Batavia, NY — There’s nothing like cashing a big ticket on your way out of the track, and Handsoffmytitos provided that opportunity for the betting faithful in the 11th race at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Oct. 1) after he captured the $8,000 conditioned pacing finale at 35-1.
Handsoffmytitos (Wade Tomaszewski) was aired out going to the quarter but gained the lead at that station in a quick :27.4. Once on the point, Handsoffmytitos was on a mission as he held an open 2-length advantage and paced unchallenged to the half in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:24.3. At that point, he had a 4-1/2-length lead and no one from behind had any answers. As the race moved around turn four, Handsoffmytitos was still in command, but the gap began to narrow at the top of the lane as a host of horses closed quickly in deep stretch. The field got to within a length of the leader, but Handsoffmytitos had enough left to close it out and won in 1:54.3, which was a new seasonal mark.
It was the 22nd lifetime win for Handsoffmytitos, whose $73.20 win mutuel prompted a $657.80 exacta and $4,849 trifecta, each for a $2 wager.
Handsoffmytitos is owned by Sierra Smith and Jagged Brook Farm and trained by Sam Smith.
The long shot payout in the last race also prevented anyone from hitting the Jackpot Super Hi-5 and caused a $11,581 carryover to be available for that same bet in the 12th race at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 3) night.
Drivers John Cummings Jr. and Kevin Cummings both had two wins on the card, as did trainers Megan Wilson and Sam Smith.
Live racing at Batavia Downs will resume on Saturday (Oct. 3) at 5 p.m.
Free full-card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia Downs can always be downloaded at the track’s website under the “Live Racing” tab. And you can watch all the races live as they happen for free on the Batavia Downs YouTube page.