Red Star Fiona was the 'shining star' once again Wednesday night (Nov. 20) as she won her second consecutive $8,500 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Batavia Downs, easily topping Vla Faire by two and a half lengths.
Leaving from post two, Red Star Fiona (Ray Fisher Jr.) had no trouble in reaching the top as Missmaximus (Ron Beback Jr.), scoring from the rail, missed the starting gate. That left Red Star Fiona on an uncontested lead and the six-year-old mare never looked back.
She posted fractions of :29, :58.1, and 1:26.2 in registering a winning time of 1:55.2 over the fast track on the crisp fall night. Last week, the JD Perrin-trained Red Star Fiona went gate-to-wire in 1:57.2. Vla Faire (Shawn McDonough) and Hugs Again (Drew Monti) never threatened in the lane and finished second and third respectively.
The win was the 13th in 38 appearances this season for Red Star Fiona (Island Fantasy-Red Star Tipper). She has now earned $38,684 for owner Justin Anderson in 2013.
Ronnie Wrenn Jr. led all reinsmen with a driving triple while Ron Beback Jr., Ray Fisher Jr. and Jim McNeight all had doubles.
The harness racing action resumes on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. with a 12-race program scheduled. The seventh race is the featured $8,500 Open Trot where Lutetium is the 3-1 morning line choice with Kevin Cummings in the bike.
(Batavia Downs)