Two Open Pace events totalling $27,500 in purses highlighted the card at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 13) and both races provided exciting finishes.
In the $14,000 Open II Handicap, My Money Honey got away third behind Art Scene and both sat the trip behind Next Big Thing while he set fractions of :28.2, :58 and 1:25.4 while amassing a two-length lead heading into the final bend. In that turn, Flying Finn N and Stranger Things were moving on the outside and that left My Money Honey locked in fifth on the pegs at the top of the stretch. But as the passing lane opened, Art Scene ducked into it and left just enough room for My Money Honey to get between him and the pylons. My Money Honey had the best foot to the line and won by a neck in 1:54.4.
The second win in a row and sixth of the year by My Money Honey pushed his 2022 earnings to $60,734 for the benefit of his owner, driver Kyle Cummings. Tammy Cummings trains the $19.60 winner.
Then in the $13,500 Open II Handicap, Surfer Beach left from eighth and dropped in fourth while Daylight Rush went to the front and took the field to the half in :56.4. At that point, Surfer Beach was first out and rolling towards the leader in turn three and continued to cut into the lead heading to the three-quarter pole. By the time they came out of the far turn, Surfer Beach and Daylight Rush were next to each other. And as both drivers rocked and knocked down the stretch, Surfer Beach got the advantage and held off a late charging Blue Spanx to win by a neck in 1:53.4.
It was the third win of the year for Surfer Beach who is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice was the winning trainer. Jim Morrill Jr. drove the $4.80 winner.
Several horsemen had big performances on Saturday. Driver Kevin Cummings had a natural hat trick in races two through four while Kyle Cummings also had a hat trick that included the longest paying horse of the night, Lanas Desire ($106.50). That horse was trained by Jim Clouser Jr. who had two conditioning wins and he was joined by Dave Russo and Darrin Monti.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 14), there will be a $1,519 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 wager in Race 11. Post time for the first race is 1:15 p.m. (EDT). Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.
(Batavia Downs)