Kevin Cummings guiding 4-5 favourite Mach Ten to victory in the $9,000 featured trot, Friday night at Batavia Downs Casino. The race was named for longtime local horsewoman Mary Ann Sarama-Luce, who recently passed after a long bout with Leukemia
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Immediately out of the gate, Columbia County (Jack Flanigen) broke stride while Rompaway Brandon (Ray Fisher Jr.) and Fifty Two Finn (John Cummings Jr.) left. Fisher sped it up taking the lead by two and a half lengths while CJD Sale (Jamie Dunlap) made a break on the inside minimizing the field of competition.
They headed to the quarter in :27.3 and continued to follow the lively leader, Rompaway Brandon, to the half in a brisk :57.2. But that leader was soon to change.
Mach Ten came first over, trotting down the backside to capture the front, while Perfect Man (David McNeight III) tagged behind in another consistent quarter of 1:27.2.
Advancing to the stretch, Mach Ten pulled out some serious power and drew away for the victory in 1:57.3 by one length. Perfect Man closed late for second with Rompaway Brandon hanging on for a close third.
Mach Ten paid $3.70 to win. Dianne Mahiques owns the five-year-old gelding that is trained by Michelle Gramza. The son of International Chip is a perfect five-for-five during the summer-fall meet. He’s earned $71,094 this season.
(With files from Batavia Downs)