Western Alumni made it a 'hat trick' in the $10,500 Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (May 17), going gate-to-wire and scoring a solid 2-1/2 length win over Salazar in 1:55.3 over the fast track.

The win was the third straight in the Open Pace for Western Alumni ($8.60). Ironically, despite two consecutive wins in the Open, he only went off only as the third choice among the betting public. His last two wins produced winning prices of $14.20 and $13.20.

Scoring from the four post, Western Alumni and driver Jim McNeight went right to the lead and posted times of :28.3, :57.2 and 1:26. He enjoyed a three length advantage as the field of seven hit the top of the stretch and was never in danger of losing that edge. Salazar (Ron Beback Jr.) showed his usual late kick and finished second while Racsan Steve (Jack Flanigen) took the show position.

Owned by North Creek Racing and trained by Jerry Nugent Jr., Western Alumni (Western Hanover-Countryview Miss) now has three victories on the season and has been in the money 10 of 12 times in 2014. The win upped his earnings to $25,770 this year and $167,544 lifetime.

Buffalo Raceway's leading driver, Kevin Cummings, had a good night as he steered home five winners.

The action resumes at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night when a 13-race card will be presented starting at 5 p.m.

(Buffalo Raceway)