A drop in class proved to be the right move for Headingforaruckus Friday night (Oct. 18) as he captured the featured $7,000 Open II Trot at Batavia Downs.

After recently competing in the Open Trot, Headingforaruckus ($6.80) may have faced a softer group, but that didn't stop him from setting a lifetime mark of 1:58.1 while scoring the one and a half length victory over Fiorentina.

It was a battle to the quarter pole as Headingforaruckus (Dream Vacation-Headaches) played give-and-go with Fiorentina (Ken Holliday). Headingforaruckus managed to settle into the top spot and set the fractions of :28.2, :58.3 and 1:28.2. He was never in serious jeopardy of giving up the lead as David McNeight III kept the six-year-old gelding on task the entire mile. Escrow Blue Chip (Ray Fisher Jr.) raillied and took the show position.

The victory was the third of the season for Headingforaruckus, who is owned by Dennis Beaver and trained by Jim Graham. The win pushed his 2013 earnings to $25,967 and lifetime bankroll to $87,347.

There will be a 13-race program on Saturday night with post time scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The feature will be the sixth race where a full field of eight go for $8,500 in the Open Pace. Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) will start from post position four as the 5-2 morning line favourite.

The entire 14-race Breeder's Crown card from Pocono Downs, starting at 5 p.m., will be simulcast at Batavia Downs.

The Pick 4 pool will be guaranteed at $3,000. Program pages for the Pick 4 sequence, which begins on race three, are available at ustrotting.com.

There will also be a free $1,000 handicapping contest with the winner receiving $500. Sign up to play in the contest begins at 5 p.m. at Players Club.

(Batavia Downs)