After losing for the first time this year at Batavia Downs last week, Fireyourguns rebounded as he routed the best local pacers in the $10,500 Open Handicap feature on Saturday, September 2.
After getting parked three-deep leaving for almost a quarter of a mile, Fireyourguns cleared and took the front before the far turn. He was loose on the lead the whole journey, clear of Southwind Torque by about three lengths as the trailers merely scrambled to keep up.
When the race passed three-quarters in 1:23.3, driver Jim Morrill Jr. wrapped up Fireyourguns, striding home comfortably to win by two-lengths in 1:53.
It was the 54th lifetime win in only 119 starts for Fireyourguns, who now has $381,706 on his card. Robert and Jennifer Lowe own the 8-year-old gelded son of American Ideal in partnership with Terence Mc Clory who does the training. He paid $3.10 to win.
In the secondary featured $9,000 Open II pace, Focus Power and driver Drew Monti led every step of the way, posting three quick :28-and-change quarters before flying home in :27.3 to put away the field in 1:53, a lifetime best.
The win was the sixth of the year for Focus Power who now has earned $68,845 in 2017. James Caradori owns the Shadow Play progeny and Darrin Monti trains him. He paid $5.80.
Racing resume at Batavia Downs on Monday, September 4 for the big Labor Day matinee program that features the annual driver’s bicycle race.
(With files from Batavia Downs)