Western Alumni used a steady, first-over trip to catch heavy favourite OK Braveheart down the stretch and win the $8,500 Open Pace at Batavia Downs in 1:54.1 on Saturday night.

OK Braveheart (Shawn McDonough), sent off as the 2-5 favourite, took over the lead just past the quarter marker from Adelias Prince (Elliott Deaton) and managed to build a two-length lead at the three-quarter pole in 1:25.3.

But Western Alumni, a 10-1 longshot, started his first over journey at the half-mile marker and paced his way to second as the field of eight turned for home.

Driver Jack Rice then powered Western Alumni past the tiring OK Braveheart in mid-stretch and scored the one and a half length win to return $23.60 to his backers. Western Alumni used a :28.3 final panel to collar the front-running OK Braveheart. Naked News (Jim McNeight) finished third.

Western Alumni has now six victories in 25 starts in 2013 and $42,972 in earnings. Jerry Nugent Jr. trains the five-year-old gelding. The 1:54.1 time is also a new seasonal for Western Alumni, now a winner of over $128,000 in career earnings.

(Batavia Downs)