by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Western Alumni tossed out his
front-running tactic and tried something new in the $10,000 Open Pace at
Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (April 9). The new strategy worked to
perfection as Western Alumni notched a 3/4-length victory over Babe's I Scoot
in 1:56.3 over the fast track.
After trying to cut the mile unsuccessfully in three of his
last four races, Western Alumni ($4.80) went back to the drawing board and gave
the come-from-behind method a chance.
Watching from third place as Mr Perserverance set the tempo
with times of 28.3, 59.0 and 1:27.2, driver Jim McNeight started Western Alumni
on his winning move just before the three quarter pole. Slowly but surely
cutting into the lead, Western Alumni took command midway in the home stretch
and held off the mild threats of Babe's I Scoot (Todd Cummings) and In The
Clear (David McNeight III) who finished in second and third respectively.
Owned by North Creek Racing LLC and trained by Jerry Nugent
Jr., Western Alumni (Western Hanover-Countryview Miss) has now scored three
victories in 12 tries in 2016. The win upped his seasonal earnings to
$24,310 and $284,294 lifetime.
Jim McNeight had four victories on the evening while
David McNeight III finished with a triple. Trainers Mike Carrubba and Rose
Russo each posted two wins.
Racing will resume on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. with an
11-race program scheduled.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming
promotions, race replays and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
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