There was no doubt who the best New York bred three-year-old colt competing at Batavia Downs was on Sunday (Aug. 30) after Betting Exchange (Bettors Delight-Cheeky Hanover) tied the track record of 1:51.2 for his sex and gait in winning a division of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS).
After taking an easy lead from post one, Betting Exchange (Jason Bartlett) extended his advantage to two lengths over The Spy (John Cummings Jr.) at the quarter as post time favourite Artistic Major (Jim Morrill Jr.) got away poorly and was gapped a distant third. The leader was cruising along untested until Morrill rushed Artistic Major up by half-time and alongside Betting Exchange into the turn.
The challenge continued up the backside and to three-quarters in 1:24, but it was there the race was decided. Bartlett gave Betting Exchange his head and he simply paced away from the field. At the wire, he was 10 lengths the best in 1:51.2, pacing the back half in a dazzling :55 flat.
The winning time tied the track record for three-year-old pacing colts set by All Bets Off in 2014 and was also just one-fifth off the all-time track record of 1:51.1 set by Aracache Hanover in 2011.
After the race, Bartlett commented, “He raced super. I let him roll on the turn and he opened up. He's really a nice one.”
The win was the second in 14 starts for Betting Exchange ($4.50) and it pushed his 2015 earnings to $340,135 for owners Howard Taylor, Susan Kajfasz and Tom Fanning, who also does the training.
In the first division, Rockin In Heaven (Rock N Roll Heaven-Tropics Beachgirl) overcame a fast battle for the lead and two subsequent challenges to hold on for an impressive victory.
Off the wings, no one played nice when Americanprimetime (Jason Bartlett), K Rock (Matt Kakaley) and Rockin In Heaven (Trevor Henry) went three-abreast to argue for the lead. The trio motored up the backstretch and eventually seated with Rockin In Heaven taking the lead in a speedy :26.3. Positions remained unchanged to the half when Americanprimetime pulled first over from third to go after the leader.
With Americanprimetime outside prompting Rockin In Heaven past three-quarters in 1:24.1, K Rock was sitting the perfect trip behind the pair waiting for his chance. When they hit the head of the lane, it was obvious Rockin In Heaven had put away Americanprimetime, but then had to fight off K Rock, who made his way into the passing lane. This was accomplished with a strong finishing kick as Rockin In Heaven won in 1:53 by a half-length.
“I wanted to get him out of the starting gate and to the lead. He dug in well when I called upon him,” said Henry in the winner’s circle.
The win was the eighth in 15 starts for Rockin In Heaven ($2.60) and it boosted his earnings to $327,841 for 2015. The colt is owned by Canadians Douglas Polley, Francois Lecomte, Gordon McComb and Dr. Ian Moore, who also does the training.
There were two divisions of the NYSS Excelsior Series “A” also on the card that went for a combined $30,000.
The first event was won by the heavily favoured Masterson (Bettors Delight-Tug River Princess) in 1:54 and it was the fourth straight win for the gelding owned by Blue Chip Bloodstock. Masterson ($3.20) was driven by Jim Morrill Jr. for trainer Tracy Brainard.
In the second split, Pop Icon (Bettors Delight-Pop Queen) overcame a slow start and breaking horses to win in 1:56.3. It was the second Excelsior “A” win this year for Pop Icon ($11.80), who is owned by Ken Weckstein, Richard Rubin and Gary Messenger, who also trains the horse. Jim Morrill Jr. did the driving.
(With files from Batavia Downs)