by Todd Haight for Batavia Downs

Batavia NY – Driven to perfection by leading driver Jim Morrill Jr., Cade Callihan took the short around, closing up the passing lane to take the Friday night $9,000 Open Trot at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Showing uncharacteristic gate speed as the field of six left the starting gate, Cade Callihan and Morrill let a parked out Eddy Kash and Mike Caprio go past the quarter that was up in 29.2.

Eddy Kash was still on top after fractions of 59 flat and 1:29.2 with Cade Callihan sitting in the pocket but it was just two lengths from front to back as the field came off the turn and headed for home.

Down the stretch Eddy Kash held a tenacious lead with a first-over American Tribute with Keith Kash Jr. right there in second but it was Morrill who guided “Cade” up the open stretch to win by a measured three-quarters of a length in 1:59.4 which was a new lifetime mark for the winner despite racing on a chilly night in Western New York, with temperatures in the mid 30’s.

A 4-year-old son of Ilooklikemymom, Cade Callihan ($7.00) won for the 13^th time this season raising his 2006 earnings to just under $40,000 for owners Dee, Belica and the estate of E.H. Sackmann. Jim Graham does the training.

Early leader Eddy Kash held on for second while American Tribute, the favorite in the wagering despite not racing for 27 days ended up third.

Miss Groovie To wins distaffers Open Pace

James Dunn’s, Miss Groovie To, was at the top of her game Friday night winning the co-featured $8,500 Filly and Mare Open pace in 1:55.4 which was a new lifetime mark. Going off at odds of 10-1, Miss Groovie To returned $22.20 to win.