Dontcallmefrancis, after stints against stakes competition, took on the best resident pacers in the $10,000 Open Handicap Pace at Batavia Downs, showing his class in victory on Saturday, September 30.
Leaving from post one, Dontcallmefrancis let In Runaway Bay have the lead before coming out to regain the front by the quarter in :27.4. In single file, driver Jim Morrill Jr. backed down the second panel to :57.1 and maintained the front through the mile despite a late challenge from In Runaway Bay moving towards the final turn, holding him at bay to win in 1:53.1.
It was the sixth win this season for Dontcallmefrancis, who has now surpassed the quarter-million dollar mark in lifetime earnings. The four-year-old gelded son of Rocknroll Hanover is owned by Blindswitch Racing Stable and is trained by Al Annunziata. He paid $3.00 to win.
Lucky McTrucky led the whole race in the $9,000 Open II Pace, opening up two lengths at the head of the stretch to cruise home under mild urging and win in 1:53, a season-best performance.
Lucky McTrucky, paying $8.10 to win, is owned by Tessa Roland and trained by JD Perrin.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday, October 4 with post time at 5 p.m.
(With files from Batavia Downs)