by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Driver David McNeight III had to change
game plans with Wheels A Turning ($7.10) early in Buffalo Raceway's $10,000
Class A Trot on Friday night (June 7) but the strategy paid off with a 1-1/2
length victory over Mickeys House in a seasonal best 1:57.3.
Wheels A Turning was involved in three-way scuffle for
command early with Mickeys House (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Labatt Hanover (Shawn
McDonough). Going three wide and little chance of reaching the lead, McNeight
III put on the brakes and tucked in third behind the pace-setters.
"Jimmy (Morrill Jr.) was intent on cutting the mile
with Mickeys House so I was able to find a spot in third," McNeight III
said in changing tactics.
Just past the half mile pole, Wheels A Turning, the lone
mare in the event, began a first over trip and eventually collared Mickeys
House in the lane and coasted to the win. Labatt Hanover held on for third.
"I couldn't have asked any more of her," McNeight
III said of Wheels A Turning. "I drove her aggressively and I felt when I
pulled her that we'd have a pretty good chance in the end."
Co-owned by the Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi
LLC, it was the fifth win in 13 starts for the 5-year-old Wheels A Turning (Mr
Cantab-Free Wheeling). The victory jumped her 2019 earnings to $32,500 and
$187,902 in her career.
Billy Davis Jr. notched three wins in the bike while Morrill
Jr. and Hunter Myers each collected a double. Trainer Rose Russo scored a pair
of victories.
Racing will continue on Saturday with a 12-race card.
There's a special 7:15 p.m. post time accommodate the running of the Belmont
Stakes. There will be a $593 carryover in the Pick-5 which begins in the second
race.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, results, entries, upcoming promotions and simulcast schedule, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
