Knocking Around has been 'knocking' on the door the past three weeks in the $10,000 Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway. On Saturday night (May 21), Knocking Around finally busted right through that door to the winner's circle.

After a brief three-way battle to the lead, Knocking Around took command at the quarter-pole and never looked back in posting a four and a quarter length win over Fridaynightflight in 1:54.4 over the fast track.

Since arriving from Yonkers in late April, Knocking Around has had a pair of second-place finishes and a fourth. The losses were by a combined total of just two lengths.

Starting from the rail, Knocking Around had to battle with Mr Perserverance and Western Alumni to gain control. Setting respectable splits of :27.3, :57.4 and 1:27.1, Knocking Around was in total command at the top of the lane and driver David McNeight III had nothing to do but sit back and enjoy the ride.

The main race was for minor spoils with Fridaynightflight (Kevin Cummings) taking second while China Dream (Drew Monti) finished third.

Owned by Courtney McNeight and trained by David McNeight Jr., Knocking Around (Western Terror-So Completely) earned his fifth victory of the year from 14 starts. The win moved his seasonal bankroll to $37,420 and lifetime earnings to $202,453.

Shawn McDonough had four wins in the sulky and Kevin Cummings added two.

(With files from Buffalo Raceway)