Stranger Things storms to expected win

HAMBURG, N.Y. — Everything went true to form in Buffalo Raceway’s $12,500 pace on Saturday afternoon (April 12) as the even money harness racing favorite Stranger Things (Western Terror-Southwind Prairie) popped the pocket and stormed to a length victory over Lanas Desire in a season’s best 1:55.4 over the good track.

Lanas Desire (Drew Monti) took the early lead from the rail and collected fractions of :28.2, :58.2 and 1:27.2. But the dirty work on the front end didn’t pan out as Stranger Things (Jim Morrill Jr.) tipped to the outside at the top of the lane and methodically stepped away for the victory. I Aint No Mack (Kyle Swift) earned third place honors.

Co-owned by Kathy Schoeffel and James Reuther, the 9-year-old Stranger Things ($4.20) notched his third win of the season in 11 outings. He increased his seasonal bankroll to $27,275 and to $398,317 lifetime.

There were a pair of $11,000 events for the pacers on the program.

Littlebitaswagger ($4.30) made it five straight victories as the 13-year-old won the stretch duel with Dogfight in 1:57.2.

Dogfight (Morrill Jr.) was in command through the opening three panels with splits of :29.0, :58.4 and 1:28.2. But Littlebitaswagger and Monti couldn’t wait any longer and began the chase at the top of the lane.

With momentum now on his side, Littlebitaswagger rolled on past Dogfight in the shadow of the wire to post the half length score. Confidence Man (Kevin Cummings) took the show position.

Owned and trained by Christopher Petrelli, Littlebitaswagger (Santanna Blue Chip-Aspirine Semalu) has six victories in 11 starts on the campaign. The triumph moved his 2025 winnings to $28,430 and to $407,725 in his career.

Idealthecards ($17.60) dealt himself the winning hand by beating the front running Handsoffmytitos by quarter-quarters of a length in 1:58.1. Silverhill Blaze (Dan Yetman) was third.

Driven by Mike Baumeister, it was the first start of the season for Idealthecards (American Ideal-Jessalilmixup). Owned by Aubrey Ensell, trainer Terence McClory and Chris McClory, the 6-year-old gelding has produced $145,823 in earnings during his career.

Monti finished the card with a driving triple with Morrill Jr. getting a double. David Russo recorded two training victories.

Racing will resume on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with a 12-race card 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