By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
(Photos courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery)
Batavia, NY — Making his second start at Batavia Downs since competing in the Ontario Sire Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park over the summer, the 3-year-old Slayin Theday Away took on older foes and found the local winner’s circle for the first time after he won the featured $9,500 trot on Friday (Oct. 18) night.
Slayin Theday Away (Drew Monti) grabbed the lead at the quarter and led the group of seven to the half in 1:01. It was there that Run Like Hill (Joe Chindano Jr.) pulled from fifth and made his way to the lead passing the five-eighths pole. Run Like Hill had the lead, but could not cross over as Slayin Theday Away continued to fight up the backstretch.
Run Like Hill tripped the timer in 1:29.1 at three-quarters with Slayin Theday Away still second on the pegs and a half length behind. As they spun through the last turn, Slayin Theday Away got back even with Run Like Hill and at the top of the stretch, completed a stellar comeback by taking the lead and keeping it by 1-¼ lengths at the light in 1:59.1.
It was the eighth win of the year for Slayin Theday Away ($2.70) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Dr. Michael Miller. Maria Rice trains the winner.
Monti, Rice and Vogel and Wags Nags also teamed up to win with Jacked (1:57.3, $2.90) earlier in the card.
The top drivers on Friday were Jim McNeight Jr. and Joe Chindano Jr. who both registered three wins during the proceedings. Jim McNeight got two training wins to match Rice as top conditioner.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 19) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $4,853 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 12th 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.