Open trotters and Open distaff pacers went to post for $8,500 in their respective Wednesday evening (Dec. 2) features at Batavia Downs, and two local favourites notched additional wins to their already impressive resumes.
On the trot, Il Mago (Billy Davis Jr.) continued to dominate after grabbing a quick lead and opening up a 2-1/2 length lead going to the quarter in :28.3. He then extended that lead to four lengths at the half and five at three-quarters. Turning for home, Il Mago was already wrapped up and trotted unabated to a 6-1/4 length victory in 1:56.4, which was only one-fifth of a second off his seasonal mark.
It was the 55th career win, ninth win of the season and fourth win in a row for Il Mago ($4.60), who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama.
The top distaff pacers saw the return of HP Sissy (Jim McNeight Jr.) after a seven-week sabbatical, and she came to play. After taking command right off the gate, she tripped the timer in :28.1, :58.4 and 1:27.1 before a credible threat presented itself in the name of Lady Dudette (Kyle Cummings), who got close heading into the last turn. But close would be as far as it went, as HP Sissy turned for home and held sway to prevail by a half length in 1:56.3.
It was the seventh win of the year for HP Sissy ($6.50) and owner Finocchario’s Dream Stable. Jim McNeight trains the winner.
Bill Davis Jr. and Ray Fisher Jr. both had driving hat tricks on Wednesday, while trainers Ryan Swift and Sabrina Shaw each registered two wins.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 5) with post time at 5 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)