The track was 'fast ' on Wednesday, June 22 at Buffalo Raceway, but the three-year-old trotting colts and geldings were much faster, which made for a record-setting night.

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

“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 Hochstettler, Evil Urges ($2.20) now has two wins and a second in NYSS action this year.

The new track record didn’t last long, as two NYSS races later, Turtle Express ($3.30) triumphed 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 NYSS.

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

Two races later, the new 1:57 mark was tied by Whitewater Rapids and trainer-driver Ray Schnittker. The three-year-old Credit Winner colt cut all the fractions (:29, :58.4, 1:27.4). A :29.1 final quarter-mile put Whitewater Rapids ($5.10) one and three-quarter 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 [easily], 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 at Buffalo Raceway will resume on Friday, June 24. First-race post time is scheduled for 6:40 p.m.

(Buffalo Raceway)