After scoring an upset win from an outside post last week at Batavia Downs, Mucho Macho moved up in class and did the exact same thing in the featured $13,380 conditioned optional claiming trot on a wet and chilly Friday night, Nov. 22 over a track rated sloppy.
Driver John Cummings Jr. left from post seven and shot right to the front with Mucho Macho, who got to the half in 1:00.2 while BJs Smitty (Michael Baumeister) sat smartly in the pocket. Entering turn three, Jacked (Joe Chindano Jr.) went first-over from third and made his way alongside the leader under a highly animated drive. When they passed three-quarters in 1:29.1, Cummings popped the plugs on Mucho Macho and the trotter began to pull away from the field. Coming off the final turn, Jacked faded and BJs Smitty moved into the passing lane at the top of the stretch, trying to make up ground. But Mucho Macho refused to give way and trotted home the best to win in 1:59 by three-quarters of a length. Starlitcresentroll (Shawn McDonough) won the battle for show more than two lengths behind.
The win was the eighth of the year from 33 starts for Mucho Macho, who is owned and trained by Julie Wagonblott. The four-year-old Father Patrick-Exquisite Charm gelding paid $14.40 to win.
Joe Chindano Jr. led all drivers on Friday with three victories during the 13-race card while Sam Smith was top trainer, winning two.
Live harness racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday, Nov. 23 with post time at 6 p.m. There will be a carryover of $2,386 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.
(With files from Batavia Downs)