A perfect storm that occurred early in the race, helped the seriously overlooked Thunder Country to strike late at 36-1 and win the featured $19,286 Open Handicap Pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 3) night.

Thunder Country (Andy Shetler) got away fourth as Davey Day Trader (Dave McNeight III) throttled the flow of the single-file field with a tepid :29.1 in the first quarter of the race. That prompted the favourite, Saulsbrook Victor (Brett MacDonald), to pull first-over at three-eighths to argue the pace. With Saulsbrook Victor on the attack in the breeze, Davey Day Trader started to pace faster and posted a :27.4 second panel. Saulsbrook Victor continued to badger the leader from there, while Thunder Country started floating outside fourth, and now with cover.

Davey Day Trader and Saulsbrook Victor produced another fast :28 quarter to three-quarters while Thunder Country became a tight fourth and only 1-1/2 lengths behind. Positions remained unchanged around the far turn until the top of the stretch where Thunder Country tipped three-deep and then paced past Saulsbrook VIctor to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:55.

The triumph was the fourth win of the year for Thunder Country ($74), who is owned and trained by his driver, Andy Shetler. 

There was also a $19,286 Open Handicap Trot that was won by Crazy Ritz, who claimed his 25th lifetime victory. 

Crazy Ritz (Jim McNeight Jr.) left from post one, but Credit Con (Kevin Cummings) came quick to take the lead. Then Crazy Ritz moved again for the retake and owned the lead for the rest of the mile, but not without challenges. After the race reached the quarter in :29.1, Look Proud (Brett MacDonald) moved early from fourth in turn two, to challenge as the race passed the half in :58.1. 

Look Proud’s rush fell short at five-eighths as Crazy Ritz opened up his lead a bit on the backside. But Credit Con was still on his back and Valentine Express (Drew Monti) swung three-deep and into contention, with Civilian Drone (Ray Fisher Jr.) following in his wake. With four horses closing in fast, Crazy Ritz was under siege, but he stayed on task and closed out the race with a half-length win in 1:57.2.

Crazy Ritz ($4.38) is owned by James Palladino and trained by Sam Dilcher.

Kevin Cummings led all drivers with three wins on Saturday, while Cassie Russo and Ron Beback Jr. both scored two wins to top all trainers.

Live racing will resume at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 7) at 5 p.m. and there will be a $12,778 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the 12th race. 

(Batavia Downs)