by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Keystone Apache ($5.20) was on his best
behavior on Friday night (May 10) and that resulted in a victory in the $11,000
Class A Open Handicap Trot at Buffalo Raceway. He turned back Lougazi by a 3/4
lengths in 1:58.1 over the fast track.
It's been feast or famine for Keystone Apache. When not
dealing with breaking woes, the 4-year-old horse has been very good.
"Trainer Maria Rice made a few equipment adjustments on
him and it worked," winning driver Billy Davis Jr. said. "The race
set up perfectly for him and once I got him around the last turn, I knew we'd
be good. He's fast horse when he doesn't break."
Sitting fourth heading down the back stretch the final time,
Keystone Apache was following dull cover and was forced three wide. The move
was the right one as he was able to open up a two length advantage turning for
home and used a :28.4 last panel to quell the last gasp hopes of Lougazi (Ray
Fisher Jr.). Southern Palms (Shawn McDonough) rolled into the third place
position.
Owned by the the Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Jack Rice and
Pine Hill Racing LTD, it was the fourth win in 14 attempts this year for
Keystone Apache (Explosive Matter-Found An Angel). The victory upped his 2019
earnings to $30,850 and $163,454 lifetime.
Davis Jr. and McDonough had driving doubles on the evening.
Racing will resume on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a
10-race card scheduled. There's a $839 carryover in the Pick-5 which begins in
the second race.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, results, entries, upcoming promotions and simulcast schedule, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
