Melanion N uses draw to advantage

HAMBURG, N.Y. —- Melanion N (Bettor’s Delight) used a great draw and also got some good racing luck on Saturday afternoon (June 7) to claim the harness racing victory in Buffalo Raceway’s $16,000 Open Pace. He beat Egomania by a half-length in a sizzling seasonal best of 1:53.3 over the fast track.

Getting the inside post in the field of eight, Davey Day Trader was able to take the lead in the early stages, but Melanion N (Drew Monti) wanted nothing to do with the pocket and zoomed right back to the lead.

With fractions of :28.0, :57.0 and 1:25.1, the first over All Bets On Tex was first over and pulled within a half-length of Melanion N ($3.30) rounding the final turn. But All Bets On Tex and the pocket sitting Davey Day Trader locked wheels which scattered the field, allowing the tiring Melanion N to reach the finish line first. Egomania (Kyle Cummings) pulled within a half-length at the finish line to finish in second while Stranger Things (Kevin Cummings) got the show spot.

Owned by Dr. Michael Miller and trained by Maria Rice, it was the third victory in 14 tries this season for the 8-year-old gelded Melanion N (Bettor’s Delight-Georgia’s Jury). The win upped his 2025 bankroll to $45,076 and to $162,421 lifetime.

Joseph Chindano Jr., Jim Morrill Jr. and Kevin Cummings all registered triples on the day with Monti notching a pair. Angelo Nappo had two training victories.

Racing will resume on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with a 14-race program set. The New York Sire Stakes will return and a field of four sophomore filly pacers will square off for a $113,400 purse in the seventh race. There are also three $20,000 Excelsior events for the ladies.

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