Jokerman ($4.20) led from gate to wire in the $9,000 Open pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Nov. 28) to register his 10th win of the year.
After easily taking the lead, driver Jim McNeight guided Jokerman through even fractions of :28.3 and :58.4 before anyone in the field made a move. At the half, Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) pulled to challenge the leader and pushed the issue to the three-quarters in 1:27. But Jokerman had the last laugh, pacing away from him as well as the rest of the field to score a two-length win in 1:55.2.
Besides being his 10th win of the year, Jokerman has also been the picture of consistency, finishing in the money 27 out of 39 starts. The purse raised Jokerman’s 2015 earnings to $76,131 and that, combined with his double-digit wins, has produced a career year for his owners Robert Roth, Randy Roth and Richard Roth, who also trains the six-year-old American Ideal gelding.
Batavia Downs leading dash-winning driver Kevin Cummings completed a five-day, 24-win run as he registered another five wins on Saturday night. Ron Beback Jr., Jack Flanigen and Jim McNeight also got across two winners each. Trainer James Clouser Jr. sent three of his students to the winner’s circle while Gerry Sarama and JD Perrin each sent two.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Dec. 2), kicking off the last six days of live racing for this year at the oldest lighted harness racing track in America.
(Batavia Downs)