The first trip around the Batavia Downs' half-mile oval last week in the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace was a near-miss for Its De Lovely. The second time on Wednesday night, it was a bullseye.
After finishing third a week ago by a diminishing three-quarters of a length in her first start since arriving from Yonkers, Its De Lovely ($3.50) turned in a 'beauty' of a race, scoring a solid two-length win over Evil Eva in 1:54.4.
Sitting third at the half, Its De Lovely and driver David McNeight III went first over and collared the pace-setter Honeybee Hershey at the three-quarter pole and stretched out to a commanding lead down the stretch. Its De Lovely and McNeight III was then in "enjoy the ride" mode down the stretch as Evil Eva (Shawn Gray) tried to make a late run but never threatened and could only to get up for second while V La Faire (Ray Fisher, Jr.) took third.
Owned by Michael and Howard Ouriel of Rochester, NY, Its De Lovely, a five-year-old Four Starzz Shark mare, has now earned $57,885 on the year. Don Rothfuss trained the winner.
The Summer-Fall season at Batavia Downs continues this Friday night when a 12-race program will be presented with post time scheduled for 6:25 p.m.
The $9,000 Open Trot is the feature and is slated for the seventh race. Big Baller and is the morning line favourite at 2-1.
(Batavia Downs)