Passion R Virginie unleashed a big rally in the passing lane and then had to sweat out a steward's inquiry before being declared the winner in the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night (April 13).

It was the third straight victory for Passion R Virginie, who beat Mach This Way by a neck in a seasonal best 1:56.1 over the fast track.

Sitting fifth turning for home, driver Shawn McDonough and Passion R Virginie ($26.60) were just yearning for some room in the passing lane. They found a slight opening and took advantage of it with a rush to overtake the stubborn pacesetting Mach This Way (Ron Beback Jr.). Memumsnotnice (Billy Davis Jr.) finished in third.

While the photo showed Passion R Virginie ahead at the wire, there was a steward's inquiry about a possible pylon violation at the top of the stretch. But by the time McDonough and Passion R Virginie even returned to the winner's circle for the photo shoot, the stewards had found no reason for a disqualification and the result stood.

Owned by Rocco Stebbins and trained by McDonough, the nine-year-old Passion R Virginie (Shanghi Phil-Decibelle Ray No) earned her fifth win in 12 starts. The win pushed her bankroll to $21,458 this season and $301,855 lifetime.

Davis Jr. finished the evening with a four-bagger while Drew Monti doubled. Trainer JD Perrin conditioned a pair of winners.

(With files from Buffalo Raceway)