Kevin Cummings was red hot at Batavia Downs scoring wins in both features with In Runaway Bay N and Nesh Cruiser along with three other victories to take five of the 10 races on the card. Cummings, who is currently the second-leading dash driver of the meet, made a strong bid to retake the top spot after his performance on Saturday, Oct. 20.

In the $11,000 Open Handicap Pace, Dark Horse left hard and seated In Runaway Bay N, who retreated from his leave attempt. After everyone took a seat the race went to the half in :56. At that point Barry Hanover started the outer flow and Rock To Glory followed that move.

Rock To Glory deserted his fading cover heading to three-quarters and tipped three-deep trying to get to Dark Horse. Almost out of that last bend, Barry Hanover finally packed it in and In Runaway Bay N nudged his way off the pylons between Dark Horse and Rock To Glory. In Runaway Bay N then put away Dark Horse and held off a fast-closing Rock To Glory to win by a half length in 1:54.4.

In Runaway Bay N, paying $8.70 to win, scored his sixth win of 2018 and eclipsed $500,000 in career earnings and now boasts $53,550 this year for owner Mark Jakubik.

In the $9,900 Open II pace, Nesh Cruiser tripped out behind Bugatti to the head of the stretch before pulling and going past to win by a nose in 1:54.4 for his eighth win of the year. Trainer Richard Roth owns with Randy Roth and Robert Roth.

Besides those two wins, Cummings also scored with Cotton Eyed Joe (1:57.2, $6.40), Terlingua (1:56.4, $8.00) and Keystone Keen (1:56.4, $6.10) to round out the five-bagger.

Batavia Downs' leading driver Drew Monti also scored four wins on Saturday night. So after the last race ended, Monti is still on top with 82 wins for the meet with Cummings sitting right behind with 77.

The early Pick-5 that was part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program with a $7,000 guaranteed pool produced an instant jackpot payoff $5,350.50 for a $1 ticket on the combination of 7-4-3-2-3.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday, Oct. 31 with post time set for 5 p.m.

(With files from Batavia Downs)