Jim Morrill Jr. remains flaming hot at Batavia Downs, having swept both Open Paces on Wednesday night's (Oct. 13) program at the Genesee County track.
Morrill’s torrid pace at the current meet accelerated over the last three days, during which time he won 15 races out of his 26 starts at the Downs. Morrill currently has 80 wins this year at Batavia, and just went over $500,000 in local earnings tonight.
The highlight of his evening came in the $13,500 fillies and mares Open I Handicap with Tuapeka Jessie N ($3.00), who took the lead past the quarter, established a commanding 1-1/2 length lead by the half, and extended that to 2-3/4 at the line, where she won in 1:54.
It was the second straight win for Tuapeka Jessie N, who remains undefeated at Batavia for trainer Maria Rice and owners Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock.
Then, in the $12,200 Open II Handicap for distaff side-wheelers, Morrill grabbed the lines behind 1-9 choice Vicious Circle ($2.10) for the first time and took full advantage of a class drop to also go gate-to-wire, winning by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:54.2.
Vicious Circle is owned by Rick Howles, Geoff Howles and Souren Hovsepian, and is trained by John Hallett.
Morrill rounded out a driving grand slam with Southern Palms (1:58.1, $39.60) and Proudamericangirl (1:58.1, $3.30).
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 15), there will once again be two healthy carryovers available.
With no single unique winning ticket purchased in the Jackpot Pick-5 on Wednesday night (Oct. 13), there is a carryover of $8,212 for that bet in race nine. With the same situation occurring in the Jackpot Pick-6, a carryover of $1,957 will be in place for that wager, which begins in race four.
Free full past performance programs for the entire card can be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the "live racing" tab, where they can be found for every live night of racing at Batavia Downs.
Post time for the first race is at 5 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)