By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs
(Photos courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery)
Batavia, NY — Driver Kevin Cummings had his biggest night of the meet so far at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 10) evening after winning a total of five races on the program. His most notable victory came in the $13,500 Open Handicap pace with The Longest Yard, who closed late for the win.
Vel Mr. Nice Guy (Joe Chindano Jr.) cut the mile while The Longest Yard sat chilly in the garden spot with the trip. After the race passed the half in a tepid :57, Melanion N (Drew Monti) pulled first-over in turn three and marched towards the leader up the backstretch. After the pace picked up with a 1:25.2 third quarter, Melanion N got to within a length of Vel Mr. Nice Guy and closed that gap a bit more in the far turn.
When the group straightened out for home, The Longest Yard shook loose at the pylons and the three horses dashed to the wire. In deep stretch, Vel Mr. Nice Guy faded but Melanion N and The Longest Yard forged ahead and hit the light in unison, taking a photo to determine that The Longest Yard won by a nose in 1:53.3.
It was the fourth win of the year for The Longest Yard ($3.60) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.
Cummings’ other wins came with Better Take It (1:54.3, $4.60) and Ys Lotus (1:55.4, $3.60) who were also owned by Torcello and trained by Smith, with Kyuquot (1:57.4, $6.60) and Thor De Vie (1:56.2, $2.30) rounding out his quintuple.
The co-featured $13,500 Open I-II Handicap trot was won by Treasured Tee (Joe Chindano Jr.) who led from start to finish. After stopping the clock at :27.4, :58.2 and 1:27.4, Treasured Tee rounded the final bend and then headed for home, stretching out to a 1-½ length upset victory in 1:57.4.
It was the seventh win of the year for Treasured Tee ($29.20) who is owned by Stephane Geoffroy and Francis Guillemette, who also trains the winner.
Chindano had a solid night in the bike himself after scoring a hat trick. One of those three wins was Keystone Doral, who was last at three-quarters before circling the field to win by 1-½ lengths in 1:57.4 at 49-1. Keystone Doral paid $100.50 to win.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Tuesday (Aug. 13) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $1,902 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and a $280 carryover in the Super Hi-5 in race 13.
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 and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.