Great Unknown has lived up to his name recently concerning winner’s circle visits, as he hasn’t been to one since May 8 at Harrington Raceway. But his 12-start drought ended on Friday, Oct. 25 at Batavia Downs when he was a willing participant and jogged home first in the night's $13,194 trotting feature.
John Cummings Jr. left with Great Unknown and then strung out Crazy Ritz (Jim McNeight Jr.) before releasing him to the front at the quarter in :28.1. With the pocket trip, Great Unknown followed Crazy Ritz to the half in :58.3 and three-quarters in 1:28.1. At that point, Paya Tuesday (Joe Chindano Jr.) was trotting alongside Great Unknown third heading into the last turn and favourite Famous Dan (Kyle Cummings) had joined the group three-deep around him, leaving Great Unknown locked in the box halfway through the bend. But Paya Tuesday began to fade, leaving room for Great Unknown to get out between Crazy Ritz and Famous Dan. At the top of the stretch, Great Unknown was trotting up a storm with his tail flagging with every stride. He bolted to the lead by two lengths and won impressively in 1:57.4. Ricky Be Sharp (Michael Baumeister) edged out Famous Dan for second.
Great Unknown ($5), an eight-year-old Ivanhoe Blue Chip gelding, is owned by Marissa Russo and trained by Dave Russo, who had two winners on the card. For Great Unknown, the win was his fourth of the season from 24 starts and his 26th victory lifetime.
Joe Chindano Jr. scored a grand slam at the lines on Friday, winning with Machaholic (1:55, $6.20), SS Tys Aflyin (1:59, $17.80), Lootable (1:54, $3.10) and Chumlee A (1:56.4, $21.60).
Live harness racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday, Oct. 26 with post time at 6 p.m. There will be a $1,659 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and a $963 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.
(With files from Batavia Downs)