It was a successful debut for Umygeorgia Hanover and North America's leading dash driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr. at Batavia Downs Wednesday night (Oct. 23) as the pair combined to romp to victory in the $8,500 Fillies and Mares Open Pace.
It was the 13th victory of the season for Umygeorgia Hanover ($4), who was stepping up in class off a two and a half victory in 1:53 on Oct. 11 at Northfield Park. The five-year-old mare found her new surroundings to her liking as she rolled to a three and three-quarter length win over Artsy Princess (Kevin Cummings) and Xenia Hanover (Shawn McDonough) in 1:54.3 over the fast track.
There were three lead changes in the race as Youre Too Funny, Real Joy and Devin Pulse all showed the way at some point. But before the three-quarter marker, Umygeorgia Hanover took command and never looked back, using a :29.2 final panel to secure the victory.
Umygeorgia Hanover (Camluck-Up Front Georgia) is owned by Gregory Gardner and trained by Ronald Best. The win upped her season winnings to $39,767 and lifetime bankroll to $92,164.
Wrenn Jr., who entered the night with 572 victories on the season, added to that total as he posted a four driving wins.
Live racing action resumes on Friday night with a 12-race card scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. The feature on the program will be the $8,500 Open Trot where BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) will open as the 5-2 morning line favourite, scoring from the four post.
(Batavia Downs)