For the second week in a row, the Jordan Hope-trained Little Santamonica shipped in for the Mares Open Handicap at Batavia Downs and she took the winner’s share of the $9,500 purse for owner Kelly Hope once again.
After firing right to the front from Post 5 for reinsmen Truman Gale, the six-year-old daughter of Little Steven opened up a two-length advantage and maintained that margin through quarters of :28.3, :58.1 and 1:26 before stopping the clock in 1:54.2. She returned $4.10 for the win as the public choice.
This was the tenth win from 21 attempts for Little Santamonica this year and it brought her earnings up to $97,725 for the season.
Asset Management (driven by Fern Paquet), who shipped in from Tioga Downs, was second and Bazooka Terror (Kevin Cummings) was third.
Drivers Shawn McDonough and Ron Beback Jr. both scored driving triples on the night.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs this Friday (August 8) with a 6:35 p.m. first-race post time.
(Batavia)