HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The longest stretch on a half-mile track in the United States and a pacer with a form that shows a big time closing kick. That was the perfect recipe for Diamond Cowboy in Buffalo Raceway's $10,000 Open pace on Saturday evening (Jan. 16).

 

Diamond Cowboy ($6.20) was parked out in the field of six from the start but was perfectly rated by driver Shawn Gray to stay in contention as Youwillwishyouhad set fractions of 29.1, 59.4 and 1:29.1. 

 

At the three-quarter station, Gray tipped the locked and loaded Diamond Cowboy three-wide around the final turn and effortlessly went on to score the 1-1/4 length win in 1:58.4. China Dream (Jack Flanigen) rode the pylons for second while Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) held on for the show spot.

 

Diamond Cowboy (Six Of Diamonds-Money For Munchkin) is a 7-year-old gelding owned by William Emmons and trained by Gray. A winner of $61,118 in 2015 thanks to six victories, Diamond Cowboy has now earned $499,915 lifetime.

 

It was a great all around night for Gray as he registered a driving and training triple. He also drove and conditioned Harmony Oaks Ruler ($2.90) and Mercurio N ($3.60).

 

Shawn McDonough and Truman Gale each notched three-baggers as well on the evening.

 

Courtney Ohol scored a double for the second straight night on the trainer's side while Craig Gilmour also found the winner's circle twice..

 

Racing will resume on Wednesday at 5 p.m. with an 12-race program which will feature some of the best filly and mare pacers on the grounds battling for a purse of $9,200 in the opener.