Focus Power, off a win in the Open II last week, ascended the class ladder to take the $10,000 Open Handicap Pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday, September 9.
Focus Power left from post four and was in front, shooting to the pylons before the turn. Believe This Bob soon circled to the lead and paced the quarter in :28.1. Positions remained unchanged until Southwind Torque pulled mid-way up the backside before quickly faltering into the turn.
As the outside challenge faded in the turn, Believe This Bob was unchallenged on the lead. However, turning for home, Monti directed Focus Power into the passing lane and shot right by Believe This Bob, pacing away to a two-length win in 1:53.1.
Focus Power, paying $7.80 to win, now has $73,845 on his card and seven wins this season. James Caradori owns the five-year-old gelding by Shadow Play, who is conditioned by Darrin Monti.
In the co-featured $9,000 Open II, Itsonlyrocknroll A got away last and worked his way up the rail while chasing fractions of :26.4, :54.4 and 1:23.3, then tipping three wide around the far turn, pacing away to win by two lengths in 1:53.1.
It was the second win in a row and 11th of the year for Itsonlyrocknroll A, who now has earned $61,695 in purses for Stalbaum who also owns him. Kim Asher is the trainer. He paid $16.40 to win.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday, September 11 with post time set at 5:00p.m.
(With files from Batavia Downs)