Fireyourguns once again showed his local dominance as he won his third $10,000 Open Handicap victory at Batavia Downs on Saturday, August 19.
Fireyourguns left and tucked in behind Believe This Bob by the eighth pole. But before they got to the quarter, driver Mike Caprio decided to pull Fireyourguns and take the lead himself, hitting the quarter in :26.3 seconds. Teo Enteo A, who had gotten away fourth, tipped out and rolled first over at the three-eighths and grabbed the front by the half in :54.4.
Teo Enteo A continued to motor along up the backside when Believe This Bob popped out from third and marched up to the leader, eventually matching strides through the final turn. But as those two continued to battle, Teo Enteo A tired and started to drift, allowing the pocket-sitting Fireyourguns a clear path to the wire, winning by a neck in 1:53.1.
It was the fifth win in 11 starts this year for Fireyourguns, who returned $3.00 to win, and third win in three starts at Batavia Downs. Now boasting $376,456 in lifetime earnings, Fireyourguns is owned by Jennifer and Robert Lowe and Terrence McClory, who also trains the winner.
In the co-featured $9,000 Open II pace, Shady City, shot off the gate and advanced to a two-length victory in 1:54. Shady City, returning $7.80, captured his ninth win of the year for owner-trainer Larry Stalbaum.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday, August 23 with first post at 5 p.m.
(With files from Batavia Downs)