by Todd Haight

Batavia, NY – It was only fitting that on a night one of the greatest mares in the history of the sport, Proximity, would lose her trotting track record at Batavia Downs Gaming that a distaffer would take the featured $9,000 Open Trot.

Sharp Lady, given a clever steer by the thoroughbred trainer by day and harness racing driver by night, Tom Agosti, took the lightning lane to victory to pull the mild upset on Friday night, November 9, in the weekly trotting feature.

Leaving from post seven, Sharp Lady was on top at the quarter in :29 flat but gladly yielded the lead to Iroquoindianbrave and John Cummings Jr., who were on the move and up to take command as the field of square gaiters rounded the paddock turn the first time.

Setting fractions of :58.1 and 1:28.2, Iroquoindianbrave maintained the lead with a first-over Imagianthit (Keith Kash Jr.) moving up to challenge as they rounded the final turn. Sharp Lady was enjoying a perfect pocket trip.

As they turned for home, “Lady” and Agosti angled to the passing lane and trotted right on by Iroquoindianbrave for a one-length win, trotting the mile in 1:59. Iroquoindianbrave held well for second while Speed Pilot (Jim McNeight) came up for third.

For Sharp Lady it was her sixth win of the year and raised her 2007 earnings above $30,000. By Carry the Message, Sharp Lady is owned in Jewett Ohio by R. Lewis Hauber. Jim Graham, currently second in the Downs trainer standings, conditions Sharp Lady who returned $12.60 to win.