Ex Kiwi pacer takes Buffalo Raceway Open

HAMBURG, N.Y. — The horses in the $14,500 Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday afternoon (April 5) couldn’t beat the rain or Melanion N (Bettor’s Delight) either as he romped to a 3-3/4 length victory over Stranger Things in 1:56.1.

When the 12-program started, the track was listed as fast under cloudy conditions but the moderate showers moved in before the feature, causing the track to be downgraded to good. The change in weather and track conditions didn’t bother Melanion N ($4.90), however, who just returned after a three race stint at Woodbine.

Assigned to the seven post in the eighth horse field, Melanion N (Drew Monti) was parked and needed more than the opening quarter mile to clear to the front. But once reaching the point, Melanion N cruised through splits of:28.2, :57.3 and 1:27.3.

Heading down the lane, Melanion N faced no challengers as the biggest battle was who could get the minor spoils. Stranger Things (Shawn McDonough) took second place honors while Villiam (Joseph Chindano Jr.) snagged third.

Owned by Dr. Michael Miller and trained by Maria Rice, it was the second win in eight outings for the 8-year-old gelded Melanion N (Bettor’s Delight-Georgia’s Jury.). His earnings moved to $23,625 on the year and to $140,001 in his career.

In the $12,500 pace to highlight the undercard, Davey Day Trader ($10.40) found his first start of the campaign a successful one as he used the lightning lane to collar the pace setting Soul Assassin by a half length in 1:56.2.

After qualifying 10 days ago, Davey Day Trader (James McNeight Jr.) showed he was up for the initial test. Following Soul Assassin (Drew Monti) in the pocket through fractions of :29.3, :58.3 and 1:27.3,  Davey Day Trader made slow but steady progress in the passing lane. He eventually nudged his way to the top in the final strides before the finish line. Soul Assassin had to settle for the second place check with Carrythetorchman (Dan Yetman) rolling in for third.

Owned by driver James McNeight Jr. and trained by Jim McNeight, the 5-year-old gelded Davey Day Trader (Huntsville-Gigi Deo) earned $6,250 in his first start of 2025 and increased his lifetime bankroll to $97,647.

Racing will continue on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with an 11-race program scheduled.

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

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway