Friday night at Batavia Downs Casino, Kevin Cummings guided Mach Ten ($4), the 8-hole favourite to an unexpected finishin the $9,000 Open Trot

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As a slew of leavers charged into the first turn, Tuesdays With Mom (Jack Flanigen) out brushed Hello Carlo (Jamie Dunlap) and Rompaway Brandon (Ray Fisher Jr.) and was able to take the lead by the quarter in :28.2. Kevin Cummings pulled out Mach Ten with power and determination as they travelled around the far turn and zoomed down the homestretch the first time to take the lead by the half in :58.1.

Fifty Two Finn (John Cummings Jr.), who was parked out most of the mile, was able to tuck into second behind the leader at the three=quarters in 1.27.3. But, Perfect Man (David McNeight III) was right behind him making up ground before the final turn and pulled even with Mach Ten as they competed down the stretch. Perfect Man and Mach Ten trotted nose-to-nose when Perfect Man made a costly break just as they hit the wire. Although Perfect Man did have the lead, he was placed second for a lapped-on-break. Mach Ten was placed first and declared the winner.

Mach Ten, who is now a perfect four-for-four during the Summer-Fall meet, is owned by Dianne M. Mahiques of Angola, New York and trained by Michelle Gramza. The five-year-old son of International Chip has earned $67,055 this season.

The Cummings brothers had a great evening with both Kevin and John scoring triples. In addition to Mach Ten’s win, Kevin had Anxiety Hanover ($5.80) in the first and Cams Laughter ($4.30) in the 12th. John had Masters Trackster ($10.40) in the second, Odds On The Beach ($5.20) in the fifth, and Sudburysatrdaynite ($4.20) in the sixth.

Freshman New York bred trotting fillies will go behind the gate tonight (September 17) at the Downs with a pair of Sire Stake races and three Late Closer events highlighting the card. The Sire Stakes divisions are worth $58,712 and $59,812 and the Late Closers are worth $12,300. Post time for the 12-race card is 6:40 p.m.

(Batavia Downs)