After going winless in five previous tries in the track’s top female class, Queen Of Thrones turned a perfect trip into a victory in the $12,800 Fillies and Mares Open I-II Handicap Pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Nov. 3).
Kevin Cummings left for position with Queen Of Thrones and settled in second behind No Where To Hide (Drew Monti), who bolted for the front in a lively :27.2 quarter. As No Where To Hide neared three-quarters, Pretty Blue Angel (Mike Baumeister) pulled from third and started her trek forward as Queen Of Thrones continued to stalk from the pocket. When the race rolled off the final turn, No Where To Hide was vulnerable to the threat of Pretty Blue Angel, while Protect Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) fanned three-deep to get involved. However, at the same time, Queen Of Thrones hit the passing lane and took the shortest route home, beating everybody to the line by three-quarters of a length in 1:55.4.
It was the fifth win of the year for Queen Of Thrones ($14.80), who pushed her seasonal earnings to $41,112 for the Swift Racing Stable. Ryan Swift trains the seven-year-old daughter of Blue Burner and Idle Promises.
Drivers Jim Morrill Jr., Kyle Cummings and Drew Monti all had two wins on Wednesday, while trainer Jim Graham also won twice.
With Friday’s (Nov. 5) card of racing cancelled due to lack of entries, live racing will resume at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 6) with a special early post time of 3:15 p.m. due to the Breeders Cup.
There are two big carryover pools available on Saturday's card: $1,206 in the Jackpot Pick-6 (races 6-11), and $13,769 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 (race 12).
Batavia will also host its annual Breeders Cup party on Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. For $20, attendees get a chicken barbecue with sides and a beverage, a Breeders Cup program, a Batavia Downs program, $15 in gaming free play on the gaming floor (must earn one base point), and a $5 horse wager for Batavia Downs. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 585.343.3750. Walk-ups will be accommodated based on availability.
Fans can download free full past performance programs at bataviadownsgaming.com.
(Batavia Downs)