by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Incredible.
That's probably the best way to describe Jim Morrill Jr. and
his current hot streak at Buffalo Raceway.
Morrill Jr. continued to make the Hamburg half-mile oval his
personal playground as he notched a seven-bagger on Friday evening (March 25).
It was the second time this season he has had a seven-win night. He
accomplished the feat back on March 3. He's also done it at Buffalo Raceway
twice before, on March 1, 2013 and February 15, 2006.
Kevin Cummings holds the all-time mark at the track with
eight victories on June 11, 2005.
Morrill Jr. lost his chance to tie the record as his final
ride of the night, Diditagain Hanover, was a late scratch in the 11th race.
In just 75 starts in 2016 at Buffalo Raceway, Morrill Jr.
has 38 wins, putting him second in the driver's standings.
As far as the main event, the toughest part of Ali De Vie's
race in the $8,200 trot on was getting the lead and that wasn't difficult. Once
he gained control, it was smooth sailing to the finish line, winning his fourth
straight race.
Ali De Vie ($3.40) and Morrill Jr. waited patiently for the
front end to sort itself out and it proved to be the right strategy. The pair
steamrolled to the top just before the opening quarter pole and were never
challenged in the 1-3/4 length win over Kahoku in 2:00.1. It was the fourth
consecutive week that Ali De Vie and Morrill Jr. have combined for a victory.
Setting fractions of 30.3, 1:00.3 and 1:30.2, Ali De Vie
felt only minor pressure from Edom Up Blue Boy at the three-quarter pole but
that fire was quickly extinguished. Kahoku (Ron Beback Jr.) took the second
place spot with Im The Cash Man (Drew Monti) third.
Owned and trained by Marc Shuttleworth, Ali De Vie (Conway
Hall-Excusez Moi) is a 6-year-old gelding that has now won five times in eight
starts in 2016. His seasonal earnings jumped to $17,806 and $110,044 lifetime.
Jack Flanigen, Buffalo Raceway's leading driver, doubled and
trainer Maria Rice had a pair of victories.
Racing will continue on Saturday night with a 12-race card
slated for 6 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, results,
race replays and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
