by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It was quite a night once again for driver Jim Morrill Jr. and he brought trainer JD Perrin along for the ride as the pair absolutely dominated the action on Friday night (April 15) at Buffalo Raceway.
Morrill Jr. put up another seven-bagger and amazingly moved into a first place tie in the driver's standings with 51 victories in just 107 starts. He tied the injured Jack Flanigen who also has 51 wins but in 263 tries. Morrill Jr. finished in the money in all 10 drives.
It was the third time this season Morrill Jr. has had a seven-win night at Buffalo Raceway. He accomplished it on March 3 and March 25 and also did it twice before on March 1, 2013 and February 15, 2006.
Kevin Cummings holds the all-time mark at the track with eight victories on June 11, 2005.
And for Perrin, the three-time defending training champion at the Hamburg half-mile oval, he extended his huge advantage in the standings with a five-win night. He holds a 47-26 lead over Maria Rice who conditioned a pair of winners.
The Morrill Jr.-Perrin combination won five times as Precise Accusation ($3.50), Leave Your Mark ($3.90), Aberarder Smitty ($2.60), Bruener ($7.00) and Herbie Is Gone ($7.80) all went to the winner's circle.
In the feature, Noble Legend literally caught a 'good break' and took Buffalo Raceway's $8,200 trot.
Kahoku had an unfortunate miscue which helped Noble Legend take the two-length victory over the favored Ali De Vie in 1:58.3 over the fast track.
The race around the final turn and into the stretch seemed to belong to the front-stepping Kahoku (Ron Beback Jr.) as he enjoyed a comfortable two-length advantage over Noble Legend. Things changed in a hurry however as Kahoku broke stride, allowing the pocket-sitting Noble Legend to take command and cruise home to the victory. Ali De Vie (Morrill Jr.) took second while Kahoku regrouped in time and managed to roll into the show position.
Owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Jack Rice, Noble Legend (Kadabra-Lovin It) has now earned $17,854 in 2016 thanks to four wins in nine starts. The 4-year-old gelding is trained by Maria Rice.
Racing will continue on Saturday night with an 11-race program set to go to the post at 6 p.m. Ther is a $933 carryover in the Pick-5 which begins in the fifth race.
For more information including the latest news, race replays, results and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
Photos:
Driver Jim Morrill Jr.
Trainer JD Perrin
Photo by Steve Roth
