After watching the proceedings from last for a half, noted closer BZ Glide swooped the field for the third time this month to take the featured $9,500 Open Trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 19).
Even money post-time favourite Lutetium (Kevin Cummings) did what he does best and blasted to the front in :28 flat. But just as soon as he settled, Armed Dangerously (Jim Morrill Jr.) had pulled from fifth and was floating up the outside. As they passed the half in :57.1, Morrill’s charge sputtered but the cavalry was right behind. Sack Full Of Gold (Michael Whelan) was rolling up the rim and Justgottogetthere (Jim McNeight) and BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) had tipped three-high and were barreling.
Around the entire last turn, Lutetium, Justgottogetthere and BZ Glide were three deep from the rail out. But when they hit the head of the lane, BZ Glide became a man among boys and put away the competition under a hand-drive from Caprio. BZ Glide won by a length in 1:56.4, which was a seasonal mark for the Yankee Glide gelding and also matched his lifetime mark set last year.
The winner returned $10.40. Justgottogetthere hung on for second and Serious George (Jack Flanigen) was third.
The victory was the seventh in 18 starts for BZ Glide and topped off his 2014 bankroll at $52,105 for owner Mike Caprio. BZ Glide is trained by Alana Caprio.
Driver Kevin Cummings scored another driving triple on the night while Jim Morrill Jr. and Ray Fisher Jr. both tallied doubles.
(With files from Batavia Downs)