Аt Buffalo Raceway, Jacked, clinching a $17 victory amid a test of survival. In the $18,919 co-featured Open Pace, Optical Illusion N ($5.80) capitalized on the inside post, leading the field wire to wire and fending off Lip Reader A for a 1-1/2 length win in 1:56.2.
The Open Trot saw a field of seven after the scratch of Discus Hanover, but contenders quickly dwindled as Biscoe, Johnny Boy, and Good Boy broke stride at the start. Amidst the chaos, Jacked (Joseph Chindano Jr.) surged ahead to take the lead.
With fractions of :29.2, :59, and 1:28.3, Jacked was well-positioned for the stretch drive. Despite a late challenge from Power And Grace (Drew Monti), Jacked maintained control, securing victory by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:57.4 over a 'good' track.
Meanwhile, Optical Illusion N (James McNeight Jr.), after a disappointing performance last week, made a strong comeback, holding off Lip Reader A to secure victory in the Open Pace.
Owned by Vogel & Wags Nags LLC and trained by Maria Rice, five-year-old Jacked (Muscle Mass-Krafty) earned his second win in eight starts, boosting his seasonal earnings to $26,971 and lifetime bankroll to $147,014.
On the other hand, Optical Illusion N, an eight-year-old gelding (Hes Watching-Pure Octane), secured his second win in 10 tries for owner Kimberley Zabielski and trainer Jim McNeight, bringing his 2024 earnings to $38,658 and lifetime earnings to $244,402.
Racing at Buffalo Raceway will resume on Wednesday, March 27 at 2:30 p.m. with 12 scheduled races, followed by a transition to a three-day week starting Friday, March 29, with the first post set for 2:30 p.m.