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 harness racing 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.
For full race results, click here.
by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway