There were 12 top western New York trotters who went postward in two Open Trots that headlined the Friday night (Oct. 1) card at Batavia Downs and Mugshots Bro and All About Thechase both put in stellar performances.
In the $12,300 Open I Handicap, Mugshots Bro (Shawn McDonough) led from the start while Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) was parked and prompting the whole way. Lougazi had gotten to within a length of the leader at the half, but Mugshots Bro drew away by three on the backstretch and looked much the best. He took that lead around the last turn but the pesky Lougazi would not go away. He brushed late again and got close to the leader, but Mugshots Bro hung on by a length and won in a season's best 1:56.1.
Mugshots Bro ($8.30) got his sixth win of the year for owner Herman Niedhammer and Herman Niedhammer Jr. McDonough also trains the winner.
Then in the $11,000 Open II Trot, All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) took the front past the quarter and out-muscled his competition the rest of the way. After getting to three-quarters with Majestic Kat (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Hail To The King (Dave McNeight III) in pursuit, All About Thechase turned for home and opened up by 2-1/4 lengths at the wire in 1:58.3.
All About Thechase ($5.90) is owned by the Caprio Stable and is trained by Alana Caprio.
Jim Morrill Jr., Kevin Cummings, Mike Baumeister and Shawn McDonough all had driving doubles while McDonough also added two training wins.
There was no winner in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager again on Friday so there will be a carryover of $4,582 for that wager on Saturday when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs. There is also a small carryover of $822 in the Jackpot Pick-6. Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)