Cobble Beach ($6.80) and driver John Cummings Jr. led all the way to win the $9,500 Open Pace feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 15).
Cobble Beach flew off the wings and took the lead before the quarter while post time favourite Fireyourguns and Mike Caprio took to the wood. After the leader passed the quarter in :27.1, Caprio wasted no time getting Fireyourguns in gear as he moved the pacer to the outside in pursuit. Although it seemed like a good move in theory, the exercise was futile because there was no catching Cobble Beach tonight.
Cummings Jr. had the best view of the proceedings as his charge flew by the half in :55.3 and three-quarters in 1:23.2. Then he raised the lines, laid back in the bike and with a swish of the whip opened up four and was looking for more. Cobble Beach then proceeded to pace away to an impressive 1:52.1 win.
James Clouser Jr. owns and trains the five-year-old altered son of Artiscape and this evening's efforts increased the horse’s annual earnings to $53,010.
Drivers scoring multiple victories on the card included Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III with three, and Jim McNeight with two. Trainer Dave McNeight also registered a double.
(With files from Batavia Downs)