The dynamic duo of driver Ken and trainer Sherri Holliday had a huge Saturday night at Batavia Downs Casino when they made five winner circle appearances
, including winning the featured $9,000 Open with the rags to riches pacer Sand Forever.
Just a $2,500 claimer at Running Aces Park earlier this season, Sand Forever made the transition to the Open ranks a winning one when he flew down the stretch to nail the front running Most Happy Rider (Kevin Cummings) by a head in 1:57.3 in the weekly pacing feature. Zackor (Ron Beback, Jr.) checked in third.
The win was Sand Forever’s 15th of the 2010 campaign and 25th of his career in 80 lifetime starts. He’s a five-year-old Stand Forever gelding. He returned $5.80 win, being sent off as the lukewarm favorite.
The Holliday’s other winners were Scudder ($10.00), Bruener ($5.50 - - now three for three in Western New York), Masteroftheclass ($2.60) and Nifty Prescott ($18.60).
Last year’s Downs leading conditioner Sherri Holliday began the evening in a tie with Ron Beback, Jr. in the race for top trainer honours. With only two more nights left in the 2010 season her five win lead would now seem insurmountable.
Dave McNeight III, a 20-year-old provisional reinsman, had a night he soon won’t forget when he scored the first hat trick of his career. In 24 lifetime drives he’s won six of them and definitely looks like a young man with a bright future.
Another provisional reinsman, Denny Bucceri, had a big weekend going two for two. He’s now won five times in 29 starts this year.
Kevin Cummings heads into closing weekend with a five win cushion over Jack Flanigen in his bid to defend his dash driving title. Both were winless on the Saturday program.
Racing fans are reminded there will be no live harness racing next Wednesday; the final two nights of the 2010 season will be Friday and Saturday. Post time is 6:40 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)