Despite moving up in class and completely altering her racing strategy, former Quebec stakes champion Celia Bayama secured her second consecutive victory at Batavia Downs, winning the $13,571 fillies and mares conditioned optional claiming pace featured on Monday afternoon, Feb. 10.
Kyle Swift positioned Celia Bayama off the gate, settling her in fifth, while favourite Legal Jeopardy (Dave McNeight III) and Scenic Adventure (Kevin Cummings) engaged in a battle to the quarter in :28. Scenic Adventure eventually took control, crossed over to the pegs, and slowed the pace, reaching the half in a more measured :58.4. Swift then moved Celia Bayama out, and she began to roll, advancing first-over on the backside. By the time they reached three-quarters, Celia Bayama had drawn even with Scenic Adventure, clocking the split in 1:29.
From there, Swift urged Celia Bayama through the final turn, coaxing her to overtake Scenic Adventure, which she did just as they reached the top of the stretch. Heading for home, Celia Bayama paced strongly to the wire, fending off a late charge from Legal Jeopardy in the passing lane to secure the victory by three-quarters of a length in 1:59.4 over the 'good' track. Miss Rockadali (Drew Monti) closed for third.
The win was the 20th lifetime for Celia Bayama ($12.60), who is currently campaigned by trainer Chris Petrelli and owned by Barry Charles of New Rochelle, New York. The seven-year-old Bettors Delight - Northern Starlet mare now boasts lifetime earnings of $229,272.
Joe Chindano Jr., the Downs leading driver this meet, enhanced his lead on Monday after winning four more races during the card. Chindano won with Keystone Phoenix ($2.60), Kenobi ($4.50), Blue Madam ($14.20), and Heir Of Southwest ($4.50). Chindano now has 33 wins for the winter meet and sits six victories ahead of Brett Beckwith, who currently has 27.
Trainers Chris Petrelli and Candace Brandstatter-Hall each had two wins during the card to lead the conditioner colony on Monday.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 3 p.m. There will be a $4,251 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in Race 13. There are only four more live racing dates in the 2025 winter meet, which concludes on Monday, Feb. 24.
(With files from Batavia Downs)