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.

Photo by Steve Roth
Keystone Apache was on best behavior Friday night.

 

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 a 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