JS Trotting Bob established a new Batavia Downs track record for two-year-old colt trotters Monday afternoon by going wire-to-wire in 1:58.2 over a fast track in a $50,506 division of the New York Sires Stakes. That eclipsed the old mark of 1:58.4 set by Dejarmbro in 2010.
Morrill, Jr. then made it a clean sweep in the Sires Stakes as he guided Flyhawk El Durado to an easy 4-1/2 victory over General Bill Brown in 2:01.3 in the second $50,506 leg. Morrill, Jr. finished with six winners on the Labor Day afternoon.
While JS Trotting Bob ($3.20) set the new track record, he did have some anxious moments down the stretch. After posting fractions of :29.4, :59.1 and 1:29, he had to hold off an impressive late charge by Cash Me Out (Michael McGivern) who managed to close in within a half-length at the wire but had to settle for second. Daley Lovin (Dan Daley) was third.
“My colt wasn't all in, he's still green,” said Jim Morrill, Jr. “He stops then starts again."
Fortunately for JS Trotting Bob, he had enough withstand the late challenge and score his sixth win in seven career starts.
JS Trotting Bob (CR Excalibur-CR Mimosa) is owned by Ken Jacob's KJ Stables and trained by Arnold Marks. The win put his earnings to $110,312 on the season.
Flyhawk El Durado (Conway Hall-El Paso Gal) went gate-to-wire in notching his fourth win in seven appearances. He posted some leisurely fractions of :30.1, 1:01.4 to the half. But midway down the backstretch, General Bill Brown made a big brush and caught the attention of Flyhawk El Durado ($3.40). But that threat was quickly rebuffed by the winner and General Bill Brown had to settle for second while Mister Anson (Jim Doherty) took the show spot.
Lukas Hall (Cat Manzi), sent off at 1-1, was sitting the garden spot around the final turn behind Flyhawk El Durado but broke stride and lost any hope.
With the victory Flyhawk El Durado increased his winnings to $145,822 for owner Martin Scharf. Mark Ford trained the winner.
In the $12,700 Excelsior Series for two-year-old colt trotters, Winbak Glory ($9.10) and Cat Manzi went the fastest mile in the four divisions with a 2:00.4. Royal Max ($6.90) and John Stark, Jr. posted a victory in 2:01.3 in the second division while in the third leg HS Merlin (Dan Daley) pulled the shocker with a $18.80 win in 2:03. Finally in the fourth and final division, Morrill, Jr. cruised with Crazolo ($2.30) in 2:01.4.
Haste (Jim McNeight) used a seasonal best of 1:57.4 to register a surprising $26.00 victory in the $8,500 Open Trot.
(Batavia Downs)