By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Batavia, NY — Double Class has been an Open trotter at Batavia Downs since his first win there in 1:55.3 in July. On Friday (Sept. 20) at The Downs, the trotter essentially made a double class drop to a mid-level condition event and got back to his winning ways in the $10,000 co-featured race of the night.
Sent off at 7-1, Double Class (Dave McNeight III) got away last and 10-½ lengths in arrears as the heavily favored Cartier Zette (Joe Chindano Jr.) coasted through fractions of :28.3 and :58. As they motored in front of the stands, McNeight had Double Class out and moving and quickly advanced towards the leader. Double Class drew alongside Cartier Zette at three-quarters and then they matched strides around the final bend. At the top of the stretch, Double Class showed his, as he swelled up and bolted home under a line drive on top by 1-½ lengths in 1:57.2.
It was the seventh win of the year for Double Class ($16.20) who is owned and trained by Jim Clouser Jr.
In the other $10,000 split of the same class, Bj’s Smitty (Mike Baumeister) sat second behind Simonthediamond (Dan Yetman) through quarters of :29.1, :59.1 and 1:28.4 before sneaking into the passing lane and snapping the leader by a neck at the light in 1:59.3.
Bj’s Smitty ($18.80) is owned by Jennifer Signor and trained by Jacob Baumeister.
Kevin Cummings had a big night in the bike, winning a total of four races during the proceedings. Cummings won with Rearview Blue Chip (1:58.3, $4.60), P L Notorious (1:57.1, $22.40), Mcdelicacy (1:57.1, $6.40) and Pennant Seelster (2:00.2, $5.20).
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 21) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $920 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
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.