Misty Memory N made the four-hour drive from Saratoga to Batavia worth the trip after she captured the winner’s share of the $10,650 Fillies and Mares Open at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 11).
Jim Morrill Jr. settled Misty Memory N behind Prairie Westerngal (Braxten Boyd), who easily led the field through fractions of :27.4, :58 and 1:27.1, encountering only one minor challenge from Xenias Chip (Justin Huckabone) at that third station. Coming off the far turn, Prairie Westerngal got a bit rough-gaited, and that’s when Morrill tipped Misty Memory N off the pegs. From there, Misty Memory N was on her own as she paced away down the lane, passed Prairie Westerngal in deep stretch, and won by a length in 1:55.3.
It was the sixth win of the year for Misty Memory N ($9.70), whom trainer Brett Derue owns in partnership with Stephen Picarazzi and Scott Petillo.
Earlier, in the $9,500 Fillies and Mares Open II, She Can Party (Dave McNeight III) sat second behind HP Sissy (Jim McNeight Jr.) until the top of the stretch, when she ducked into the passing lane and lunged late to win by a half length in a new seasonal mark of 1:55.2.
She Can Party ($19.40) is owned and trained by Lee Dahn.
Jim Morrill Jr. had a driving hat trick while Brett Derue led all trainers with two wins.
The carryovers continue at Batavia Downs as neither the Jackpot Pick-6 or Jackpot Hi-5 were hit on Wednesday. So, when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 14), the carryover for the Jackpot Pick-6 will be $1,335, and the carryover for the Jackpot Hi-5 will be $1,903. Post time for the first race on Saturday is 6 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)