It was a perfect night to enjoy the fresh air at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 28) and that's what Pull The Ripcord and driver Jim McNeight did as they romped to victory in the New York County Fair Finals for three-year-old colt pacers.
Wednesday's card was highlighted by eight different divisions of the New York County Fair Finals, which each carried a purse of $10,000.
Sent off at 1-5, Pull The Ripcord got a touch of encouragement from McNeight just before the half then easily paced away from the field of seven in 1:56. He beat Clustercuss (Doug Ackley) by nearly eight lengths. Owned and trained by Joe Robbins, Pull The Ripcord now has won nine races in 14 lifetime starts, amassing $28,873 in earnings.
McNeight also had a enjoyable trip with the undefeated Dreamsteeler ($2.30) in the two-year-old filly trot as she made it a perfect 10-for-10 in her career with an easy three and three-quarter length win in a career-best 2:04.1. The winner's share of the purse moved her lifetime bankroll to $15,350 for Margaret and Amy Butler.
The two-year-old filly pace was a wild race to say the least, but when the dust had settled, Factor J ($16) and driver Cory McGivern crossed the wire first. The race seemed to boil down to Hurrikanekeelynora (William Bailey) and Isabellas Bliss at the top of the stretch, but the pair locked wheels eliminating them both from contention. Factor J avoided their trouble and slipped to the inside to snatch the victory in 2:02.1. Hurrikanekeelynora and Isabellas Bliss both were disqualified to sixth and seventh respectively for interference.
The three-year-old filly pace saw A Sham Of Amber ($4.60) and Batavia Downs' leading driver Greg Merton use a late drive in the stretch and collar Divas Princess (Ray Fisher Jr.). They went the mile in 1:56.1 over the fast track.
Youwillwishyouhad posted a lifetime mark of 1:59.1 and shocked the field of five in the two-year-old pace for colts and geldings. Truman Gale trained and drove the winner to the $42.60 upset win.
The three-year-old filly trot was also a stunner as John Cummings Jr. and Royalty On High ($45.80) held off Highway Cash (Jim McNeight) in going the mile in a lifetime record of 2:00.3.
Jim Morrill Jr. went wire-to-wire with Ancient Vic ($4.40) in a lifetime-best 2:03.4 to take the two-year-old trotting colt level.
In the trot for the three-year-old colts and geldings, Ruckus ($4.80) took advantage of several breakers behind him that scattered the field and coasted to an easy victory in 2:02 giving Merton a driving double in the finals.
A 12-race card Friday night kicks off the holiday weekend schedule at Batavia Downs with post time slated for 6:30 p.m. The racing continues at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday evening while a 1:15 p.m. Labour Day card is set for Monday afternoon.
(With files from Batavia Downs)