Hamburg, NY– Little Joke ($7.50) was all business on Wednesday night (May 19) as she waited patiently then sprung into action in the stretch to post the victory in Buffalo Raceway’s $10,000 Filly and Mare Class A-Open Handicapped Pace in a seasonal best 1:56.3.

After a four length romp last week in the Class A-B pace in 1:57.3, Little Joke (Drew Monti) was prepared to return to tougher but familiar territory, battling the top level distaffer pacers.

Little Joke and Drew Monti win at Buffalo in the Filly and Mare Open Pace. Photo by Bill Burke

Robintheatm (Jim Morrll Jr.) immediately shot to the lead off the starting gate and registered fractions of :29.1, :57.4 and 1:27 over the fast track. Those were reasonable enough splits but turning for home, Robintheatm felt the walls closing in on her.

With a cavalry line setting up behind the leader, the pocket sitting Little Joke led the charge down the passing lane and was quickest of all, taking the length victory. Xenia’s Chip (David McNeight III) rallied late for second while Greenhilldebatable (Shawn McDonough) placed third.

Co-owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphia Bloodstock, it was the fourth win in ten attempts this season for Little Joke (Bettor’s Delight-Town Joke). The 9-year-old mare, trained by Maria Rice, has now earned $22,520 in 2021 and $340,093 lifetime.

Kevin Cummings led the way for the drivers with three victories while McDonough and Jim McNeight Jr. doubled. Lee Dahn and Angelo Nappo each conditioned a pair of winners.

Racing will continue on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a 12-race card scheduled.

For more information including the latest news, race replays, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com