the 8-year-old gelded Rebel Jet (Jerome’s Jet-Heart Ofthe Matter) has now earned $218,224 in his career thanks to 26 lifetime victories.

Gray led the drivers with a triple with Aldrich and Ray Fisher Jr. each notching a double. Trainer JD Perrin conditioned three winners and Skowyra posted two.

Action will resume at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night with a 12-race program slated to begin at 5 p.m.

For more information including the latest news, race replays, results and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.