by Sam Pendolino, publicity director, Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — Delano, a 3-year-old Credit Winner colt, out of the Conway Hall mare Kelly Hall, won the $70,008 first division of the New York Sire Stakes for trotting colts in 1:56.3 on Sunday (June 17) at Buffalo Raceway. That time eclipsed the former track record of 1:57, held jointly by Turtle Express and Whitewater Rapids, set in 2011.

Paul White photo

Delano and Ray Schnittker scored in a track record clocking of 1:56.3.

“We did a little vet work on him, and it seemed to make a difference,” said winning driver Ray Schnittker. “All the breakers helped too,” added Schnittker with a laugh.

As the race unfolded, Delano ($6.50), leaving from post two, found himself on an uncontested lead with half of the field of six making breaks. He cut fractions of :29.3, :57.1 and 1:26.3, en route to his second win of the year and eighth in 19 lifetime starts. Mado Dream (Shawn Gray) finished second, 13 lengths behind the winner, while No Frosting (Jack Flanigen) came in third.

In the second division, also worth $70,008, hometown favorite Archangel ($2.10), driven by Jim Morrill, Jr. and trained by Peter Arrigenna, won in 1:57.3 for his fifth straight win this year.

Owned by Alan Hainsworth, Clare Semer and Peter Arrigenna, Archangel found himself back in fifth as Studio City (Kevin Cummings) hit the quarter-mile with the lead in :30.3. Eventual third place finisher Turbulent Flight (Charlie Norris) was on the move and took the lead at the half in :59.

Morrill gave Archangel his cue and the black Credit Winner-Michelle’s Angel colt easily passed tiring horses to lead at the three-quarters in 1:28.2. A :29.1 last quarter-mile put the winner 7-3/4 lengths ahead of second place finisher Slugfest (Ray Schnittker) at the wire.

“Look, I’ve got a flat tire,” said Morrill in the winner’s circle. “He was just perfect.”

Trainer Peter Arrigenna said, “It’s not time to go fast. There are plenty of races ahead and staying healthy is the most important part right now.”

Racing will resume on Wednesday (June 20) at Buffalo, with first post scheduled for 5 p.m. (EDT).