Little Joke ($7,50) was all business on Wednesday night (May 19), waiting patiently then springing into action in the stretch to win Buffalo Raceway's $10,000 Fillies and Mares Class A-Open Handicap Pace in a seasonal best 1:56.3.
After a four-length, 1:57.3 romp in the Class A-B pace last week, Little Joke (Drew Monti) was prepared to return to tougher but familiar territory, battling the top level distaff pacers.
Robintheatm (Jim Morrll Jr.) immediately shot to the lead off the starting gate and registered fractions of :29.1, :57.4 and 1:27 over a fast track. Those were reasonable enough splits, but Robintheatm felt the walls closing in on her turning for home.
With a cavalry line setting up behind the leader, the pocket sitting Little Joke led the charge down the passing lane and was quickest of all, taking victory by a length. Xenias Chip (David McNeight III) rallied late for second while Greenhilldebatable (Shawn McDonough) finished third.
It was the fourth win in 10 attempts this season for Little Joke, a nine-year-old daughter of Bettors Delight and Town Joke trained by Maria Rice for Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphia Bloodstock. She has now earned $22,520 in 2021 and $340,093 lifetime.
Kevin Cummings led the way for the drivers with three victories while McDonough and Jim McNeight Jr. doubled. Lee Dahn and Angelo Nappo each conditioned a pair of winners.
Racing will continue on Saturday (May 22) evening at 6 p.m. with a 12-race card scheduled.
For more information, including the latest news, race replays, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.
(Buffalo Raceway)