After taking the top mares trot just seven days ago, Fiorentina came right back and forced her hand again while winning the $9,000 Batavia Downs feature on Friday night (Dec. 5).
At the start of the race as Fiorentina (Kevin Cummings) was going to the front, Iza Bella (Shawn McDonough) made a break and scattered the field. So when Fiorentina hit the quarter in :28.4, the five horses behind her were spread out 12 lengths apart.
As the race progressed with Fiorentina calling the shots, the group tightened up behind her and by the three-quarter pole, the five were double-decked and within three lengths of each other. But they were arguing for minor spoils as Fiorentina was trotting with desire and was not about to be denied. The five-year-old Angus Hall mare won in 1:59.3 by two and one-half lengths. Dayplanner (Dave McNeight III) was second and Iza Bella recovered from her break to finish third.
The win was the seventh in 22 starts this year for Fiorentina ($5.30) and it raised her seasonal earnings total to $49,380 for breeder Guy Polillo and co-owner Frank Lamacchia, both of Brantford, Ont. John Mungillo trains the winner.
Drivers Kevin Cummings, Drew Monti and Dave McNeight III all scored driving doubles on the night.
The 2014 Batavia Downs meet has come down to its final 24 races and the action begins on Saturday (Dec. 6) at 12:15 p.m. when the first half of a closing day double-header kicks off. The nightcap begins at 6:35 p.m. and both cards feature 12 races. The Pick 6 carryover in $9,034 and it will be paid out tomorrow.
(With files from Batavia Downs)