Dougadougadew is finding the Batavia Downs air to his liking, as the trotting gelding now sports three wins in his last five starts at the New York half-miler including his first Open score on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Driver Kyle Cummings got away third in the $18,243 Open Trot with Dougadougadew as Great Unknown (Dave McNeight III) cut the mile with Biscoe (Joe Chindano Jr.) hung in the breeze second, through quarters of :28.1, :57.3 and 1:27.1. At that last station, Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) tipped three-deep and Double Class (John Cummings Jr.) went four wide around him, leaving Dougadougadew shuffled and locked-in fifth as they approached the stretch. When they straightened for home, Biscoe had taken the lead, but Dougadougadew snuck into the passing lane and brushed past him late to win by a neck in 1:57.4.
It was the seventh victory of the year for Dougadougadew ($6.40) who is owned by Doug and Tyra Ackley and trained by Tammy Cummings.
Kyle Cummings had an outstanding night at the lines, winning four races on the card. He completed his grand slam with Knocking Around (1:57.2, $5.10), Davey Day Trader (1:57, $7.70) and Twentysevenbelow (1:56.2, $22.00). Cummings also had three seconds and three thirds from his 13 starts, giving him a stellar .513 UDR for the evening.
Later in the $18,243 Open Handicap pace, Lip Reader A (Drew Monti) settled fourth on the pylons as Admiral Hanover (Dave McNeight III) set the pace. After getting to the half in :56.3, Livonjaxandqueens (Kyle Cummings) started the outer-flow and Lip Reader A followed a close second with cover. When they got to three-quarters, Livonjaxandqueens took the lead and Lip Reader A moved into second before taking the lead himself as they came out of the turn. From there, Lip Reader A bolted home under a confident line-drive to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:54.2.
It was the eighth win of the year for Lip Reader A ($3.90) and owners Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice trains the winner.
Live harness racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday, Sept. 11 with first post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $833 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.
(with files from Batavia Downs)