Batavia Downs' top dash-winning trainer Kimberly Asher and dash-winning driver Larry Stalbaum scored a hat trick on closing night, December 16, at Batavia Downs, including a win in the $10,000 Open Handicap Pace with Chumlee A in 1:54.2.
Dontcallmefrancis led to the quarter, but took second as Chumlee A progressed to the lead after a :28 quarter. Slowing to the half, Chumlee A soon experienced first-over pressure from Focus Power, who drew alongside the pacesetter heading to three-quarters and around the final turn. Chumlee A turned away Focus Power into the stretch and also held off a passing-lane rush by Dontcallmefrancis to win by a head.
It was the second-straight Open victory and fourth-straight win at Batavia Downs and in the Northern Hemisphere for Chumlee A, who paid $3.60 to win. The six-year-old gelded son of Somebeachsomewhere is owned by Mark Jakubik.
Asher and Stalbaum teamed up to win two additional races, including the seventeenth win of 2017 for Saint William A and the twenty-first victory of the year for Quicksilvercandy A, who is now tied with Safe From Terror for the most wins this season.
Following the 10th race, Asher and Stalbaum were honoured in the winner's circle as the top dash winning trainer and driver of the meet at Batavia Downs.
The staff and management of Batavia Downs would like to wish everyone a very happy Holiday season and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Racing resumes at the oldest lighted harness track in America in July of 2018.
(With files from Batavia Downs)