After a week hiatus from the winner's circle, Magical Mistress ($4.30) got reacquainted with Buffalo Raceway track photographer John Emmerling on Wednesday afternoon, April 10 as she posted the victory in the featured $18,919 Open Pace for the fillies and mares.

After stringing together four straight victories, Magic Mistress (Jim Morrill Jr.) had that streak snapped last week as she finished third to Imprincessgemma A in the Open Pace for the ladies. But the 'magic' returned this time around as she was able to recapture the crown.

McVera was able to settle in on the front end, notching fractions of :29, :57.4 and 1:26.2 over the fast track. But while she was enjoying the top, Magical Mistress started her first-over grind around the clubhouse turn and was on even terms with the pacesetter turning for home.

Slowly and methodically, Magical Mistress was able to nudge ahead in mid-stretch. Things looked secure at that point, but Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) came roaring on the outside and narrowly missed as Magical Mistress was just able to hit the wire first in a seasonal best of 1:55.1. She turned back the late rush from Summer Slash by a diminishing half length while Shooting Brooke was third.

Owned by Michael Milazzo and trained by Candace Brandstatter, the eight-year-old mare Magical Mistress (Camystic-Meridian Magic) has now won five times in eight appearances this season. The score moved her earnings to $39,316 on the campaign and $374,253 lifetime.

Joseph Chindano Jr. led the way for the drivers with four wins while Morrill Jr. had three and Billy Davis Jr. two. Shawn McDonough had a training hat trick with Maggie Chindano and Christopher Petrelli getting two apiece.

Racing returns on Friday, April 12 at 2:30 p.m. with a 10-race card slated. There's an $831 carryover in the Pick 5, which begins in the second race.

(Buffalo Raceway)