Lucky McTrucky got back to his winning ways taking the $11,500 Open Handicap Pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday, Dec. 8.
The feature field got away in post-position order, leaving Cultural Paradise on top with no pressure to a :58 half. However In Runaway Bay N soon came calling first-up on the outside.
In Runaway Bay N paced along with Cultural Paradise through the backstretch to a 1:26.3 third quarter while Lucky McTrucky stalked the duelers. Halfway through the turn driver Drew Monti tipped Lucky McTrucky three wide and caught the leaders by the top of the stretch, going by in the lane to win by two lengths in 1:55.4.
It was the 55th win and 13th of the season for Lucky McTrucky who now has earned $93,405 in 2018 for owner Tessa Roland. JD Perrin trains the $10.60 winner.
The $9,900 Open II Pace saw Western Rockstar A close sharply after chasing an early speed battle between Linkjack Hanover and Littlebitofabrat to pull the upset in 1:56.2. Western Rockstar A captured his fifth win of the year for owner Super Mile LLC. Shawn McDonough drove the $24.00 winner for trainer Angelo Nappo.
Three drivers won 10 of the 12 races on Saturday evening. Drew Monti copped a Grand Slam of wins while Shawn McDonough and Denny Bucceri each had a triple on the card.
Next Friday, Dec. 14 starts this final week of racing this season at Batavia Downs with post time set at 6 p.m. There is no racing on Wednesday, Dec. 12.
(With files from Batavia Downs)