On the final night of racing for 2015, Yonkers invader Major Trick (Drew Monti) took an early overland route to victory in the $10,000 Open pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 12).
Post time favourite Lucky Nadotremblay (Shawn McDonough) shot right to the lead with the rest of the field following in post position order to the quarter in :28.4. But complicity to the pacesetter ended past three-eighths when Major Trick pulled and started an outer flow that included Cobble Beach (Dave McNeight III) and Jokerman (Jim McNeight).
The race continued in two rows from there on, with Major Trick and Lucky Nadotremblay duking it out to the half in :58.4 and three-quarters in 1:26.4. Around the far turn, Major Trick was gaining momentum, and down the lane, he was gaining ground, eventually pulling ahead to win by a half-length in 1:55.3.
The win was the eighth of the year for Major Trick ($8.10) and it raised his purse earnings to $72,680 for 2015. The four-year-old son of Art Major is owned by Anthony Nicometo, John Mariano and Stuart Oppenheimer and is trained by David Russo.
In the co-featured $8,400 Open II Pace, Mr Perseverance (Ron Beback Jr.) put on quite a show while taking his fourth straight win. The seven-year-old Real Artist gelding won by five open lengths in 1:54 for owner William Emmons and returned $5.30. James Clouser Jr. trains Mr Perseverance.
Drew Monti led all drivers Saturday night scoring three wins while Jack Flanigen, Dave McNeight III and Ray Fisher Jr. all doubled up. Trainer Gerry Sarama also sent two winners to post.
With the meet coming to a close, the management of Batavia Downs would like to wish everybody a very Happy Holiday season and is looking forward to the return of live harness racing to the oldest lighted harness track in America in July of 2016.
(With files from Batavia Downs)