By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
(Photos courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery)
Batavia, NY — Nimble New Zealand-breds took center stage at Batavia Downs as they won the top two paces of the week on Saturday (Oct. 12) night.
In the night’s main event, Vulcan Star N (Kevin Cummings) got his second straight at The Downs in the $13,000 Open Handicap pace.
Vulcan Star N sat second behind Livonjaxandqueens (Jim McNeight Jr.) through quarters of :27.4, :57.1 and 1:25.1 while post time favorite Lip Reader N (Drew Monti) applied outside pressure to three-quarters. Lip Reader N’s bid fell apart in the final turn, leaving Livonjaxandqueens in front by 1-½ lengths heading into the stretch. But Cummings tipped Vulcan Star N off his cover and aggressively drove him down the lane to eventually catch Livonjaxandqueens by a head in the shadow of the wire in 1:54.
Vulcan Star N ($16.80) is owned by his trainer Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner, John Spindler and Michael Paulson.
Then in the $12,000 Open II pace, Melanion N (Drew Monti) turned a second-half move into a romp at the line.
Melanion N got away fourth as Carrythetorchman (Joe Chindano Jr.) led to the half in :56.1. That is where Monti pulled Melanion N into the breeze and started a methodic march towards the leader. Incrementally reeling in Carrythetorchman up the backside, Melanion N drew alongside his target in the last bend and edged ahead of Carrythetorchman as they straightened for home. From there, Melanion N bolted to the wire as Monti sat chilly and won by 4-¼ lengths in 1:53 , giving the gelding a new lifetime mark.
Melanion N ($3.20) is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Dr. Michael Miller. Maria Rice trains the winner.
Horse people scoring two wins on Saturday include drivers John Cummings Jr., Kevin Cummings, Kyle Cummings, Drew Monti and Kyle Swift and trainer Maria Rice.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 16) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $3,618 carryover in 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.