Batavia, NY – The 10-year-old trotting gelding Alan has seemingly found the fountain of youth since entering the Megan Wilson Stable in September as he has since run off the screen in two successive outings at Batavia Downs, the latest being on Thursday (Oct. 8) night when he won the $8,000 conditioned trot with ease.
Alan (John Cummings Jr.) was sent to the front where he extended his lead at each quarter while posting times of :29.4, 1:00 and 1:28.1. With a two length lead at that point, Alan rounded the final bend, pulled away under a high-line by Cummings and won at the line in 1:57.4.
It was the 38th lifetime win for Alan ($2.94) and it pushed his career earnings over the quarter-million mark, now boasting $251,442 on his card. Alan is owned by his trainer, Megan Wilson.
Drew Monti was the leading driver again on Thursday, posting a grand slam during the card.
The most notable win came with another aged horse, Silverhill Blaze, who at 14-year-old is still winning at a high clip. Silverhill Blaze sat fourth past the half before pulling first-over in chase of Somebodyitreasure (John Cummings Jr.). Silverhill Blaze took the lead passing three-quarters, cleared in the turn and then paced home clear by a length in 1:58.1 to score his third consecutive win.
It was the 64th lifetime win for Silverhill Blaze ($3.68) and has him closing in on a half-million in earnings, now with $489,075. The venerable son of Mach Three is trained and owned by Andy Torre, in partnership with Kristen Torre.
Monti’s other three wins included Ideal Perfect Ten (1:56.4, $7.72), Viva Las Vegas N (1:56.3, $8.78) and Talkflirtytome (1:58.1, $4.58). Monti now has 85 wins and is the leading driver at Batavia Downs, holding a huge 36 win bulge over the second-place driver, Brett MacDonald (49 wins).
The final two races of the evening were cancelled due to a lighting malfunction and a decision regarding upcoming post times will be made tomorrow morning once more information about the necessary repairs and the timeline needed for completion becomes available.
Live racing will resume at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 10) at 5 p.m. (which is subject to change as stated) and there will be a $13,800 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the 10th race.