by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — In the Wednesday (Jan. 25) feature race, Kaitlyn Rae used a late rush to capture the Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway.

Steve Roth photo

Kaitlyn Rae used a late rush to capture the Fillies and Mares Open Pace.

The first half-mile was uneventful as the horses stayed in post position order with favorite Artzia Hanover on the lead in :59.3. By the time the horses reached the backstretch the second time around they were three wide.

Ben McNeil kept Artizia Hanover on the lead until the top of the stretch before the top three finishers rushed by her.

Driver Larry Stalbaum used the center of the track to put the 8-year-old bay mare in the winner’s circle in 1:59.1, just ahead of The Filly Princess and My Talia Ideal.

Stalbaum and trainer Kim Asher teamed to win four races on the night.