After three straight starts from Post 2 in the $9,250 Mares Open Pace at Batavia Downs without a win, the fourth time was the charm for Shes A Maniac on Wednesday (September 3) as the seven-year-old bay went wire-to-wire for driver Jim McNeight.
Shes A Maniac circled Real Joy (driven by Drew Monti) out of the gate and took a comfortable one and one-half length lead to the quarter in :27.4. With the rest of the field in post position order behind her, the outer flow started towards her at the half (:57.1).
McNeight stepped up the pace to escape the pursuers with a :28.1 third panel as closer and Mares Open winner for the last two weeks, Bazooka Terror, was being wound up by Kevin Cummings to take her best shot of the night. But fast and furious came up a bit short this week, as the race-long leader completed the circuit in front with a 1:54.4 clocking. Shes A Maniac returned $15.60 to her supporters.
Bazooka Terror was second and favored Little Santamonica (Truman Gale) was third.
This was the ninth win in 28 starts for Shes A Maniac, bringing her seasonal earnings up to $72,965 for owner North Creek Racing LLC and trainer Jerry Nugent Jr.
Leading dash driver Kevin Cummings scored another grand slam on Wednesday night, finishing first with Lucky Style ($5.40), Peaceful Prince ($5.40), Fiftyonefifty ($4.40) and Helenas Hope ($9.10).
Racing resumes Friday at Batavia Downs with a 6:35 first-race post time.
(Batavia)