Batavia, NY — When Starlitcresentroll made his first start at Batavia Downs on Oct. 18, he was claimed by Lucky Label Stable and he hasn’t lost a race since. On Friday (Nov. 8), Starlitcresentroll won his third straight for his new connections after taking the featured $9,500 trot at The Downs.
Dave McNeight III got away fourth with Starlitcresentroll as BJ’s Smitty (Mike Baumeister) battled HP Maestro (Kyle Swift) for the lead and took control passing the :29.3 quarter. BJ’s Smitty then motored down to the half, where Crazy Brother Jim (Rock Vinci) made a first-over move and brought Starlitcresentroll with him. Positions remained unchanged to three-quarters, but as they trotted into the turn, Crazy Brother Jim took the lead on the outside while Starlitcresentroll went three-wide around him to position for the stretch drive. At the top of the lane, Starlitcresentroll was in full stride and reeled in Crazy Brother Jim to win by a head in 1:59.4.
It was the fifth win of the year for Starlitcresentroll ($4.10), who is trained by Taylor Fritz.
Two drivers had hat tricks on Friday. Kevin Cummings won three races, including the seventh with Stranger Things (1:57, $3.40), who notched his 40th career victory; and Drew Monti, who also scored three, sat behind Stay Safe (1:58.4, $2.50) in the ninth, who won her 30th lifetime outing.
Trainers Angelo Nappo, Jim Rothfuss and Sam Smith all had two wins during the evening.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 9) with post time at 6 p.m. and two carryovers on the card. First, there is a $6,551 carryover in the Pick-5 (races 1-5) and a $12,500 guaranteed poole through the USTA’s Strategic Wagering program. Free programs for races one through five will be available on the USTA website under the Strategic Wagering heading listed on the Handicapping tab. There will also be a carryover of $682 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 in the 13th race.
As always, free full-card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website.