Alabama Hannah took the $12,394 Fillies and Mares Class A-AA Handicap Pace on Wednesday, Oct. 15 for her first win at Batavia Downs in her eighth start at the track.
Alabama Hannah called all the shots for Joe Chindano Jr. through first-half fractions of :28 and :59.2 before pressure from American Jazz (Jim McNeight Jr.) forced a quick third panel to three-quarters in 1:27.2. But American Jazz tailed off in the turn, leaving Alabama Hannah a loose leader straightening for sweet home. Alabama Hannah then paced clear to the wire, holding off a late-closing Rightfully Mine (Kyle Swift) to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:56. Face The Shadows (Kevin Cummings) was third.
The win was the fifth of the year in 31 starts for Alabama Hannah ($9.02), who is owned by Jeffrey Nanna and trained by Mike Deters. She made her debut at Batavia in a New York Sire Stakes contest in 2022, but it was nearly three years until she returned earlier this season. The Huntsville-Upfrontandpersonal mare hit the board in her first three starts at the track this season, all at the Open level, and has earned cheques in five of six 2025 Batavia tries. The five-year-old is 16-for-82 lifetime with $263,283 in earnings.
Alabama Hannah was one of four winners Chindano drove on the 12-race card. He also scored with Infinity Seelster (1:56.4, $8.84), Premier Tess (1:58.2, $20.82), and Wildcat Lisa (1:58.3, $6.12). Kyle Swift also had a big night, winning three races as a driver and two as a trainer.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday, Oct. 17 with post time at 6 p.m., and there will be a $4,340 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
(Batavia Downs)