Batavia, NY – Driver Drew Monti continued his winning ways at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 21) by winning four more races, including three of the five $10,000 Oktoberfest Claiming Series events.
In that series, Monti won with Belmar (1:56.3, $59.58) for owner Keith Pinkowski and trainer Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr., Skyline Blue Chip (1:56, $9.74) for owners James Costa and Peter Kibler and trainer Dave McNeight Jr., and Pink Floyd Hanover (1:56.4, $7.32) for owner Melvin Fink and trainer Chris Petrelli. Monti’s fourth win came with Hurrikane Lori Ann (1:57.2, $12.40) for owner Michael Flanigen and trainer Rachelle Mungillo.
The remaining two Octoberfest races were the fastest of the night.
Motive Hanover (Joe Chindano Jr.) sat the trip behind Chief’s Beach (Ray Fisher Jr.) before closing late and winning by 2-¼ lengths in an impressive 1:54.4, which was a seasonal mark. Motive Hanover ($14.56) is owned by Michael Milazzo and trained by Candace Brandstatter-Hall.
The other was won by Job Hunter (DaveMcNeight III), who led from gate to wire by a gapped advantage through quarters of :28, :57 and 1:26.1, before rounding the last turn and scooting home in front by 1-¼ lengths in 1:55.4. Job Hunter ($17.22) is owned by Henry Conradt and David Weston, who also trains the winner.
There were six more claims made in the third and final leg of the series and not one favorite won any of those five races. Now, the top eight point earners from the preliminary rounds will reconvene for the final that will go on Wednesday (Oct. 28) and be contested for $22,500.
Dave McNeight III also had a hat trick in the bike while 13 different trainers each won one race apiece.
Live racing will resume at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Oct. 22) at 5 p.m. and there will be a $22,318 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the 12th race. There is also a carryover of $430 in the Pick Five wager in the first race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia Downs can always be downloaded at the track’s website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab. And you can watch all the races live as they happen for free on the Batavia Downs YouTube page.