Hamburg, NY — In the doubleheader of New York Sire Stakes and Excelsior Series action at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday afternoon (June 25), setting the pace was the best way to get to the winner’s circle.
The only exception to that strategy came in the $119,700 NYSS race for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings as Fadeaway Hanover ($5.60) came from behind and nailed BJM’s Lil Man by a length in 1:57 over a fast track.
In the races for 3-year-old filly trotters, worth approximately $57,000 each, Inn Of The Stars ($3.90) had no issues in cruising to a three-length victory over Michelon’s Titan in 1:58 while My Debt Collector ($2.20) continued her impressive streak with a 1-1/4-length score over KJ Title in 1:57.3. Tyler Buter piloted both the ladies to the winner’s circle.
In the lone race for the gentlemen, BJM’s Lil Man (Buter) zipped out from post seven and went out to the early lead, setting the tempo with fractions of :29.1, :57.4 and 1:27,3. BJM’s Lil Man tried to stay strong on top, but couldn’t stop a final blitz from the pocket-sitting Fadeaway Hanover) and had to settle for the second place check. Seven Layer (Niko Kärnä) was third.
Fadeaway Hanover (Chapter Seven-Fad Finance) is trained by Sara Baillargeon for owners Benoit Baillargeon, Santo Vena and Nunzio Vena. It was his fourth decision in 12 starts this season, earning $104,109 this year and $119,826 lifetime.
There was little drama in the damsels’ divisions.
Inn Of The Stars grabbed the lead off the gate and threw down splits of :29.1, :58.1 and 1:28.1.
There was no suspense down the lane as Inn Of The Stars ($3.90) enjoyed a 3-1/4-length advantage turning for home and trotted away to a three-length triumph over Michelon’s Titan (Jason Bartlett) while Always A Story (Kevin Cummings) rolled in for third-place honors.
It was the first victory in five tries in 2025 for Inn Of The Stars (Chapter Seven-Met’s Inn), who is owned by Bay Pond Racing and conditioned by John Butenschoen. The win moved her bankroll to $45,780 on the year and to $149,525 lifetime.
My Debt Collector ($2.20) made it five wins in eight starts in 2025 with a solid 1-1/4-length victory over KJ Title in 1:57.3.
Darting out to fractions of :29.3, :58.4 and 1:28,2, My Debt Collector enjoyed a smooth journey down the stretch and easily held off KJ Title (Kevin Cummings) with Barn Angel (Drew Monti) finishing in third.
Co-owned by David McDuffee, Melvin Hartman and Little E LLC, My Debt Collector (Chapter Seven-Magic Presto) is trained by Richard “Nifty” Norman. The win vaulted her 2025 earnings to $172,137 and to $415,883 in her career.
The $20,000 Excelsior Stakes for trotters of both sexes all were won in gate-to-wire fashion.
The 3-year-old colts and geldings had two divisions. Banksy Monkey (Jeff Gregory) took the first split by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:57.2 and returned $6,20. Doctor Strong (John Stark Jr.) took the other event with a 2:01 clocking and returned $6.20.
In the trot for the 3-year-old ladies, Sister Lo (Drew Monti) notched a $19.00 score in 1:59.2.
Racing at Buffalo will resume on Friday afternoon (June 27) at 2:30 p.m. with a 14-race program slated. For more information, including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.