Mohawk: Milton Stakes final won by Lady Shadow

2-5 favorite Lady Shadow had to work to get the lead, but once she got it, she didn't relinquish it, winning the C$311,000 Milton Stakes final for open pacing mares at Mohawk Racetrack in 1:50.

Elimination winner Wrangler Magic (Sylvain Filion) shot through from the pole position to lead at the 26 4/5 opening quarter, but Lady Shadow (James MacDonald) was sent on the attack out of the third position past that marker. Filion didn't immediately relinquish command, though, and they would battle past the 54 4/5 half until Lady Shadow wrestled the lead away as they entered the far turn.

Lady Shadow would go on to reach three-quarters in 1:21 4/5, turning away a first-over bid by Frost Damage Blues (Jack Moiseyev), and despite drifting out in the lane, as she is wont to do, Lady Shadow remained clear to win by 2 1/4 lengths. Yagonnakissmeornot (Louis-Philippe Roy) was up for second, followed by Waasmula (Trevor Henry), Bedroomconfessions (Randy Waples), and Sandbetweenurtoes (Jody Jamieson).

"When you're 2-5 you kind of hope to get some respect," said MacDonald, who won the Milton final for the second straight year. "I know Sylvain wanted to stretch me out a little bit, but it doesn't matter to her. I've seen her go some of the craziest trips you could ask a horse to go this year. She got stung pretty hard tonight, but she's such a good mare she overcame it."

Ron Adams trains Lady Shadow, a 5-year-old mare by Shadow Play, for owners David Kryway, Carl Atley, Ed Gold, and Bfj Stable. This was the 25th win of her career, and she has now earned C$1,550,162. Lady Shadow paid $2.90 to win.

"She's been tough and stayed tough the whole year, and I think she's just getting better every start," said Adams, who noted Lady Shadow will be on her way to The Red Mile. "She's just been good all over. She likes the big track, and she likes to roll. When you race her hard she likes it and she responds."