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 three-quarter-length victory over Babes 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 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 Babes 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 lifetime bankroll to $284,309.

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.

(With files from Buffalo Raceway)