The classy old-timer Fifty Two Finn did it again. For the second week in a row he won the featured $8,100 Open Trot, on Friday, December 2 at Batavia Downs Casino
.
Fifty Two Finn received a very well rated mile from reinsman Mike Baumeister. Leaving from Post 3, the 11-year-old Movie Mogul stallion got down to the half in a leisurely 1:01.3. A :59.4 final lap around the Downs half-mile oval was good enough to hold off the pocket-sitting Mikey (Shawn McDonough) and a fast closing Hello Carlo (Kevin Cummings) for a head score in 2:01.2.
Ronald Stebbins owns and trains Fifty Two Finn, who notched his 54th lifetime win in his 267 race career while raising his earnings to $484,524.
With one night remaining in the 2011 live season, top trainer honours is yet to be determined. Alex Giuliani, coming off a two win Friday night, leads with 44 wins. John Mungillo, who scored a three-bagger, moved into second place with 43 wins. Jim Graham remains in contention with 42 wins. Bobbi Jo Martin is now four wins behind, but is mathematically still in the race.
There were no winners in the Friday night Pick 6 contest meaning the entire $1,000 pool must be paid out to whomever picks the most winners in contest Races 4 through 9 on Saturday evening. Sign up to play the contest begins at 5 p.m. at Players Club.
The 65th season of racing at America’s Oldest lighted harness track concludes of Saturday night, Night of Distinction night. First race post time is 6:40 p.m. Batavia Downs Casino is open year round for video gaming, and simulcasting wagering. Admission and parking are always free.
(Batavia Downs)