After a perfect trip in a short field, Ontario-sired Best Ears scored his second Open Pace victory in the last three weeks, capturing the featured race in 1:54.4 on Saturday night at Batavia Downs.
Favourite Western Alumni (Jim McNeight) took early command and led an unfettered life through a causal :57 half. With no other takers, driver Jack Flanigen pulled Best Ears and came first over to pressure the leader and that’s when it got interesting. McNeight stepped up the pace with a :28.3 third panel to try and put some distance between his horse and the approaching conqueror but they couldn't stem the tide. Best Ears roared alongside and the two paced as a pair to the top of the lane. Halfway down the stretch, Best Ears got the advantage and took the lead and held off a late-charging What The Sheik (Dave McNeight III) in the process. What The Sheik finished second and Western Alumni hung on for third.
The win was the seventh in 31 starts for the Shark Gesture gelding and increased his 2014 earnings to $49,017 for owners Joseph Amico Jr. and Joseph Amico. The winner returned $5.90.
Driver Shawn McDonough scored a driving triple on the night with Kevin Cummings and Jack Flanigen both bagging doubles.
(With files from Batavia Downs)