Sir Pugsley took full advantage of an inside post, a favourable trip and a failed favourite to light up the tote board in the $12,500 Open I Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Nov. 30).
Driver Drew Monti tucked Sir Pugsley in second behind last week's winner Howmac Dancer going to the quarter as the heavy-favourite Crocketts Cullen N made a break into the first turn. But driver Larry Stalbaum then gathered his 1-9 shot back together and rushed to the rim to pull close to the leader and remained parked for the rest of the mile.
The top three horses continued to pace in that order to the half in :57 and three-quarters in 1:25.4. When they rounded the last turn and headed into the stretch, Crocketts Cullen N faded just enough to allow Monti to extract Sir Pugsley off the pegs. He came out with a full head of steam and mowed down Howmac Dancer in deep stretch to win by a length in 1:55.2.
.jpg)
It was the seventh win of the year and third of the meet at Batavia Downs for Sir Pugsley who has now earned $88,270 this year for owner Robert Woodburn. Patrick Shepherd trains the winner. He paid $18.80 to win.
In the co-featured $11,000 Open II Handicap, Rise Up Now ducked behind pacesetter Brunello N for over seven-eighths of a mile before popping the deuce mid-stretch and brushing to the lead at the beam to win in 1:56.2.
It was the fifth win of the year for Rise Up Now who is owned and trained by Steve Andzel. Shawn McDonough drove the $34.80 winner.
Driver Shawn McDonough continued his hot streak in the bike winning three more races on Saturday and he rewarded his backers with premium mutuels with all three. His longshots included Dark Horse ($44.60), the aforementioned Rise Up Now and Willey Bite ($26.40). In the last three nights McDonough has won seven races.
Also on Saturday night drivers Ray Fisher Jr. and Renaldo Morales III each scored two wins. Trainers Ryan Swift, Joe Skowyra and Steve Andzel all had two wins apiece as well.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday, Dec. 6 with post time at 6 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)