The popular Niatross Knockout Claiming Series begins next Saturday at Buffalo Raceway and some of the pacers slated to participate got to eyeball their competition in four divisions of prep races on a frigid Friday night (January 30).

Legerdepan ($4.90) produced the best time of all four winners as he went gate-to-wire for driver Billy Dobson in 1:59 over the fast track.

Emmys Junior Grin posted a popular $3.40 victory for Buffalo Raceway's leading driver Kevin Cummings in 1:59.2 to take a leg.

Donegal Jim ($5.50) remained razor sharp with a 2:00.1 decision in rein to Cummings. It was the second win in three starts this year for Donegal Jim, a 14-time winner in 2014.

Dave Panlone ($5.80) captured his prep race with a nose victory in 2:01 for Dobson.

Racing will continue on Saturday night with a 13-race program scheduled to begin at 6:35 p.m. The $10,500 Open Pace will go as the eighth race. Youwillwishyouhad has been installed as the 2-1 morning line choice from the seven post with John Cummings Jr. in the sulky.

(With files from Buffalo Raceway)