Vla Faire ($10.80) took the overland route to score a mild upset in the distaff Open Pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (November 12).
Sent off as the lukewarm second choice to the heavily-favoured Itstimeformetofly, Vla Faire and driver Ray Fisher Jr. tucked in fourth early as the leader, Memumsnotnice (driven by Mickey Holliday), took the field through fractions of :28.1 to the quarter and :58.2 to the half.
It was just before the half-mile marker that Fisher pulled his mare and started the march up the outside. After drawing almost even with the pacesetter at the three-quarters pole, Vla Faire seemed to stall at the head of the lane, leaving backers of Memumsnotnice feeling confident. Although, the seven-year-old daughter of Village Jove kicked it out in the stretch and pulled away to a two-length victory in 1:56.1. The clocking matched her seasonal mark.
Memumsnotnice held on for second and Mondatta (Dave McNeight III) rallied for third.
It was the third win in 25 starts for Vla Faire and bumped her 2014 earnings to $32,350 for owners Oakhurst Farm. Vla Faire is trained by Richard Tomaszewski.
Driver Dave McNeight III scored a driving triple on the night, winning with Beachfront ($14.40), Koekemoer ($3.90) and Kisses N Kicks ($48.40). Ron Beback Jr. and Drew Monti both registered doubles. One of Monti’s horses (Smashy Cerise) returned $32.80 and sparked a $1,945 trifecta instant jackpot payout.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 14) with first-race post time at 6:35 p.m.
(Batavia)