Nimble New Zealand-breds took center stage at Batavia Downs as they won the top two paces of the week on Saturday night, Oct. 12.
In the night’s main event, Vulcan Star N got his second straight victory at The Downs when he won the $17,808 Open Handicap Pace.
Driven by Kevin Cummings, Vulcan Star N sat second behind Livonjaxandqueens (Jim McNeight Jr.) through quarters of :27.4, :57.1 and 1:25.1 while post time favourite Lip Reader N (Drew Monti) applied outside pressure to three-quarters. Lip Reader N’s bid fell apart in the final turn, leaving Livonjaxandqueens in front by 1-1/2 lengths heading into the stretch. But Cummings tipped Vulcan Star N off his cover and aggressively drove him down the lane to eventually catch Livonjaxandqueens by a head in the shadow of the wire in 1:54. Lip Reader A held on for third more than four lengths behind.
Vulcan Star N is owned by his trainer, Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner, John Spindler and Michael Paulson. The nine-year-old A Rocknroll Dance gelding returned $16.80 to win as the 7-1 fourth choice on the toteboard. The win was his third this year to go along with 14 other on-the-board finishes from 30 starts.
In the $16,438 Open II Pace, Melanion N turned a second-half move into a romp at the line.
Melanion N and driver Drew Monti got away fourth as Carrythetorchman (Joe Chindano Jr.) led to the half in :56.1. That is where Monti pulled Melanion N into the breeze and started a methodic march towards the leader. Incrementally reeling in Carrythetorchman up the backside, Melanion N drew alongside his target in the last bend and edged ahead of Carrythetorchman as they straightened for home. From there, Melanion N bolted to the wire as Monti sat chilly and won by 4-1/4 lengths in 1:53, giving the gelding a new lifetime mark. Out On Bail (Kevin Cummings) finished second and Tiger Baron (David McNeight III) edged out Carrythetorchman for third.
Melanion N is owned by Vogel And Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Dr. Michael Miller. Maria Rice trains the popular winner, who returned $3.20 at the betting windows. A seven-year-old son of Bettors Delight, Melanion N improved his seasonal summary to 3-5-3 from 20 starts.
Horsepeople scoring two wins on Saturday include drivers John Cummings Jr., Kevin Cummings, Kyle Cummings, Drew Monti and Kyle Swift and trainer Maria Rice.
Live harness racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday, Oct. 16 with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $3,618 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
(With files from Batavia Downs; Photo of Vulcan Star N winning on Oct. 12)