by Todd Haight, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Getting assigned the outside post and having to take the overland route wasn’t enough to stop No More Gold N from taking the $9,000 featured trot on Friday night (October 12) at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Paul White photo

No More Gold N was a 1:58.2 winner in the Friday feature.

Getting away last in the classy field of seven, No More Gold N, a down under son of Evander’s Gold, made his move at the three-quarter pole when trainer/driver Keith Kash, Jr. tipped him three wide.

Craiger, with Ken Holliday, put up all the numbers, setting fractions of :29, :59.2 and 1:28.3 and had the lead as the field turned for home. Down the lane No More Gold N powered right on by Craiger to win by a length in 1:58.2, racing on the chilliest night of the season so far in Western New York. Craiger finished up a clear second while pocket sitter Elite Crown, with Ray Fisher, Jr., ended up third.

The win was No More Gold N’s ninth of the season and raised his 2007 earnings to just under $74,000. He is owned by the Inquisitive Stable and Melinda Kash. Going off as the public choice, No More Gold N returned $5.70 to his lucky backers.

Dash-leading driver Ken Holliday posted two wins during Friday’s 11-race card, as did Tom Agosti, Keith Kash, Jr. and Jim McNeight. On the training side, both Sherri Holliday and Jim Graham conditioned a pair of winners.

Ken Holliday is making a serious run at his first Batavia Downs driving title. He stands all alone with 47 wins while Kevin Cummings and Keith Kash, Jr. are tied for second with 39. Holliday’s main competition could come from Jim Morrill, Jr., who sits in fifth place with 29 wins but is winning at over a 40 percent clip when he competes at the Downs.

Racing resumes on Saturday

Track record holder Michael Scores looks to rebound in Saturday night’s featured $9,000 Open Handicap Pace.

In last week’s $30,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial, “Michael” got parked out the entire mile and finished out of the money. He starts out at 2-1 on the morning line. Regular driver Kevin Cummings will be back in the sulky for trainer Jim Compton.

Victory won’t be easy however as Coal Black Beauty, with Ray Fisher, Jr., could have a say in the outcome.

The feature is carded as the 10th race. The first of 12 races gets underway at 7:05 p.m.

In addition to live harness racing, Batavia Downs Gaming offers the best of simulcast action, Wednesday through Sunday, fine food in the clubhouse and video gaming. The gaming floor, which features 591 video gaming terminals, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, from Sunday through Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information visit www.bataviadownsgaming.com.