Despite two consecutive impressive starts that yielded a win and a second-place finish, the betting public opted to overlook Media Queen N as she stepped up in class on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 9).
But the lass from Down Under made the doubters eat their tickets, as she rallied from off the pace at 33-1 to capture the $11,000 Fillies and Mares Open II Pace at Batavia Downs.
Rock N Roll Rosie (Howard Parker) was the commander of fractions from the start and led the ladies to the half in a quick :55.3 while parking Machs Echo (Denny Bucceri) in the process. Media Queen N (Dave McNeight III) pulled third-over behind Kaitlyn Rae (Mike Caprio) past the half, and then tipped three-deep around her and the backpedaling Machs Echo at the three-quarters.
As the race headed into the stretch, Rock N Roll Rosie had the lead on the pins, Kaitlyn Rae was second out and Media Queen N was still three-high. They straightened out down the lane and paced in unison until McNeight got Media Queen N in front to prevail in 1:55.1.
It was the eighth win of the year for Media Queen N ($69.50), who is owned by Daniel Goehle and trained by Angelo Nappo.
The $10,000 Fillies and Mares Open III saw Gias Surreal (Jim Morrill Jr.) lead every step of the way in a gate-to-wire 1:55.1 victory. The three-year-old filly that raced on the New York Sire Stake circuit this summer scored her eighth win of the year and pushed her earnings to $77,869 for owners Jim Graham, Edward Peron, Lee Winters and Thomas Mariano. Jim Graham trains the winner.
Shawn McDonough and Ray Fisher Jr. were the top drivers and Pat Galbraith best trainer for the night, each getting two wins apiece.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 11) with post time at 6 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)