Double Class has been an Open trotter at Batavia Downs since his first win there in 1:55.3 in July. On Friday (Sept. 20) at The Downs, the trotter essentially made a double class drop to a mid-level condition event and got back to his winning ways in the $13,514 co-featured race of the night.
Sent off at 7-1, Double Class (Dave McNeight III) got away last and 10-1/2 lengths in arrears as the heavily favoured Cartier Zette (Joe Chindano Jr.) coasted through fractions of :28.3 and :58. As they motored in front of the stands, McNeight had Double Class out and moving and quickly advanced towards the leader. Double Class drew alongside Cartier Zette at three-quarters and then they matched strides around the final bend. At the top of the stretch, Double Class showed his, as he swelled up and bolted home under a line drive on top by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:57.2.
The victory was the seventh win of the year for Double Class ($16.20) who is owned and trained by Jim Clouser Jr.
In the other $13,514 split of the same class, Bjs Smitty (Mike Baumeister) sat second behind Simonthediamond (Dan Yetman) through quarters of :29.1, :59.1 and 1:28.4 before sneaking into the passing lane and snapping the leader by a neck at the light in 1:59.3.
Bjs Smitty ($18.80) is owned by Jennifer Signor and trained by Jacob Baumeister.
Kevin Cummings had a big night in the bike, winning a total of four races during the proceedings. Cummings won with Rearview Blue Chip (1:58.3, $4.60), P L Notorious (1:57.1, $22.40), Mcdelicacy (1:57.1, $6.40) and Pennant Seelster (2:00.2, $5.20).
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 21) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $920 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
(Batavia Downs)