It was a dark and stormy night in Genesee County (N.Y.) and the track was sloppy at best. But that didn’t stop the top side-wheeling mare Sportsmuffler from out-duelling three rivals at the wire to win the $10,400 distaff pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 31).
After a two-week layoff, Sportsmuffler got away third while Kaitlyn Rae (Ray Fisher Jr.) drove to the front by the quarter and led the field to the half without opposition. This produced a very pedestrian :31 second quarter, making Kaitlyn Rae look like a veritable lock. But there was a half to go and Sportsmuffler (Billy Davis Jr.) had different ideas, being the first to push the issue as they rolled up the backside.
Kaitlyn Rae maintained her length advantage passing the three-quarters in 1:28.1, but her pursuers were poised to strike as Roll With Faith (Kevin Cummings) joined the fray another length behind Sportsmuffler. Coming off the far turn, Sportsmuffler was wearing down Kaitlyn Rae and Roll With Faith had tipped three-deep both of them. And from the back of the pack, Kruella (Shawn McDonough) came out of nowhere and was flying down the middle of the track. As the race approached the wire, these four were strung across the lane in a tightening bunch, but it was Sportsmuffler getting her head in front at the line to win in 1:57.3.
It was the eighth win of 2018 for Sportsmuffler ($8.80), who has now earned $55,166 for owner Rose Campbell. Steve Kiblin trains the winner.
In the $8,500 fillies and mares conditioned sub-feature, Susies Delight (Ray Fisher Jr.) unleashed a furious stretch drive to catch A Crafty Lady (Drew Monti), who looked like she was home, in 1:57.4. Susies Delight ($16.60) has now won three of her last four starts and five on the year for owner Swift Racing Stable. Ryan Swift does the training.
Four drivers combined to win all 10 races on Wednesday, led by Billy Davis Jr. with a grand slam. Kevin Cummings, Shawn McDonough and Ray Fisher Jr. all had two wins apiece.
With no winner of the early Pick-5 wager on Wednesday, there will be a guaranteed $1,500 pool for that wager when racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday evening (Nov. 2). Post time is 6 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)