HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Kevin Cummings registered four wins and Jim Morrill Jr. posted a driving triple to take the spotlight during the 12-race program at Buffalo Raceway on Friday night (May 8).

 

Cummings, Buffalo Raceway's leading driver, steered Farmerssixfournine ($17.00), Whitesand Noble ($10.60), Bet On Me Hanover ($4.00)  and Sleep Talker ($5.00) to victories. Cummings now had 137 wins on the season and leads runner up Shawn Gray by 58 victories. The margin is 137-79.

 

Morrill Jr. swept the chalky early daily double ($8.10) aboard Historian ($5.00) and The Bronx Bumper ($3.20) then later scored with OK Braveheart ($4.10).

 

Something has to give on Saturday night when the $25,000 Niatross Series Invitational pace goes off in the eighth race at Buffalo Raceway.

 

After literally battling in two series over the past three months, the top four qualifiers from each leg return for bragging rights and the lion's share of the $25,000 pot. Dedalos and Jettison, winner's of the 'A' and 'B' Series respectively, hope to be wearing the overall crown when the dust settles. But there are several others lurking who are more than capable of spoiling the dreams of the two division winners.

 

Dedalos, who won the 'A' Series back on March 7th in 1:57.3, had three wins and a second place finish in the 'B' Series. Unfortunately for her, the lone setback came in the finals where Jettison rallied to take the length victory in 1:56.0.

 

It won't be easy for Dedalos, however, as the 11-year-old gelding drew the eight post with Jim McNeight in the bike. They are 9-2 on the morning line. The series has been a profitable one thus far for Dedlaos as he's made $33,974 thanks to five wins in 13 attempts.

 

Jettison and coupled entry-mate Delightful Caitlin (2-2A) are the 5-2 choice on the morning line thanks to the giant comeback win in the 'B' Series finals on April 25th. Sitting seventh at the half, Jettison began to roll three-wide at the three-quarter marker and put up a 28.4 final panel to collar Dedalos.

 

Owned by Curtis Edholm and the Ultra Racing Stable, Jettison is trained by Darren Taneyhill. Jettison has five victories on the season and $28,310 in the bank.

 

While Jettison and Dedalos look for another showdown, there are several others that could prove to be flies in the ointment.

 

Secluded Island is the second choice at 3-1 and drew the rail with driver Jack Flanigen in the sulky. The 11-year-old gelding has four wins and a pair of second place finishes in his last seven starts and has produced over $640,000 in lifetime earnings. Secluded Island set the pace in the 'B' finals on April 25th but flamed out to finish fourth.

 

Full Circle Spirit had a pair of wins in the 'B' series qualifying rounds but must overcome the seven post with driver Shawn McDonough. He is part of a coupled entry (1-1A) along with the always dangerous It Was An Honor.

 

Here's the field from inside post outward: Secluded Island (Flanigen), Goddess's Justin (Shawn Gray), It Was An Honor (David McNeight III), Jettison (Kevin Cummings), Delightful Caitlin (Ron Beback Jr.), KC Colt (Drew Monti), Full Circle Spirit (McDonough) and Dedalos (McNeight).

 

The Niatross Series Invitational tops the great card on tap Saturday night with 12 races going to the post at 6:35 p.m.The $9,500 conditioned pace opens the program with Youwillwishyouhad the early 3-1 choice from the seven post.

 

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