Not racing in 28 days had no affect on Evil Eva as she was a much the best winner in the featured $9,000 Filly and Mare Pace on Halloween night, at America’s oldest night harness track, Batavia Downs.
Leaving from the rail with leading driver Shawn Gray in the sulky for trainer Alicia Gray, Evil Eva got a golden two-hole trip sitting in behind the front-running Real Joy (Jason Merriman) and the parked out and pressing Delightful Syd (John Cummings Jr.), who slugged it out in :27.3 and :57.1.
At the three-quarters in 1:26.1, Real Joy began to edge away, but Evil Eva was lurking waiting to pounce in the open stretch. Evil Eva struck the front in midstretch in the passing lane and went on to an easy two and a quarter length score in 1:55.3. Vla Faire (Ray Fisher Jr.) rallied late to nip Real Joy for the place spot.
Evil Eva ($3.40), bred by Buffalo Raceway and Red Mile track announcer Gabe Prewitt and Lynne Foley, notched her ninth win of season. The five-year-old daughter of Red River Hanover has earned $66,715 this season. She is owned by Mo Coo Inc. and Jonathan Klee Racing.
Leg two of the Henry Tojj was contested in five divisions worth $6,000 each. The winners were: D J Supreme ($15.40), Play Of The Day ($11.40), Marthe My Dear ($4.40), Square John ($7.60) and Answer The Bell ($3.60). The third and final elimination leg of the Tojj claiming series takes place next Wednesday night.
Racing resumes on Friday night with a 6:25 p.m. post time. Batavia Downs is currently racing every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. The 2012 season concludes on December 8.
(With files from Batavia Downs)