from WEG Communications
Campbellville, ON — In an ultra-competitive C$350,000 Roses Are Red final for filly and mare pacers on Pepsi North America Cup night (June 20) at Mohawk Racetrack, it was Lady Shadow, the 2-1 second choice, who prevailed by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:48.3.
USTA/Mark Hall photo
Lady Shadow was a winner for driver Doug McNair in the Roses Are Red.
Driven by Doug McNair for trainer Ron Adams, Lady Shadow had arrived at the final off a blistering front end 1:48.3 elim win last week and was posting her third victory in only five starts so far this year.
The 4-year-old Ontario-sired daughter of Shadow Play-Lady Camella came from third and took over before the half in :54.1, buzzed to the three-quarters in a red-hot 1:21.1, then held off the stretch closers, slight favorite Yagonnakissmeornot and Sandbetweenurtoes, for the win.
The field also included the consecutive three-time Roses Are Red defending champion and $3 million earner Anndrovette, but a fourth crown was not in the cards. The 8-year-old mare came home seventh, after taking the field through a quick opening quarter in :25.3, then following Lady Shadow in second until mid-stretch.
“They were probably figuring on her (Lady Shadow) leaving out of there tonight,” explained McNair. “I wasn’t sure who was going to take a stab (at the front). I figured (driver) Timmy (Tetrick, driving Anndrovette) would be coming out of there. I kind of let her settle, then put her in front. She kind of did the rest on her own.
“I had a good mare (Color’s A Virgin) first up (around the far turn). Never want to let her get too close. I figured I’d just let her rock from the three-quarter pole and she paced away from them. She’s come along from two to three, now three to four. She’s just getting better every year. It was great to get this win. I think I’ve been second or third in this race before. It’s a big thrill for me to win it.”
Said trainer Adams, who only took over the training of Lady Shadow from McNair’s father, Gregg, in mid-May, when the mare was sold, “She’s a beautiful filly. She’s built awesome. It’s a great win to do it on the front at her home track. I was confident after we won last week. We got to pick our post (three). Picking the inside gave Dougie the opportunity to make something happen.”
It was career win number 14 for Lady Shadow in 26 starts, with her bankroll now nearing C$700,000, including the C$175,000 for the Roses Are Red.
Lady Shadow paid $6.80, $3.60 and $2.90.