Batavia, NY — Since shipping in from Kentucky, Keystone Apache has been formidable competition for the western New York regulars. He flexed his muscle for the second week in a row, winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap Trot at Batavia Downs on Sunday afternoon (July 31).

Jim Morrill Jr. left sharply with Keystone Apache and settled on the lead. After a conservative :59.1 half, Dewey Arnold (Kevin Cummings) came first-over and tried to advance in the breeze, but his advance was temporarily thwarted when Keystone Apache picked up the tempo with a :28.1 third quarter. Cummings regrouped Dewey Arnold around the last turn and made another rush for the front in the homestretch, but Keystone Apache would not relent and hung on to win by a neck in 1:56.3.

Keystone Apache proved steadfast in victory Sunday at Batavia Downs. Wendy Lowery photo.

On the strength of his sixth victory of the year, Keystone Apache ($5.00) boosted his earnings to $85,434 for owners Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice trains the winner.

In the undercard $14,000 Open II Handicap Trot, Sanchez Rocks (Drew Monti) got away fourth while All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) cut fractions of :29.2 and 1:00.4 to the half. Monti was out and moving with Sanchez Rocks at that point and made his way to third by the top of the stretch. From there, he caught All About Thechase and held off a charge by Frank’s Watching (Ray Fisher Jr.) to win by a neck in 2:00.2.

Sanchez Rocks ($17.40) scored his 20th career win for owner Marie Houghtaling and trainer Ron Houghtaling.

Monti ended the day with a driving triple, as did Kyle Cummings, while 12 different trainers claimed single wins during the afternoon.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 3) with post time at 6 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track’s website.