For the second time in four weeks, Dontch Remember ($3.80) defeated the best resident pacing mares on Friday night (November 4) in the $10,000 distaff Open at Batavia Downs.
Dontch Remember (Jim Morrill Jr.) got away third as Kaitlyn Akeeper (Kevin Cummings) and Vla Faire (Wade Tomaszewski) took the top two spots through the first turn. But not happy with that position, Morrill pulled before the quarter and took the top just after that station in :28. Positions remained unchanged until Who Says That (Shawn Gray) pulled first-over just passed the three-eighths and started a slow grind up the outside.
Making up ground with every stride, Who Says That got even with the leader at the three-quarters in 1:26.4, then eventually took the lead from Dontch Remember as they headed around the final turn. But just before they straightened out for the stretch drive, Dontch Remember regained her advantage and surged along the pylons. She held off a stubborn Who Says That and a late-surging Kaitlyn Akeeper to win the race by a length in 1:55.3.
The win was the ninth of the year for Dontch Remember and the winner’s share boosted her earnings to a career one-year high $53,805 for owner Mike Torcello. Gerry Sarama trains the winner.
Jim Morrill Jr. padded his dash driving lead by winning four consecutive races on Friday’s card, bringing his total for the meet to 86. Shawn Gray got a driving hat trick and Ray Fisher Jr. scored a double. Trainers Mike Carrubba and Maria Rice each sent to winners to post.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday afternoon (November 5) with an early 3:30 p.m. post time for a special Breeders Cup day presentation.
(With files from Batavia Downs)