Ray Fisher Jr. made a triumphant return to the sulky Friday night as he guided Ziegfeld to an impressive victory in the featured $8,500 Open Trot at Batavia Downs.
Fisher was involved in a serious accident at Buffalo Raceway on July 12 suffering two broken vertebrae and a broken pelvis. The 2013 Buffalo Raceway leading driver showed no lingering effects of the spill, however, in steering Ziegfeld to the win. Fisher also won the 10th race with the John Hallett-trained New York Attitude.
Mythical Hall played "catch me if you can" and showed the way to the half-mile in :58.2. Ziegfeld ($8.60) and Fisher, who were sitting third, went first over just before the three-quarter pole and trotted strongly past the stubborn Mythical Hall (Ron Beback Jr.) in the lane to post the a one-length victory in 1:58 over the fast track. Keyodee Star (Jack Rice) finished third.
Owned by Michael Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama, Ziegfeld has now won eight times in 20 starts and has earned $51,760 on the 2013 campaign.
The action resumes Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. with a 13-race card scheduled. The feature will be the $8,500 Open Pace with Yonkers Raceway invader Union Man Hanover tabbed as the 5-2 morning line favourite. Shawn McDonough is slated to drive Union Man Hanover, who will start from the rail. The Open is the second race on the program.
The first matinee of the season at Batavia Downs will be Sunday with 12 races to begin at 1:15 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)