The Saturday night (Oct. 22) card at Batavia Downs once again featured a pair of $14,000 Opens – one on the trot and one on the pace – and the winner of each race set personal milestones as a result of their efforts.
In the Open I Trot, Lougazi registered his 50th win in a thrilling finish.
Lougazi got away sixth with Ray Fisher Jr. at the lines as C R Blazin Beauty took the lead from Wesley Hanover at the quarter in :28.2. But as soon as C R Blazing Beauty settled, Malibu Kid made an early move and was already near the leader at the half as Lougazi followed his outside cover.
C R Blazin Beauty kept Malibu Kid on the rim around turn three and all the way to the three-quarters, where Lougazi continued to advance. C R Blazin Beauty faded in the turn and, by the top of the stretch, Malibu Kid was on the pylons with Lougazi trotting alongside as he started to get an advantage. But when he finally got in front, Lougazi still had to beat a fast-closing Credit List to the line, which he did by a nose and won in 1:57.4.
It was the eighth win of the year for Lougazi, who paid $3.10 to win and is owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift.
Then later in the Open I Handicap Pace, Stranger Things tripped-out to a lifetime mark.
Just Plain Loco took control as Stranger Things, driven by Kevin Cummings, tucked in second for the ride. They got to the quarter in :28 but before they came out of turn two, Just Plain Loco tipped Rebellious from third and went after the leader. Rebellious paced outside of Just Plain Loco past the half and to three-quarters, but as they sped up the backside in :27.4, Rebellious started to tire before the last turn.
The top two horses separated from the field and, as they entered the stretch, Cummings popped the deuce with Stranger Things and came right at Just Plain Loco. Under a full head of steam, Stranger Things pulled away to a 1-1/2-length victory in a career-best time of 1:53.2.
Stranger Things got his 10th win of the year for owners Virginia Schoeffel, Kathy Schoeffel and James Reuther. Stranger Things was one of two wins trainer Angelo Nappo had and one of four winners Cummings had on Saturday. He paid $7.50 to win.
But four races wasn’t good enough for top driver honours Saturday as Jim Morrill Jr. had a huge night, winning six races on the card. He scored with Silver Arrow (1:55.4 winning mile, $4 to win), Prairie Panther (1:54, $2.40), Mississippi Rabbit (1:56.3, $2.50), Northern Sportsman (1:56.2, $6.30), Falcons Luke (1:56.3, $2.70) and Mister David C (1:55.3, $2.60).
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 26) at 6 p.m. (EDT) and there is another carryover available. The Jackpot Hi-5 Pentafecta in the 13th race will start with $1,065 in the pool.
(Batavia Downs)