When Starlitcresentroll made his first start at Batavia Downs on Oct. 18, he was claimed by Lucky Label Stable and he hasn’t lost a race since for trainer Taylor Fritz. On Friday, Nov. 8, Starlitcresentroll won his third straight for his new connections after taking the featured $13,194 trot.
Dave McNeight III got away fourth with Starlitcresentroll as BJs Smitty (Mike Baumeister) battled HP Maestro (Kyle Swift) for the lead and took control passing the :29.3 quarter. BJs Smitty then motored down to the half in :59.1 where Crazy Brother Jim (Rock Vinci) made a first-over move and brought Starlitcresentroll with him. Positions remained unchanged to three-quarters in 1:29.1 but as they trotted into the turn, Crazy Brother Jim took the lead on the outside while Starlitcresentroll went three-wide around him to position for the stretch run. At the top of the lane, Starlitcresentroll was in full stride and reeled in Crazy Brother Jim with every stride and won by a head in 1:59.4. Famous Dan (Kevin Cummings) closed from the backfield for third.
The win was the fifth of the year from 35 starts for Starlitcresentroll, a five-year-old gelded son of Crescent Fashion out of Nirvana Blue Chip. He paid $4.10 to win as the bettors' choice.
Live harness racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday, Nov. 9 with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be two carryovers on the card. First, there is a $6,551 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and Batavia Downs will guarantee the pool at $12,500 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering program. Free programs for races one through five will be available on the USTA website under the Strategic Wagering heading listed on the Handicapping tab. And there will also be a carryover of $682 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
(With files from Batavia Downs)