Perfect weather and a lightning fast track greeted the top pacers on the grounds at Batavia Downs on Saturday evening (Aug. 14), and the winners posted some eye-popping times.
The $11,200 Open I feature went to Lord Willoughby A, who took the lead at the quarter and never looked back. Driver Ray Fisher Jr. went unchallenged to a well rated :56.1 half before two-time Batavia Open winner Art Scene came calling in the breeze as the group headed to three-quarters.
Art Scene's challenge ended before the start of the final turn and Lord Willoughby A opened a two-length lead as he headed into the stretch. With one last challenge from the pocket-sitting Thor De Vie to deal with, Lord Willoughby A swelled up under Fisher urging, fought off that foe and won by one length in 1:53.2.
It was the fifth win of the year and 30th of his career for Lord Willoughby A and his owner-trainer Larry Stalbaum. He paid $17.40 to win.
In the $10,000 Open II secondary pacing feature, Stratosphere followed American Zest A through quarters of :27, :55.3 and 1.23.3 before pulling the pocket at the head of the stretch to overtake the leader under a confident hand-drive by Drew Monti to win by three-quarter lengths in a lifetime-best 1:52.1.
The time of 1:52.1 was the second fastest mile of the current meet behind Racine Bell's 1:51.3 effort on Wednesday, Aug. 4.
It was the second win in a row and 25th lifetime victory for Stratosphere who is driven by his owner Drew Monti. Darrin Monti trains the $8.20 winner.
The Jackpot Super Hi-5 wager in Race 10 had one winner with the unique winning ticket combination of 1-3-7-5-2 and they collected $3,020.40 for the 20-cent wager.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 15) there will be two carryover pools available. The Pick 5 in races one through five will have a $1,153 carryover and the Jackpot Pick 6 in race four will have a $1,611 carryover. Post time for the first race is 1:15 p.m. (EDT).
(Batavia Downs)