Hamburg, NY – Lady Dudette ($15.40) was under siege for most of the stretch drive in Buffalo Raceway’s $9,000 Class A-Open Handicap Pace for the filly and mares on Wednesday night (Feb. 17) but she was one game gal in holding on for a nose victory over Little Joke in 1:59.0.

Lady Dudette refused to give up at Buffalo Raceway.
Photo by Bill Burke

Playing ‘give and go’ with Little Joke (Billy Davis Jr.) en route to the opening panel, Lady Dudette (Kyle Cummings) was able to stomp out the very sensible fractions of :30.0, 1:01 and 1:30.1 over the good track.

Getting the perfect pocket trip, Little Joke inched closer and closer to the pace setter down the lane but ran out of real estate as Lady Dudette refused to relinquish the lead, holding on for the narrow victory. HP Sissy (James McNeight Jr.) rolled in late for the show spot.

Owned by Kyle Cummings and trained by Tammy Cummings, it was the first win of the season in three appearances for Lady Dudette (Bettor’s Delight-Luxury Goods). The 6-year-old mare has now earned $5,700 this season and $176,373 lifetime.

Davis Jr. posted three wins while Jim Morrill Jr. and Kevin Cummings each had driving doubles. Gerry Sarama and Maria Rice notched two training victories apiece.

Racing will continue on Saturday evening with a 10-race program scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

For more information including the latest news, race replays, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com or follow along on Twitter or Facebook.