HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Western Alumni tossed out his front-running tactic and tried something new in the $10,000 Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (April 9). The new strategy worked to perfection as Western Alumni notched a 3/4-length victory over Babe's I Scoot in 1:56.3 over the fast track.

 

After trying to cut the mile unsuccessfully in three of his last four races, Western Alumni ($4.80) went back to the drawing board and gave the come-from-behind method a chance. 

 

Watching from third place as Mr Perserverance set the tempo with times of 28.3, 59.0 and 1:27.2, driver Jim McNeight started Western Alumni on his winning move just before the three quarter pole. Slowly but surely cutting into the lead, Western Alumni took command midway in the home stretch and held off the mild threats of Babe's I Scoot (Todd Cummings) and In The Clear (David McNeight III) who finished in second and third respectively.

 

Owned by North Creek Racing LLC and trained by Jerry Nugent Jr., Western Alumni (Western Hanover-Countryview Miss) has now scored three victories in 12 tries in 2016. The win upped his seasonal earnings to $24,310 and $284,294 lifetime.

 

Jim McNeight had four victories on the evening while David McNeight III finished with a triple. Trainers Mike Carrubba and Rose Russo each posted two wins.

 

Racing will resume on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. with an 11-race program scheduled.