Noble Legend returned back to Buffalo Raceway after an extended stay at Northfield Park and wasted no time to start enjoying the spoils of home by capturing the $12,000 Class A-Open Trot on Friday night.
Going the mile in 1:57.1 over the fast track, Noble Legend (Billy Davis, Jr.) held off the late charge of Lougazi (Ray Fisher, Jr.) and scored the half length victory. Southern Palms (David McNeight III) collected the third place cheque.
Scoring from the inside, Noble Legend didn't need to expend much energy to reach the top as he posted fractions of :29.1, :59 and 1:28. With a panel to trot, Lougazi put in a strong effort but Noble Legend ($3.90) had enough left to notch the win.
"We got the rail and weren't going to waste it," Davis, Jr. said of the front end trip with Noble Legend. "We got some easy fractions. I was a little concerned the last quarter mile with Lougazi coming on the outside but Noble Legend showed his class and dug in late."
A seven-year-old gelding, Noble Legend (Kadabra-Lovin It) is trained by Maria Rice and co-owned by the Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Jack Rice. The victory was his sixth in 22 starts in 2019 and moved his seasonal winnings to $44,523 and $244,609 lifetime.
Kevin Cummings finished the night with four driving victories while Davis, Jr. added a triple. Trainer Angelo Nappo picked up a double.
Racing will continue on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a 13-race program scheduled.
(Buffalo Raceway)