Batavia Downs top trotters go the distance

Batavia, NY – Three Open trots headlined the Friday night (Sept. 24) card at Batavia Downs and all three winners won in gate to wire fashion.


Photo of Frank’s Watching and Ray Fisher Jr. won the feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night. Paul White Photo.

In the $12,300 Open I Handicap, Frank’s Watching (Ray Fisher Jr.) left from post three and opened up a four-length lead by three-quarters. From there he coasted home to a 1:57.3 win by 1-1/4 lengths.

It was the second straight win and eighth of the season for Frank’s Watching ($3.10) who is owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift.

Then in the $11,000 Open II Handicap, J-s Swanman (Jim McNeight Jr.) led comfortably to the half in a soft :59 until Willie B Worthy (Kevin Cummings) put the pressure on at three-quarters. But as he drew alongside J-s Swanman, Willie B Worthy made a break at the top of the turn and J-s Swanman was clear. He held off a late challenge from All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) in deep stretch to win by a quarter of a length in 1:59.

J-s Swanman ($15.80) is owned by Mike Ventura and is trained by Jim McNeight.

Finally in the $9,000 Open III Handicap, Majestic Kat (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled a “drop-and-pop” from Open II and registered an easy 3-1/2 length win without any challenge at all in 1:58.2.

Majestic Kat ($3.80) is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the winner.

Morrill ended up the top driver on Friday after scoring a hat trick during the program.

There was no winner in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 Pentafecta wager again on Friday so there will be a carryover of $2,981 for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 25) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs. The is also a small carryover of $360 in the Jackpot Pick-6.

Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

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