Incredible. That's probably the best way to describe Jim Morrill Jr. and his current hot streak at Buffalo Raceway.
Morrill Jr. continued to make the Hamburg half-mile oval his personal playground as he notched a seven-bagger on Friday evening (March 25). It was the second time this season he has had a seven-win night. He accomplished the feat back on March 3. He's also done it at Buffalo Raceway 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.
Morrill Jr. lost his chance to tie the record as his final ride of the night, Diditagain Hanover, was a late scratch in the 11th race.
In just 75 starts in 2016 at Buffalo Raceway, Morrill Jr. has 38 wins, putting him second in the driver's standings.
As far as the main event, the toughest part of Ali De Vie's race in the $8,200 trot on was getting the lead and that wasn't difficult. Once he gained control, it was smooth sailing to the finish line, winning his fourth straight race.
Ali De Vie ($3.40) and Morrill Jr. waited patiently for the front end to sort itself out and it proved to be the right strategy. The pair steamrolled to the top just before the opening quarter pole and were never challenged in the one and three-quarter length win over Kahoku in 2:00.1. It was the fourth consecutive week that Ali De Vie and Morrill Jr. have combined for a victory.
Setting fractions of :30.3, 1:00.3 and 1:30.2, Ali De Vie felt only minor pressure from Edom Up Blue Boy at the three-quarter pole, but that fire was quickly extinguished. Kahoku (Ron Beback Jr.) took the second-place spot with Im The Cash Man (Drew Monti) third.
Owned and trained by Marc Shuttleworth, Ali De Vie (Conway Hall-Excusez Moi) is a six-year-old gelding that has now won five times in eight starts in 2016. His seasonal earnings jumped to $17,806 and lifetime bankroll to $110,816.
Jack Flanigen, Buffalo Raceway's leading driver, doubled and trainer Maria Rice had a pair of victories.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)