Locked at the rail until the top of the stretch, Focus Power shook loose and outpaced everyone to the wire to win the $10,500 Open Pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday, Sept. 8.
China Dream took the lead by the quarter and slowed to the half in :57 as no one challenged the position. But last week’s Open-winner Validus Deo started to advance on the outside in front of the stands with Heaven Rocks following him. This left Focus Power locked in on the pylons fifth with nowhere to make a move.
China Dream accelerated to three-quarters in 1:24.4 which stifled the advance by the outside horses. China Dream let out another notch around the last turn and had a two-length advantage at the top of the stretch. Still fifth on the pins, Focus Power found a lane to move forward as Validus Deo drifted out and then driver Drew Monti went to work. Under a solid right-hand drive Focus Power made up the five lengths to win by a neck in 1:53.3.
Focus Power, returning $7.20 to win, got his third win of his last six starts and fifth overall of the year for owner Jim Caradori, who has now benefited the amount of $41,541 from his gelding's efforts. Darrin Monti conditions the winner.
In the co-featured $9,000 Open II Pace, Whosurpapa rebuffed and early challenge from Mr. Euroman N, another try from him at the three-quarters and then a late push from the pocket-sitting Barry Hanover to go gate to wire in 1:54.1. Whosurpapa, paying $11.80 to win, got his 10th win of the year and padded his bank to $59,318 for owner William Emmons and trainer James Clouser Jr. Billy Davis Jr. sat in the bike.
Billy Davis Jr. got his second consecutive driving hat trick on Saturday, besting all reinsmen for wins on the night. Davis currently sits third in the dash driver standings with 35 wins behind the leading Kevin Cummings (47) and Drew Monti (46).
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday, Sept. 10 with a post time of 5 p.m.
(With files from Batavia Downs)