Hamburg, NY – Face The Shadows ($10.34) finally got the chance to face the camera in the winner’s circle after claiming the victory in Buffalo Raceway’s featured $13,700 pace for the fillies and mares on Wednesday afternoon (May 27). She notched a three-quarter length decision over McVera in 1:57.3 while Think Of Galaxies collected the show check.
After finishing either second or third in her last five starts, Face The Shadows (Kevin Cummings) was keen on completing the test this time around.
Won Surreal Deal was excused from the race as she was under the weather, thus reducing the field down to six.
There was a mad scramble to the lead as Face The Shadows, Think Of Galaxies, McVera and Bolt Of Beauty all battled for early supremacy. When things eventually settled down, Think Of Galaxies needed to go four-wide to grab the top.
With fractions of :28.2, :58.1 and 1:27.4 over the fast track, Think Of Galaxies was about to find out if that early wide journey was going to be worth it or costly.
With the field double-decked around the final turn, Think Of Galaxies couldn’t totally withstand the pressure and was being engulfed by the remaining five horses all had a legitimate shot for the victory. The pocket sitting Face The Shadows (Kevin Cummings) was able to use the passing lane to cruise to the finish line first while McVera (Drew Monti) and Think Of Galaxies (Brett MacDonald) held on in the stretch drive but had to settle for second and third respectively.
Co-owned by El Dorado Stables and Mike Torcello, it was the fourth victory in 14 starts on the season for the 6-year-old Face The Shadows (Shadow Play-Face To Face). The win upped her seasonal bankroll to $38,465 and to $181,374 lifetime.
David McNeight III had the hot hand in the sulky with four victories on the afternoon while Monti had a triple and Cummings a pair. Shawn McDonough and Sam Smith posted two training wins each.
Racing will continue on Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with a 13-race scheduled.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to www.buffaloraceway.com