As the rain came down, In Runaway Bay N splashed through it in a gate-to-wire win in the $11,500 Open Handicap Pace on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Batavia Downs.
In Runaway Bay N took early command from post two and set a modest tempo on the lead. Past the half in :58.3, Upfront Countryboy came first over with Iyq Yqr on his back and both tried to push the issue from there.
Moving to the three-quarters Upfront Countryboy’s bid stalled, forcing Iyq Yqr to go three-wide. When In Runaway Bay N tripped the timer in 1:27.1 he seemed to be pacing stronger as the outside bid from both horses failed. The only challenge left came from pocket-sitter Dark Horse in the stretch. But as the race headed to the wire In Runaway Bay N opened up two lengths on everyone and paced home sharply to win in 1:55.2.
In Runaway Bay N is owned by Mark Jakubik and trained by Angelo Nappo. The eight-year-old altered son of Mach Three has had a stellar year scoring eight wins and earning $66,125 in purses to date. Kevin Cummings drove the $6.90 winner.
Golden Gun came from well off the pace in the $9,900 Open II Pace and out-muscled Western Rockstar A and Sunset Sid at the wire to win in 1:57.2. Owned by the Whiz Kids Stable, the Jeff Sorenson trained Golden Gun scored his eighth win of the year and raised his earnings total to $38,550 for 2018. Josh Kinney piloted the $4.80 winner.
Kevin Cummings scored a driving Hat Trick on Saturday leading all drivers on the card.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday, Dec. 5 with post time for the first race at 5 p.m.
(With files from Batavia Downs)