Three Open Trots headlined the Friday night (Sept. 24) card at Batavia Downs and all three winners won in gate-to-wire fashion.
In the $12,300 Open I Handicap, Franks Watching (Ray Fisher Jr.) left from post three and opened up a four-length lead by three-quarters. From there, he coasted home to a 1:57.3 win by 1-1/4 lengths.
The win was the second straight and eighth of the season for Franks Watching ($3.10), who is owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift.
Then in the $11,000 Open II Handicap, J S Swanman (Jim McNeight Jr.) led comfortably to the half in a soft :59 until Willie B Worthy (Kevin Cummings) put the pressure on at three-quarters. But as he drew alongside J S Swanman, Willie B Worthy made a break at the top of the turn and J S Swanman was clear. He held off a late challenge from All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) in deep stretch to win by a quarter-length in 1:59.
J S Swanman ($15.80) is owned by Mike Ventura and is trained by Jim McNeight.
Finally, in the $9,000 Open III Handicap, Majestic Kat (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled a "drop-and-pop" from Open II and registered an easy 3-1/2-length win without any challenge at all in 1:58.2.
Majestic Kat ($3.80) is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the winner.
Morrill ended up the top driver on Friday after scoring a hat trick during the program.
There was no winner in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager again on Friday so there will be a carryover of $2,981 for that wager on Saturday, Sept. 25, when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs. The is also a small carryover of $360 in the Jackpot Pick-6.
Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.
(With files from Batavia Downs)