Ohio invader trounces Buffalo’s best

HAMBURG, N.Y. — Alan (Dontyouforgetit-Betty Jean) made the journey from Northfield Park to Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (March 18) well worth it as he trounced the harness racing field in the featured $17,500 Open Trot

Making his debut at Buffalo Raceway, Alan ($2.60) found the half mile oval to his liking as cruised to an easy 6-1/4 length victory over Castyourcrown in 2:01.0 over the good track. Captain Krupnik collected the show check.

Starting from the four-hole, driver Jim Morrill Jr. sent Alan, right to the top and was able to march out soft fractions of :31.1, 1:01.4 and 1:31.3. The lead only snowballed from there as the only suspense Alan left down the lane was who was going to collect the minor spoils. The minor awards went to Castyourcrown (David McNeight III) and Captain Krupnik (Keith Kash Jr.) who finished second and third respectively.

Trained by Joseph Alba and owned by Julie Wagonblott, it was the fourth win in seven tries this year for the 7-year-old gelded Alan. The victory moved his seasonal bankroll to $34,485 and $161,403 in his career.

Villiam (Rock N Roll Heaven-Village Mirage) made his first start of the 2023 campaign a good one as he took the $15,100 conditioned pace in 1:58.4. He beat All About Lynx by 2-1/2 lengths while Star Messenger was third.

Starting from the inside, Villiam let All About Lynx briefly take the lead but regained the advantage before hitting the opening frame. With fractions of :30.0, 1:00.2 and 1:30.3 in the books, driver Joe Chindano Jr. stepped on the gas with Villiam in the stretch and pulled away from All About Lynx (Christian Myers) and Star Messenger (Drew Monti).

Owned by Anthony Evgenikos and trained by Chindano Jr., the 6-year-old gelded Villiam has now earned $7,550 on the season and $270,859 lifetime. He paid $4.00 to win.

There were a pair of $13,100 pacing events on the card. SBD Corazon ($4.20) took the first offering by using a :29.0 final panel to beat Harry Hoo N by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:59.1.

In the second bracket, Alta Engen A ($5.50) took the lead at the three quarter marker then had to hold off a late charging Prairie Panther by a diminishing length in 1:58.1. It was the fourth victory of the season for Alta Engen A.

The $13,100 trotting race saw the heavily favored Credit List ($2.20) wear down the tempo setting Cowboy Country in the stretch and draw off to a half a length victory in 1:59.4 for Jim Morrill Jr.

Racing will continue on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. with a 13-race program slated.

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by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway