Batavia, NY – A pair of mid-level conditioned trots valued at $11,100 each were the featured events at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 29) night and both winners were connections of the driver/trainer team of Jim Morrill Jr. and Sam Smith.
In the first split, Famous Dan lit up the board from post eight to claim his second win in his last three outings.
Morrill sent Famous Dan to the front from the right wing and rated a perfect mile from there. With Good Boy (Ray Fisher Jr.) drafting in the pocket, Famous Dan cut even quarters of :28.3, :58.2 and 1:28.1 before heading into turn four. As the race made its way into the stretch, Famous Dan continued to be a strong leader and held off Good Boy and Spicy Hops (Dave McNeight III) by a length to win in 1:59.1.
It was the sixth win of the year for Famous Dan ($20.40) who is owned by Mike Torcello.
Then in the second leg, Golden Compass found his way home first for the sixth time this year.
Morrill and Golden Compass traded leads with Crazy Ritz (Jim McNeight Jr.) before finally settling on the point passing the quarter in :29.1. Positions remained unchanged past the half and to three-quarters where Golden Compass and Crazy Ritz separated from the field and made it a two horse race. Coming off the turn, Crazy Ritz dipped into the passing lane and tried to gain ground on the leader, but Golden Compass was pointed southwest towards the wire and got there first by 1-1/2 lengths under a line drive in 1:56.3.
Golden Compass ($3.40) is owned by Sierra Smith and Jagged Brook Farms.
Morrill and Drew Monti both finished with three driving wins each while Sam Smith led all trainers on the strength of his two feature victories.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 30) with post time at 6 p.m.
Next week on Saturday (Sept. 6), Batavia Downs will host the New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions finals night with purses valued at $2.4 million.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at The Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab.