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