by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Kahoku had to battle to get to the lead
but found little resistance after that and it helped him tie the Buffalo
Raceway track record for aged (5+) gelded trotters with a 1:56.2 time in
capturing the featured $10,000 Open Trot on Friday night (July 8).
The clocking equaled the mark set in 2014 by stablemate
Lutetium who ironically won the next race in 1:58.2 to complete the $13.60
daily double for trainer Mark Laidlaw.
Starting on the outside in the field of six, Kahoku had to
go three-wide to the opening quarter as Noble Legend and Winkys Pride played
hardball for the top.
After getting the advantage and posting splits of 28.3, 57.4
and 1:27.3, driver Ron Beback Jr. and Kahoku ($6.40) were searching for closers
in the lane but none were found as a final panel of 28.4 squashed any threats.
Noble Legend (Kevin Cummings) finished second a length back while Winkys Pride
(Drew Monti) was third.
Co-owned by Colleen Girdlestone and Michael Gentner, the
8-year-old Kahoku (SJ's Caviar-Tags Gold) now has eight victories this season
in 22 tries, earning $47,318 and moved his career bankroll to $174,380.
Girdlestone also owns Lutetium.
Drivers Beback, Mike Caprio, Kevin Cummings each posted
doubles while trainers Angelo Nappo and Laidlaw had two wins apiece.
Racing will continue on Saturday night at 6 p.m. with 10
races scheduled. There's a $581 carryover in the Pick-5 which starts in the
fifth race.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, results and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
