By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Classy Lane Rose has been a shrinkingviolet with the Batavia Downs winner’s circle this meet having not won in four startshere. But the mare was in full bloom on Wednesday (Aug. 30) as she went gate towire in convincing style to win the $9,500 Fillies and Mares Open pace.

Paul White photo

Classy Rose Lane went gate to wire to win the $9,500 Fillies and Mares Open pace on Wednesday night at Batavia Downs.

Classy Lane Rose (Drew Monti) left with the gateand the field willingly settled in post-position order behind her. Afterletting her intentions be known, she then tempered her speed to the half,backing it down to :58 flat. No one made a move until the three-eighths polewhen Susie’s Delight (Ray Fisher Jr.) came first-up and brought Kruella (ShawnMcDonough) along with her.

Monti kept the challengers at bay, speeding up thethird panel to :28.1 and from there the race was won. Despite horses fanningfour-wide around the final turn, Classy Lane Rose was in full stride and pacedhome in a crisp :27.4 to win by a length.

Now with $60,300 in the bank on the strength of sixwins this year, Classy Lane Rose ($3.30) is owned by Carl Monti and trained byDarrin Monti.

The co-feature $8,000 distaff Open II field wasshortened to five starters after two late scratches and as a result, MeanPauline (Shawn McDonough) got a perfect pocket trip behind the point-mare HotPatootie (Larry Stalbaum) and then shot through the lightning lane to win by alength in 1:55.2.

It was the fifth win of the year for Mean Pauline ($11.80)and owner Harry Wortzman. McDonough also trains the winner.

Drivers Drew Monti, Larry Stalbaum and Ray FisherJr. all had two wins on the card. Trainer Kim Asher also scored two victorieson Wednesday evening.

Racingresumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 1) with post time at 6 p.m. Friday’scard features the $106,000 NYSS for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.