It had been seven weeks since Louie The Lilac last had her picture taken at Batavia Downs, but that changed on Wednesday night (Nov. 15) after she easily handled a group of mid-level conditioned mares in the $11,500 feature on the 13-race card.
Kevin Cummings got away fifth with Louie The Lilac in the early stages as Isla Seelster (Drew Monti) was left alone on the lead through an opening half of :58.1. Bet Im Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first-over at that station and was followed closely by Louie The Lilac. Bet Im Lucky grabbed the lead at three-quarters but Louie The Lilac was next in line for the top and took command midway through the last turn. From there, Louie The Lilac paced away to a 3-1/4-length victory in 1:55.2.
Trained by Sam Smith, Louie The Lilac notched her eighth victory in 21 starts in 2023. The four-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou-Pineapple Hanover now sports a career bankroll of $70,268 for owner Michael Torcello.
Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III were the top drivers on Wednesday with three wins each on the card while Sam Smith, Dave Russo and Shawn McDonough all registered two training wins apiece.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. and there will be a $1,559 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
(With files from Batavia Downs)