Hamburg, NY – Elegant Woman A ($15.92) was pure ‘class’ in Buffalo Raceway’s $14,700 Open Pace for the fillies and mares on Wednesday afternoon (June 17) as she rolled to an impressive half-length victory over Utopia Blue Chip in 1:56.4 over the fast track.
Earning a check in five of her last six races but without a win, Elegant Woman A tried a new tactic to end her winless streak. Posting a gate-to-wire victory back on April 15 but nothing since, driver Drew Monti reverted back to the old strategy and it worked to perfection.
Starting from the six post, Elegant Woman A proceeded directly to the lead off the starting gate and had no resistance whatsoever. Cutting the mile of :29.3, :58.3 and 1:27.3, Elegant Woman A found the going smooth until the top of the stretch as Utopia Blue Chip (Dale Spence) made a three-wide move to move into contention.
But Elegant Woman A had built up a nice 1-1/2 length margin in the stretch and was able to easily coast to the line, holding back the late rally of Utopia Blue Chip while Lady Blue Jay (David McNeight III) took the show position.
Owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Jack and trainer Maria Rice and Monti, it was the second win in 11 starts on the year for the 6-year-old Elegant Woman A (Bettor’s Delight-Versace Woman). The triumph moved her seasonal earnings to $38,148 and to $91,492 lifetime.
Kevin Cummings and McNeight III each chalked up three driving victories on the program while Brett MacDonald and Monti had doubles. Taylor Fritz had a pair of training wins.
Racing will continue on Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with 12 races scheduled.
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