In what could only be described as an unbelievable display of relentless heart by a racehorse that was managed by a masterful drive, Write That Down, under the guidance of Shawn McDonough, won the $7,700 Open II trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 23).
Tequila Haze (Jim McNeight) and Justgottogetthere (Ron Beback Jr.) both left for the lead with the latter getting it by the quarter. Then the field stayed seated past three-eighths before an outer flow began. Write That Down, who was lightly regarded by the betting public, was sitting last at the half in :58.3.
After the group rounded turn three, Serious George (Jack Flanigen) tipped three-high around three horses parked out and started to gain momentum up the backside. This left Write That Down in an impossible spot; last behind a wall of horses that, at this point, were going nowhere.
As they headed into the last bend, Serious George cleared and took command of the race while mid-pack hangers, Iaintnomamaluke (Denny Bucceri) and Leave Your Mark (Kevin Cummings), both packed it in. Their demise gave Write That Down just enough room to finally pull off the pylons and swing four-wide at the top of the stretch. From there, McDonough had Write That Down trotting out of his shoes as they flew down the stretch. McDonough seemed to have the Serious George measured as Write That Down got by him just before the wire to win in 1:58.2.
The victory was the sixth of the season for Write That Down ($19.20) and the second win in three Batavia Downs starts this year. The four-year-old Crazed gelding has now earned $38,892 in 2015 for owners Scott Beecher and Daniel Seidberg. Jeff Sorenson trains Write That Down.
Arduous efforts were put in by several horsemen on Friday night. John Cummings Jr. had a driving grand slam while Kevin Cummings, Jim McNeight and Ray Fisher Jr. all registered doubles. Trainers JD Perrin and Carl Smith also sent two winners each to post.
(Batavia Downs)