Keystone Apache ($5.20) was on his best behaviour on Friday night (May 10) and that resulted in a victory in the $11,000 Class A Open Handicap Trot at Buffalo Raceway. He turned back Lougazi by three-quarters of a length in 1:58.1 over the fast track.
It's been feast or famine for Keystone Apache. When not dealing with breaking woes, the four-year-old horse has been very good.
"Trainer Maria Rice made a few equipment adjustments on him and it worked," said winning driver Billy Davis Jr. "The race set up perfectly for him and once I got him around the last turn, I knew we'd be good. He's fast horse when he doesn't break."
Sitting fourth heading down the backstretch the final time, Keystone Apache was following dull cover and was forced three-wide. The move was the right one as he was able to open up a two-length advantage turning for home and used a :28.4 last panel to quell the last gasp hopes of Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.). Southern Palms (Shawn McDonough) rolled into the third-place position.
Owned by the the Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Jack Rice and Pine Hill Racing LTD, Keystone Apache (Explosive Matter-Found An Angel) earned his fourth win in 14 attempts this year. The victory upped his 2019 earnings to $30,850 and lifetime bankroll to $163,454.
Davis Jr. and McDonough had driving doubles on the evening.
Racing will resume on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a 10-race card scheduled. There's a $839 carryover in the Pick-5, which begins in the second race.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)