by Mike Wandishin, publicity director, Bluegrass Downs

Paducah, KY — Driver Wyatt Avenatti showed the versatility that has put him in demand as a catch-driver at Bluegrass Downs, winning the Sunday (June 3) opener on the engine and the third from off the pace.

Avenatti won the first race with Atoka Millionaire, who was put on the lead as the gate left and shook off an extended, determined challenge from Hillcrest Bigdaddy en route to a 1:57.4 win. Wyatt Avenatti owns the winner, who is trained by David Avenatti, and this one draws ever closer to the $200,000 mark in lifetime earnings.

Avenatti came back to score with Summer Deo in the third race. This one got shuffled a bit near the half, found room and overpowered the field in the final quarter for the score in 1:57.4. Lawrence Cooper trains the winner for Derrick Cooper. Ohmygosh Hanover, handled by Tom T. Tetrick, proved best of a four-horse photo for place.

Randy Crisler extended his lead in driving wins with a score with Western Memory in the nightcap for trainer Rico Johnson and owner Terrence Fortune. Crisler worked out a pocket trip, made the lead in the stretch and then held off an absolutely airborne Rockonrocktane (Tetrick) to preserve the score.

Racing resumes at 6 p.m. on Friday night at the Paducah oval.