After some early maneuvering, Lucky McTrucky got a perfect trip in route to winning the $10,500 Open Handicap Pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday, Nov. 3.
Cool Like Fire took the early lead but soon yielded to Lucky McTrucky (Drew Monti) past the eighth pole. Then just before the quarter, Billy Davis Jr. pulled Cool Like Fire and retook the lead. From there positions remained unchanged for the next half mile.
After passing the three-quarters in 1:27, Lucky McTrucky, who sat a perfect trip, edged off the rail coming out of the final turn and encroached on the leader. Down the lane the horses were stride for stride until Lucky McTrucky took the advantage before the wire and won by a neck in 1:56.1.
It was the 11th win of the year and 53rd victory of his career for Lucky McTrucky who has won $79,765 in 2018 for owner Tessa Roland. JD Perrin trains the $6.00 winner.
In the $9,900 Open II co-feature, Dark Horse, driven by Ray Fisher Jr., got away at the back of the pack and watched as Bahama Bay and Hardts Or Bettor battled hard on the front past the half. Fisher tipped Dark Horse four wide in the backstretch, took the lead in the final turn and pulled away to win by two in 1:56.
It was the fifth win of the year for Dark Horse who is owned by VHF Racing and trained by Sabrina Cleavenger. He paid $4.70 to win.
Ray Fisher Jr. led all drivers on Saturday scoring three wins on the night.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday, Nov. 7 with post time for the first race at 5 p.m.
(With files from Batavia Downs)