Heavy storms blew through western New York and provided less than desirable conditions, but an off-track and six foes couldn’t keep BZ Glide from getting to the winner's circle in the $10,500 Open Handicap Trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (August 4).
Noble Legend (Ray Fisher Jr.) left with the gate and dropped in second behind Lutetium (Ron Beback Jr.), who was not about to give up the front. The race then proceeded from there in single-file order in :28.3 and :59.1. Pulling first-over at that point was Jim Dandy (Jim McNeight Jr.), who brought BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) in tow fourth.
The outer flow was dull and Jim Dandy had trouble getting to the leader up the backside, but he finally drew alongside around the final bend. At the top of the stretch, Lutetium and Jim Dandy were joined three-across by Noble Legend, who ducked in the passing lane. But the final blow came when BZ Glide, who had drafted second-over, tipped four-deep around Jim Dandy and out-trotted everyone down the lane, pulling away to an easy length victory in 2:00.1.
BZ Glide ($4) registered his third win of the year and 33rd win of his career. The eight-year-old gelded son of Yankee Glide is owned by the Caprio Stable LLC and is trained by Alana Caprio.
In the $8,000 Open II Trot, Striker Ace (Ray Fisher Jr.) pulled first-over from fourth at the three-eighths and advanced to the lead by the three-quarters before opening up a three-length lead and trotting home handily to win by four in 1:58.3. Striker Ace ($25.60), who is now two-for-two at Batavia Downs, is owned by Finish Line Investors and trainer John Mungillo.
“Drivin” Drew Monti had a grand slam Friday winning with Doing Some Damage (1:57.1, $27.40), Tenor Duharas (2:01.1, $5.00), Button Fly (1:56.2, $33.20) and Rollovin (1:57.4, $6.40).
Kevin Cummings also had a driving triple and Larry Stalbaum registered a double. Conditioner Rose Russo sent two sent two trainees to the winner’s circle for photographs.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday night with a guaranteed pool of $6,000 for the early Pick-5, which goes in races one through five. The carryover pool for that wager is $3,281. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)