Despite not finishing worse than second in her last four starts, Oaxacan Dream N was overlooked by the betting public and sent off at 20-1. That turned out to be a mistake as the eight-year-old mare turned in a winning effort in the $16,667 conditioned pacing feature for fillies and mares on Wednesday night, Nov. 27.
Dave McNeight III sent Oaxacan Dream N to the front from post seven and settled on the lead heading towards the quarter. But before they got to that station, Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) came from second to claim that mantle and headed into turn two on top by a length. Positions remained unchanged as the leader paced to the half in :57.1 and three-quarters in 1:26.2 with Oaxacan Dream N tracking from second and no viable threat looming from behind.
Summer Slash continued to control the race around the last turn but when they straightened for home, that was about to change. McNeight dipped Oaxacan Dream N into the passing lane and aggressively drove from there. Oaxaca Dream N responded with a quick turn of foot that propelled her past Summer Slash by a half length at the light where she won in 1:55.1. Truly (Drew Monti) completed the top three.
The victory was the 10th of the year from 32 starts for Oaxacan Dream N ($42.80), a daughter of Big Jim who is owned by Vogel And Wags Nags and trained by Maria Rice.
Earlier in the $13,889 condition pace for female participants, Hurrikane Msrodine (Kevin Cummings) took the lead and paced through quarters of :28.2, :57.1 and 1:27.1 with Atlantic Star (Kyle Swift) pushing the issue the entire way, before turning for home and rebuffing the tripped-out Its Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) by a half length in 1:56.4.
Hurrikane Msrodine ($5.60) is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.
Four horsemen scored hat tricks on Wednesday. They were drivers Joe Chindano Jr., Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III and trainer Sam Smith.
Live harness racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday, Nov. 30 with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $3,658 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race.
(With files from Batavia Downs)