Lady Dudette 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.
Playing "give and go" with Little Joke heading 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 rolled in late for the show spot.
Owned by driver Kyle Cummings and trained by Tammy Cummings, it was the first win of the season in three appearances for Lady Dudette (Bettors Delight-Luxury Goods). The six-year-old mare has now earned $5,700 this season and $176,373 lifetime. She paid $15.40 to win.
Billy 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 (Feb. 20) with a 10-race program scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. (EST).
(Buffalo Raceway)