by Sam Pendolino, publicity director, Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — Upfront Northern, a 10-year-old Northern Luck gelding out of the Storm Damage mare Storm Tossed, won the $21,500 Niatross Final, for horses who have raced for a $4,000 claiming tag, in 2:02 for owner David Phoenix at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night (February 11).

Paul White photo

Upfront Northern scored in 2:02 in the Niatross Final.

Driven by reinsman Keith Kash, Jr., Upfront Northern ($3.50), who settled in fifth as the field passed the quarter pole, swung to the outside as pacesetters Walk In The Sun and driver Ray Fisher, Jr. were setting the early fractions of :30.4 and 1:01.

Down the backstretch the second time, Kash and Upfront Northern unleashed a powerful brush, which saw them take the lead just past the three-quarter mark. They won going away by 4-1/2 lengths over second place finishers Cam Bo Informal and driver Chris Page. Medoland Big Guy (Kevin Cummings) came in the show spot.

“This is a good horse who is razor sharp right now,” said Kash. “Trainer D. J. Millner has done a great job with him this week. I wasn’t afraid to take some air because he felt so strong.”

It was the fourth win in five attempts this year for Upfront Northern, and the $10,750 share of the purse put his 2009 bankroll at $17,400 and $180,327 lifetime.

On hand to make the blanket presentation were Clint and Barbara Galbraith and family. When asked to make a few comments on the great Niatross, Clint said, “He was truly a great horse that got along with everybody. My favorite win was The Little Brown Jug, because in heat racing he always raced better in the second heat. He was very smart and knew how to take care of himself. He was always good and sound too.”

Racing will resume on Friday, February 13, with first post scheduled for 6:30 p.m.