Center Attraction was in perfect position to run down her competition in a thrilling stretch drive in the featured $18,243 Distaff Open Pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) got away second from post one behind Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings), who set the pace in :28, :57.1 and 1:25.2. It was at that last station where Marathon Mary (Drew Monti) pulled from third and advanced towards the leader. The top three mares broke away from the rest of the field and when they entered the stretch, Center Attraction slipped into the passing lane while Marathon Mary continued to pressure Won Surreal Deal on the outside. The three side-wheelers paced three abreast all the way to the line where Center Attraction edged ahead by a half length and won in 1:54.3. Marathon Mary finished second adn Won Surreal Deal was third.

The win was the fourth of the year from 16 starts for Center Attraction ($7.50), who is owned by her trainer, Robert Anderson, in partnership with Pamela Schieber. 

Dave McNeight III and Drew Monti both had driving hat tricks while Chris Petrelli was the top trainer with two wins on the card. 

Live harness racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday, Sept. 27 with post time at 6 p.m.  

(Batavia Downs)