Batavia, NY – Driver Kevin Cummings lit it up in the bike at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 24) night by winning four races on the card, including a victorious trip behind El Toro Loco in the $13,500 Open Handicap trot.
Cummings left hard with El Toro Loco from post seven, took the lead by the eighth pole and once he took control, would never relinquish it. With Assiduous (Drew Monti) pocketed-up for the journey, El Toro Loco cut the quarters in :28.2, :59 and 1:27.3, while maintaining a 1-1/4 length lead throughout. With no serious threats coming from behind, El Toro Loco rounded the last turn, entered the stretch and extended his margin to 2-3/4 lengths at the line, where he won in 1:57 flat.
It was the second win in a row and eighth of the year for El Toro Loco ($10.40), who has now earned $92,795 this year for owner Mike Torcello. Alex Giuliani trains the winner.
Cummings’ completed his grand slam with Viva Las Vegas N (1:55.3, $18. Captain Paradise (1:55.1, $12.30) and Top Tier (1:56.1, $14.88).
There was also a $13,500 Open Handicap pace on Saturday that was won by Lyons Surfing, from off the pace.
Lyons Surfing (Kyle Cummings) got away fourth as More Than Ya Know (John Cummings Jr.) marched on the point in :27.2 and :56.3 to the half. That’s where Lyons Surfing was out, first-over in the breeze, making his way towards the leader. Heading up the backstretch, Lyons Surfing seemed to stall as More Than Ya Know sped to three-quarters in :28 flat while opening up a 2-1/2 length lead. But as they moved through turn four, Lyons Surfing found a new gear and moved into second, only a length behind the leader. And when they straightened for home, Lyons Surfing paced right on by and won by 1-1/4 length in a snappy 1:54.
It was the third straight win and 10th of the year for Lyons Surfing ($12.86), who is owned by P T Stable and trained by Sheena Cohen.
The $5,000 guaranteed pool for the Pick Five wager in the first race produced a handsome payout. The combination of 5/3/2/3/1 returned $2,607.99 for a 50-cent wager.
However with no winner again Saturday in the Jackpot Super High Five pentafecta, that carryover continues to grow and now stands at $25,061 and will be available in the 12th race on Wednesday (Oct. 28), when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs at 5 p.m.