After winning the top class pace going gate to wire last week, Black is Back did it again but from off the pace on Saturday evening (Aug. 29) in the $8,500 Open I Pace at Batavia Downs.

Black Is Back started from fifth and watched the action from there as Mr Euroman N led the race to the half in :56.3. At that station Long Train Runnin came first up and provided live cover for Black Is Back, who eagerly followed.

Long Train Runnin was grinding away at Mr Euroman N up the backside to three-quarters and into the final bend where driver Drew Monti tipped Black Is Back three deep and threw the lines at him for more speed. Black Is Back responded and methodically overtook everyone as he paced down the lane to the wire and won by three-quarter lengths in 1:53.4, which was a seasonal mark.

It was the third Open win at Batavia this year for Black Is Back ($12.60) who is owned by Curtis Edholm and Mihajlo Zdjelar Sr. Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr. is the trainer.

Drew Monti also scored a win in the underbilled $7,500 Open II pace with Stratosphere, who led every step of the mile before kicking away to a two-and-a-quarter length victory in 1:53.3, just missing his lifetime best by a fifth of a second. It was the second straight win for Stratosphere ($3.20) who is owned by his driver and trained by Darrin Monti.

Drew Monti capped off a big night with two more wins with Cultural Paradise (1:56.4, $4.00) and Charmbo Orbit (1:55, $11.80) giving him a grand slam for the evening.

Jim Morrill Jr. also scored a grand slam, winning with Sir Richie N (1:57, $2.90), Triple Seelster (1:55.4, $4.50), Littlebitaclass (1:57.2, $2.90) and Mr. Sideburns (1:57.1, $4.40).

Other horsemen tallying multiple wins included driver Billy Davis Jr. and trainers Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr. and Gerry Sarama who all garnered two wins on the night.

After Saturday’s action, Jim Morrill Jr. continues to lead all drivers for wins during the meet with 32 victories, Billy Davis Jr. is second with 23 and Drew Monti jumped into third Saturday with 15. Dave McNeight III (14) and Ray Fisher Jr. (12) round out the top five.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 2) with post time at 5 p.m. (EDT).

(Batavia Downs)