A torrential rainstorm rolled into Genesee County just prior to post time and downgraded conditions to sloppy before the first race ever hit the track. But the inclement weather and less than desirable track conditions did not prevent Tullow N from imposing his will on his foes in winning the $12,500 Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night.
Tullow N (John Cummings, Jr.) was the only leaver in the feature and Cummings took full advantage of his position. After settling onto the lead, he backed the quarter down to a pedestrian :29 flat and then further throttled-down to a :59.2 half as everyone refused to pull.
As soon as they entered the third turn, Cummings hit the gas and Tullow N looked more like himself. With a two-length gapped advantage he got to the three-quarters in 1:27.3, swung around the last turn and then just paced away in the lane to win by three in 1:56.
It was the seventh win of the year and fifth of the Batavia meet for Tullow N ($5.90) and owner Blindswitch Racing. Dave Russo trains the winner.
Russo had another training win earlier in the night with Reiki ($4.20) who he also drove in the Billings Amateur Pace.
In the $11,000 Open II pace, Mr Euroman N (Billy Davis, Jr.) went right to the front and never looked back. After cutting fractions of :27.3, :57 and 1:25.3, Davis rounded the last turn on cruise control and let Mr Euroman N fly home in 1:55 on top by a 1-1/2 length margin. It was the second win in a row for Mr Euroman N ($3.40) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags Stable, Jack Rice and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the winner.
Drew Monti, Shawn Gray, John Cummings, Jr. and Billy Davis, Jr. all had driving doubles on the card. Trainer Patrick Shepherd had two wins on the training side. Since last Saturday, Shepherd is the hottest trainer at the Downs, winning nine races in only 17 starts.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday with post time at 5 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)