After a late scratch contracted an already short field, Youwillwishyouhad went from worst to first to capture the $11,000 Open Pace feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Nov. 29).

What The Sheik (Dave McNeight III) left from the pylons and parked American Bull (Kevin Cummings) past the eighth pole before he eventually cleared on the backstretch. McNeight then immediately completed the give-and-go as he retook by the quarter. At the half, Southwind Whiski (Drew Monti) pulled to advance and had Youwillwishyouhad (John Cummings Jr.) drafting behind him in the outer flow. As the tight group passed the three-quarters and headed into the last turn, Cummings Jr. pulled Youwillwishyouhad three-deep and circled the leading pair down the lane to win in 1:57.2. What The Sheik was second and Southwind Whiski hung on for third.

The win was the fifth in the last six starts at Batavia Downs for Youwillwishyouhad ($10.80) and his 11th victory overall for the year. The three-year-old Artiscape gelding has pocketed $52,562 for 2014 for owner Leonard Segall. Youwillwishyouhad is trained by James Clouser Jr.

There was an accident in the 11th race of the evening card that involved three horses at the back of the pack. Vital Speed (Ray Fisher Jr.) got away fifth and was gapping the field bad at the three-eighths pole when he made a break and went down, causing Box You In (Shawn McDonough) and Corwhiny (Truman Gale) to pile-up behind him and dump their drivers. Vital Speed was gathered up on the infield by his driver and the loose horse was caught by outrider Ashley Holliday.

Drivers Ray Fisher and Truman Gale came away unscathed but Shawn McDonough suffered an ankle injury and was treated and released by the ambulance crew on-site. The horses Box You In and Corwhiny both suffered abrasions but were expected to be alright. Vital Speed had a serious shoulder injury and possible nerve damage and is under a veterinarian’s care.

Kevin Cummings, Shawn McDonough, John Cummings Jr. and Jim McNeight all scored driving doubles Saturday night. During the Saturday afternoon card, Kevin Cummings had four wins, Drew Monti had three and John Cummings Jr. had two.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 3) with post time at 6:35 p.m. There is a large Pick 6 carry over pool of $5,100 available that night with a mandatory payout on the final night of racing (Dec. 6) if no one wins it by then. There are only three cards of racing remaining in the 2014 season.

(Batavia Downs)