Favorite and longshot share co-feature victories

HAMBURG, N.Y. — Anurka (Western Ideal-Arthroscopic) had things all her own way while Ruthmae Hanover (Artspeak-Romnesia Hanover) pulled a big $25.00 surprise to highlight the two harness racing featured $9,000 paces for the fillies and mares at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday afternoon (May 8).

Anurka used a seasonal best 1:56.3 to beat Ashlee’s Delight by 2-1/4 lengths while Ruthmae Hanover also put up a 2024 best with a 1:55.4 in turning back Casie’s Best by a neck.

Anurka wasted little energy in reaching the top early as Treasurethosechips and Isla Seelster settled in and followed along in second and third. After putting up a :57.2 opening half, Anurka scurried away from the field at the three-quarter pole as Treasurethosechips and Isla Seelster couldn’t keep pace.

Enjoying a five-length advantage at the top of the lane, Anurka (Billy Davis Jr.) had a stress-free trip to the finish line as Ashlee’s Delight (David McNeight III) and Tell Kadia (Kyle Cummings) scrambled for the minor spoils.

Co-owned by trainer Lisa Mariacher and Erin Moran, Anurka has now won twice in 16 starts. The 8-year-old mare has produced $21,715 in earnings this season and $160,506 in her career. She paid $5.10 to win.

In an action packed second bracket, Ruthmae Hanover (Kevin Cummings) made an early first over move approaching the opening half and played catch me if you can from there.

With Rightfully Mine, MJ’s Reflection and Play To The Crowd all vying for the top, Ruthmae Hanover couldn’t wait long and paced on by around the clubhouse turn the final time.

Getting a nearly two length advantage, Ruthmae Hanover had to deal with a stubborn Casie’s Believer (Joseph Chindano Jr.) down the stretch but had enough left in the tank to secure the victory. Casie’s Believer took runner up honors with Candy’s Desire (Kyle Cummings) rolling in for third.

Owned by Steve Goehle and conditioned by Angelo Nappo, it was the third win in nine attempts this season for the 6-year-old Ruthmae Hanover. The victory pushed her purse winnings to $16,028 on the season and $172,881 lifetime.

Davis Jr. collected a driving triple on the program with Kevin Cummings, Kyle Cummings and Jim Morrill Jr. getting two apiece. Tammy Cummings, Shawn McDonough and Andrew Torre all had two training victories.

Racing returns on Friday afternoon at 6 p.m. with a 10-race program set.

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by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway