by Sam Pendolino, publicity director, Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — The track was fast, but the 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters were much faster, which made for a record setting night at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday (June 22).

The former track record of 1:58.1, held by Blacktuxwhitesocks (2010) never had a chance, as the first Sire Stakes race of the night, worth $25,090, was won by Evil Urges in 1:58 with Jimmy Whittemore in the sulky.

“It was a tough first over trip,” said Whittemore. “This guy (Evil Urges) has no idea how fast he is. I just hope he’s this good in the Yonkers Trot next week.”

Owned and trained by Homer Hochstetler, Evil Urges ($2.20) now has two wins and a second in Sire Stakes action this year.

Paul White photo

Turtle Express (#6) held off Keenan by a half-length in a track record time of 1:57.

The new track record didn’t last long, as two Sire Stakes races later, Turtle Express ($3.30) went in 1:57 for local trainer Bobbi Martin. Masterfully driven by Stephane Bouchard, Turtle Express, a Dream Vacation gelding, also has two wins and a second this year in the Sire Stakes.

“It’s nice when a local trainer gets a big win like this,” said Bouchard. “When I pulled the plugs, he really took off.”

It was a photo finish, which saw Turtle Express edge Keenan (Jeff Gregory) by a half-length at the finish line.

Two races later, that 1:57 mark was tied by Whitewater Rapids and trainer-driver Ray Schnittker. The 3-year-old Credit Winner colt cut all the fractions in the race, :29, :58.4 and 1:27.4. A :29.1 last quarter-mile put Whitewater Rapids ($5.10) 1-3/4 lengths in front of Sing Out (Jack Flanigen) at the wire.

“I really wanted to race him off the pace tonight,” said Schnittker. “He got to the lead so easy, I just decided to park anyone who wanted the lead.”

It was the second win this year for Whitewater Rapids, and the winning time establishes a new lifetime mark.

Racing will resume on Friday, June 24, with first post scheduled for 6:40 p.m.