One of the finer fields of top class trotters was assembled Friday at Batavia Downs and although the race had the look of a competitive contest, Lutetium proved once again he’s one tough trotter to beat as he won the $9,500 Open feature.

After returning to the track from a five-week layoff, Lutetium (Kevin Cummings) found himself with a rare inside post (Post 2) and even rarer 7-2 price. He also found himself in a familiar spot; on top of the field before they hit the eighth pole.

After seating his peers with a :28.1 quarter, Lutetium strolled to the half in :58.4. When the outer flow got rolling, Second Hand News (John Cummings, Jr.) was first up and got closest as the leader turned up the heat with a :29 third panel. It was then Second Hand News faded and Lutetium extended his lead to two open lengths. Down the lane, Serious George (Jack Flanigen), who got the pocket trip the whole race, made a game rush to the wire but Lutetium held strong and coasted to a half-length victory in 1:57.4.
It was the 14th win in 27 starts for Lutetium ($9.50) and it raised his 2014 earnings to $79,940 for owner Colleen Girdlestone. The seven-year-old son of Credit Winner is trained by Mark Laidlaw.

In the night’s co-feature, Escrow Blue Chip (Jim Morrill, Jr.) went gate-to-wire to take the win as well as a new season mark of 1:58.3. It was the second win in 29 starts for the seven-year-old Classic Photo mare and boosted her bank account to $25,040 for owner Vallelunga Z L. Escrow Blue Chip returned $6.20 for the win.

Driver Jim Morrill, Jr. strutted his stuff Friday while winning six races and taking five third-place finishes on the night. He only missed the board one time in his twelve drives. His winners included Landfair Nipper ($4.90), Escrow Blue Chip ($6.20), The Bronx Bumper ($2.60), Force Nine ($7.60), Dontch Remember ($17.60) and Outoftexas ($6.60).

(Batavia Downs)