A jump up in class didn’t seem to bother six-year-old Stand Forever gelding Sand Forever as he won the $10,000 Open Pace in 1:58.4, for Holliday Racing LLC, of Cowlesville NY, at Buffalo Raceway Saturday night (January 22)

. It was the second straight win this season for Sand Forever, who won $40,930 last year.

Sand Forever ($4.40) the favourite in the race, leaving from the pylons in the field of seven, and driven by reinsman Ken “Doc” Holliday, made every call a winning one. A :29.4 closing quarter put the winner 3-1/2 lengths ahead of second place finisher Zackor (Ron Beback, Jr.) at the finish line. Compass Connection (Jim McNeight) came in third.

"He’s (Sand Forever) a good old horse”, said Holliday. “Having the rail helped a lot, and Sherri has done a great job with him. He finished Batavia really sharp, and has stayed that way."

Trained by Ken’s wife, Sherri, the $5,000 winning purse put Sand Forever’s seasonal bankroll at $9,150, and $100,190 lifetime.

Holliday and driver Ron Beback, Jr. shared driving honours on Saturday night card of harness racing with three wins apiece. Aside from the Open win, Holliday also tallied with Bruener ($2.80) and Nifty Prescott ($8.90). Beback’s wins came aboard, Hardball ($9.30), Two On The Ace ($6.20), and Cheyenne Bodie ($4.00).

Live harness racing will resume on Wednesday, January 26, with first post scheduled for 6:40 p.m.

(Buffalo Raceway)