by Todd Haight, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — The aptly named Sharp Lady made it two in a row, this time in the $9,000 featured Open Handicap Trot on Friday night (November 16) at Batavia Downs Gaming.

There is no doubt since the 4-year-old daughter of Carry The Message moved over to the Jim Graham barn that she has picked up her game. Friday’s score was her fourth in her last six starts and her seventh of the season.

Paul White photo

Sharp Lady lived up to her name in the Friday feature.

Once again, she had to prove just how sharp she is. Leaving when the gates opened, with regular driver Tom Agosti in the bike, she was on top after the first eighth of the mile, but was shuffled back to third at the quarter that was up in :28.4 on a brisk night in Western New York.

Pulling to the outside at the three-eighths to follow a first-over Imagianthit (Keith Kash, Jr.), Sharp Lady found herself first-over when Imagianthit cleared at the half in :59.3.

Racing to the three-quarters, Sharp Lady and Imagianthit went at it, but “Lady” had gotten the best of that rival and took command in 1:29.1.

This one wasn’t yet decided however, as a second-over Four Starzzzz Bass (Ron Beback, Jr.) was quickly on the move and up to challenge as the field of eight square-gaiters made their final swing.

Turning down the lane it was all Sharp Lady, trotting clear to the wire under very little urging, to take the weekly trotting feature by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:59.3. Chief Cochise (Jim McNeight) put in a monstrous brush around the final turn while three-deep and finished full of trot to get the place spot over Four Starzzzz Bass, who wound up third.

R. Lewis Hauber owns Sharp Lady, who paid $4.00 to win.

Trainer Jim Graham had a big night, scoring a training hat trick. In addition to capturing the feature, he teamed up with Agosti to pull the big upset with 22-1 shot Another First in the fifth race and won the 10th race with Cade Callihan, driven by Jim McNeight.

Trainers Laurie Patistas and Ron Beback, Jr. scored training doubles. Patistas took the opener with Official Business and the nightcap with Polichon Angus, both with Josh Marks in the sulky. Beback won the third with Heather Jean Ann and the ninth with 10-1 shot My Rising Star. He drove both horses as well.

Racing resumes on Saturday

The second of three day-night doubleheaders takes place on Saturday, November 17, with afternoon post time set for 1:15 p.m. Saturday night post time remains at 7:05 p.m. The final doubleheader of the season takes place on closing day, December 1.

In addition to live harness racing, Batavia Downs Gaming offers the best of simulcast action on Wednesday through Sunday, as well as fine food in the clubhouse and video gaming. The gaming floor, which features 591 video gaming terminals, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information visit www.bataviadownsgaming.com.