Lake Shark (Jack Flanigen) took a bite out of the field Saturday at Batavia Downs Casino winning a thrilling featured $9,000 Open pace.

Spender Hanover (David McNeight III) left the gate from the four hole to meet Lake Shark around the clubhouse turn. McNeight continued to push and claimed the lead before the quarter pole in a brisk :27.4. New York Prime (Chris Page) pulled at the three-eighths and zipped up to second for a moment before he stalled and hung third. With Spender Hanover still leading the pack, the field remained in their positions reaching the three quarter in 1:25.2.

As they headed for the stretch, Lake Shark came outside and Fantasypan (Jim McNeight) rushed up the rail to push the issue as they approached the wire. With a close five horse finish, Lake Shark’s strong final push earned him the upset victory in 1:54.1 by three quarters of a length. He paid $18.40 to win. Lake Shark, who notched his second Open of the season, is owned by Barbara L. Andzel and is trained by Mike Carrubba. Spender Hanover ended up second and Fantasypan held on for a close third.

The victory capped another three win night for Flanigen that also included Nuclear Cam ($65.60) in the fourth and Eagle Art M ($11.40) in the fifth. Flanigen is currently the leading dash driver at the Summer-Fall meet.

Monday’s Labour Day doubleheader includes an all New York Sire Stake evening card with $296,920 in purse money up for grabs. It features the three-year-old trotting colts and geldings and is headlined by Purple Haze Stable’s Dejarmbro and Ray and Larry Remmen’s Keenan. Post time for the evening session of harness racing is 6:40 p.m. while the matinee program kicks off at 1:15 p.m.

(Batavia Downs)