Batavia, NY — Taking advantage of a perfect trip, Johnny Boy brushed late to capture the featured $15,000 Open I Handicap Trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Aug. 18).

Kevin Cummings settled Johnny Boy behind the headstrong Con Air Hall (Jim Morrill Jr.), who got to the quarter in :28.2. Con Air Hall then slowed the half to :58.2, forcing Mr Contestant (Keith Kash Jr.) to advance first-over from fourth at that station. As the field trotted past three-quarters, Mr Contestant’s bid fell apart, and the race appeared to be down to the top two trotters. Coming off the turn, Con Air Hall was in the middle of the track while Johnny Boy slipped into the passing lane in full stride. But, from far back, Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) was trotting up a storm and joined the leaders for the stretch drive. Johnny Boy took the lead just before the line before Lougazi could reach and won by a half length in 1:57.4.

Johnny Boy took full advantage of a pocket trip and had enough left late to hold off Lougazi for a 7-1 upset in Friday’s Open I Handicap Trot at Batavia Downs. Wendy Lowery photo.

It was the sixth win of the year for Johnny Boy ($17.00) for owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith was the winning trainer.

Johnny Boy was one of four wins for Cummings on Friday night.

Earlier, the $12,500 Open II Trot went to J-S Hopscotch, who led the entire race and then hung in for the final strides.

J-S Hopscotch (Kyle Cummings) left from post one and controlled the clock from there. With Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) sitting on his back, J-S Hopscotch set fractions of :29.2, 1:00.3 and 1:29.3 with only a mild bid from I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) during the third quarter. By the midpoint of the last turn, J-S Hopscotch and Mugshots Bro had separated from the field. J-S Hopscotch was still in front, but Mugshots Bro was closing fast and drew alongside him in deep stretch. With both drivers fully engaged in their urging, J-S Hopscotch and Mugshots Bro hit the wire simultaneously, leaving it to the camera to reveal that J-S Hopscotch closed the deal by a nose in 1:58.4.

J-S Hopscotch ($3.30) got his seventh win of the year for owner Rags To Riches of PA and trainer Tammy Cummings. It was also the second win of the night for Kyle Cummings.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 19) at 6 p.m., there will be a $4,816 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5, in the 13th race.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Batavia Downs website.