by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Passion R Virginie unleashed a big rally
in the passing lane and then had to sweat out a steward's inquiry before being
declared the winner in the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Buffalo
Raceway on Wednesday night (April 13).
It was the third straight victory for Passion R Virginie who
beat Mach This Way by a neck in a seasonal best 1:56.1 over the fast track.
Sitting fifth turning for home, driver Shawn
McDonough and Passion R Virginie ($26.60) were just yearning for some room
in passing lane. They found a slight opening and took advantage of it with a
rush to overtake the stubborn pace-setting Mach This Way (Ron Beback Jr.).
Memumsnotnice (Billy Davis Jr.) finished in third.
While the photo showed Passion R Virginie ahead at the wire,
there was a steward's inquiry about a possible pylon violation at the top of
the stretch. But by the time McDonough and Passion R Virginie even returned to
the winner's circle for the photo shoot, the stewards had found no reason for a
disqualification and the result stood.
Owned by Rocco Stebbins and trained by McDonough, it was the
fifth win in 12 starts for the 9-year-old Passion R Virginie (Shanghi
Phil-Decibelle Ray No). The win pushed her bankroll to $21,458 this season and
$300,856 lifetime.
Davis Jr. finished the evening with a four-bagger while Drew
Monti doubled.Trainer JD Perrin conditioned a pair of winners.
Racing continues on Friday night at Buffalo Raceway with
another 11-race card set for 5 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, results,
race replays and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
