HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Mystical Escapade showed she's starting to
round into shape after capturing the $10,500 Open Trot at Buffalo Raceway
Friday night (June 6).
Starting in just her third race since November 15, a
stubborn Mystical Escapade went wire-to-wire and held off a fast-closing
Heartsaregonnaroll by a diminishing neck in 1:59.2 for trainer/driver Shawn
McDonough. Last season, Mystical Escapade had eight victories and nearly
$90,000 in earnings. She had finished in fourth and fifth in Open competition
in her first two starts of 2014.
Scoring from the inside post, Mystical Escapade ($7.50) put
up fractions of 30.1, 1:00.0 and 1:29.1 and enjoyed a two length win at the
three quarter pole. In the drive for the wire, Heartsaregonnaroll put in a
valiant effort in the passing lane but came up a disappointing neck short.
Fiorentina (Kevin Cummings) showed late trot and finished third.
It was the first victory of the season for Mystical Escapade
(Valley Victor-Armbro Orbital). The 5-year-old mare is owned by Empowered
Racing and now has earned $6,615 in 2014 and $156,318 lifetime.
It was also a memorable night for 33-year-old provisional
driver Bradley Jackson as he steered Mister Briunski ($10.60) to a gate-to-wire
win. It was the first pari-mutual victory in just eight career starts for
Jackson.
Racing will continue on Saturday night with a 13-race slated
to begin at 6:40 p.m.
For more information including upcoming promotions, race
replays, results and the latest news, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
