by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The usual tactics by Wonderful World paid off once again as she went gate-to-wire in posting a 3/4 length victory over Xenia's Chip in Buffalo Raceway's featured $9,600 Filly and Mare Class A-B Optional Claiming Handicapped Pace on Wednesday night (April 14). She toured the half-mile oval in 1:56.4.
The win was bittersweet however as Wonderful World ($4.60) was claimed away from owner/trainer Sabrina Shaw by Michael Gentner for $21,000.
Using her early gate speed, Wonderful World cruised immediately to the top and registered splits of :29.0, :57.2 and 1:26.3 in her typical front-running style.
Turning for home, Wonderful World (Billy Davis Jr.) had little to worry about in crossing the wire. Xenia's Chip made a mild bid extremely late but had to settle for second place while Greenhilldebatable (Shawn McDonough) captured third.
It was the second victory in five starts this season for the 8-year-old mare Wonderful World (If I Can Dream-Smilefortheofficer). The win upped her seasonal earnings to $13,612 and $178,533 lifetime.
McDonough had a superb evening as he drove and trained three winners on the card while Davis Jr. had a trio of driving victories.
Racing will continue on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with an 11-race program scheduled.
For more information including the latest news, race replays, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
