Batavia, NY — Skyway Ballistic visited the Batavia Downs winner’s circle for the second time in five days after scoring the 55th win of his career in the $8,000 Class B pacing feature on Thursday (Oct. 22).
Skyway Ballistic (Kevin Cummings) got away sixth as Bet On Buter (Chase Russo) marched on the point through fractions of :27.3 to the quarter and :56.3 to the half. At that point, Skyway Ballistic was out and rolling, second-over behind Woodmere Rollnpop (Dave McNeight III), until five-eighths, when he tipped three-deep and settled behind Team Mac (Brett MacDonald), who was in the breeze and pushing Bet On Buter at three-quarters. Positions remained unchanged around the turn until Skyway Ballistic tipped three-deep yet again, barreled down the stretch, and outpaced Team Mac and Snap Count (Ray Fisher Jr.) to the line, where he won by a neck in 1:55.4.
It was the sixth win of the year for the venerable victor, Skyway Ballistic ($18.28), who is owned by El Dorado Stables and Mike Torcello, and trained by Alex Giuliani.
Kyle Cummings had a driving hat trick on Thursday while 12 different trainers each won one race apiece for the second night in a row.
Live racing at Batavia Downs will resume on Saturday (Oct. 24) at 5 p.m., and there is a lot going on that night.
Batavia Downs will host live racing sponsor Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and feature a “Harness of Hope” fundraiser in the clubhouse to help support cancer research there. For a $65 donation, you will receive a delicious buffet, $35 in free play on the gaming floor, and a live racing program. There will also be a live auction, a silent auction, a penny auction and basket raffle. All proceeds will benefit Roswell Park.
And plenty of opportunities for huge payouts will be available for the betting public. There will be a $5,000 guarantee (with a $1,149 carryover) for the Pick-5 (races 1-5), made possible through the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program. And there also is a huge $23,662 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5, in the 12th race.
Free full-card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia Downs can always be downloaded at the track’s website under the “Live Racing” tab.