If last week’s seven and three-quarter-length romp wasn’t enough, Daylon Phantom put the exclamation point on the page this week with his best effort of 2020, winning the $8,000 Open I-II Handicap Trot at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Sept. 9).
Daylon Phantom (Renaldo Morales III) got away fifth while Il Mago (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) jousted for the lead. With the latter taking control from the former by the half, Morales came first-up with Daylon Phantom, drew alongside Lunar Credit at three-quarters, and headed down the lane on top while holding off a late closing Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:57.1, which was a new seasonal mark.
It was the second straight top class trot win for Daylon Phantom ($11.80) and owners Franklin Meier and Super Mile. Angelo Nappo is the trainer.
Later, in the $7,250 Open II-III Trot, Victoria Swan (Drew Monti) led at every station before pulling away at the top of the lane and stretching out to a three-length victory in 1:58.1. Victoria Swan ($7.60) is owned by RBH Ventures and Spagnola Racing. Sabrina Shaw trains the winner.
Jim Morrill Jr. led all drivers on Wednesday with a grand slam on the card while Kyle Cummings had a hat trick of his own. Trainer Tammy Cummings was the top conditioner of the night with three wins as well.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 12) with a new, earlier post time of 5 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)