Following a late-mile duel, Lucky Mctrucky retook the lead narrowly, winning the $9,000 feature pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday, December 9.
Lucky McTrucky inherited an uncontested lead from the rail before undergoing a challenge from Jimi Wind Ricks at three-eighths, with the two engaging following a :59 half.
Jimi Wind Ricks got the lead on the outside by over a half-length at three-quarters, but failed to clear from Lucky Mctrucky. Battling around the final turn, Lucky Mctrucky gained a slight advantage through the stretch, holding a half-length advantage on Jimi Wind Ricks, crossing the line in 1:55.1.
It was the 42nd lifetime win for Lucky McTrucky, who is owned by Tessa Roland and trained by J.D. Perrin. Driven by Drew Monti, he paid $7.30 to win.
In the $8,500 Open III Pace, Big Ricky (Ron Beback Jr.) took a mostly overland route to defeat the heavily-favoured David The Saint by a length in 1:56.4. Big Ricky ($9.70) is owned by William Emmons and is trained by James Clouser Jr. Driven by Ron Beback Jr., he paid $9.70 to win.
The final week of the meet kicks-off when racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday, December 15 with post time at 6 p.m. There are only two more nights of racing in 2017.
(With files from Batavia Downs)