By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
(Photos courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery)
Batavia, NY — Just one week ago, Dave McNeight III had a brilliant night at Batavia Downs as he won five races on the card. On Saturday (Aug. 31), McNeight one-upped himself at The Downs as he won six races during the program and now sits a solid second for dash wins this meet.
“Triple Sticks” won with The Downtown Bus (1:55, $4.00), Lana’s Desire (1:55.2, $16.20), Daylight Rush (1:55.1, $9.10), American Rascal (1:55.2, $41.20), Remember The Beach (1:56.1, $6.80) and My Mind Is Made Up (1:55.2, $2.90).
Mcneight now has 27 wins and is second to Jim Morrill Jr. who tops the leaderboard with 31 wins after Saturday’s action. Also as a result of his big night, McNeight is now only four wins away from 1,700 lifetime.
Two races McNeight didn’t win on Saturday were the pair of $13,500 Opens that were both taken by gate to wire winners who each reached double-digit wins for the year.
Saratoga Raceway regular Topville Somebeach, traveled west on the 90 to compete at Batavia and didn’t have to worry about paying the toll to get home after he won the $13,500 Open Handicap pacing feature in the fastest overnight clocking of the season.
Jim Morrill Jr. sent the front-loving Topville Somebeach right to the point and rated a moderate half in :57.1. As they made their way into the clubhouse turn, Melanion N (Drew Monti) was rolling up the outside and got as far as the pocket-sitting Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) at the 1:24.3 three-quarters. Topville Somebeach took his 1-½ length lead into the final bend as Melanion N and Villiam continued to track from behind, but both had work to do. The chase continued into the stretch where Villiam got the closest before the line, but came up a half length short as Topville Somebeach won in 1:52.3.
It was the fifth win in a row and tenth of the year for Topville Somebeach ($6.70) who is owned by Stephen Picarazzi, Darryel Bullard and Bret Derue, who also trains the winner.
Then in the $13,500 Open Handicap trot, Power And Grace showed her speed and class and she dominated the field of seven male rivals.
Drew Monti put Power And Grace on the lead and then put the field to sleep with a :59.1 half. As the race made its way around the turn three, Monti hit the gas and Power And Grace started to pull away up the backstretch, opening up a 2-½ length lead at three-quarters. She continued to gap the field rounding the final bend and had a four length lead at the top of the stretch. Power And Grace turned for home all by herself and cruised to the line under no urging whatsoever to win in 1:56.3.
It was also the tenth win of the year for Power And Grace ($5.50), as well as her 66th career victory. Hartel Maintenance and Lormer McClure, Brett Macdonald and Reg Higgs own Power And Grace who is trained by Ronald Macdonald.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs with a special Labor Day matinee on Monday (Aug. 31) with post time at 1:15 p.m.