Hamburg, NY — 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 a strong two-move winner in the featured trot on Friday at Buffalo Raceway. Steve Roth photo.

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 having little chance of reaching the lead, McNeight III put on the brakes and tucked in third behind the pacesetters.

“Jimmy (Morrill) was intent on cutting the mile with Mickeys House, so I was able to find a spot in third,” McNeight said in changing tactics.

Just past the half-mile pole, Wheels A Turning — the lone mare in the event — began a first-over trip, 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 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 and Hunter Myers each collected a double. Trainer Rose Russo scored a pair of victories.

Racing will continue on Saturday (June 8) with a 12-race card. There is a special 7:15 p.m. post time to accommodate the running of the Belmont Stakes, and 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.