Kahoku had to battle to get to the lead but found little resistance after that and it helped him tie the Buffalo Raceway track record for older trotting geldings with a 1:56.2 time in capturing the featured $10,000 Open Trot on Friday night.

The clocking equalled the mark set in 2014 by stablemate Lutetium who ironically won the next race in 1:58.2 to complete the $13.60 daily double for trainer Mark Laidlaw.

Starting on the outside in the field of six, Kahoku had to go three-wide to the opening quarter as Noble Legend and Winkys Pride played hardball for the top.

After getting the advantage and posting splits of :28.3, :57.4 and 1:27.3, driver Ron Beback, Jr. and Kahoku ($6.40) were searching for closers in the lane but none were found as a final panel of :28.4 squashed any threats. Noble Legend (Kevin Cummings) finished second while Winkys Pride (Drew Monti) was third.

Co-owned by Colleen Girdlestone and Michael Gentner, the eight-year-old Kahoku (SJs Caviar-Tags Gold) now has eight victories this season in 22 tries, earning $47,318 and moved his career bankroll to $174,380. Girdlestone also owns Lutetium.

Drivers Beback, Mike Caprio, Kevin Cummings each posted doubles while trainers Angelo Nappo and Laidlaw had two wins apiece.

Racing will continue on Saturday night at 6 p.m. with 10 races scheduled.

(Buffalo Raceway)