By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Despite two consecutive impressive starts yielding a win and a second, the betting public opted to overlook Media Queen N as she made a step up in class on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 9). But the lass from down-under made the doubters eat their tickets as she rallied from off the pace at 33-1 to capture the $11,000 fillies and mares Open II pace at Batavia Downs.
Rock N Roll Rosie (Howard Parker) was the commander of fractions from the start and led the ladies to the half in a quick :55.3 while parking Mach’s Echo (Denny Bucceri) in the process. Media Queen N (Dave McNeight III) pulled third-over behind Kaitlyn Rae (Mike Caprio) past the half and then tipped three-deep around her and the now back-peddling Mach’s Echo at the three-quarters.
As the race headed into the stretch, Rock N Roll Rosie had the lead on the pins, Kaitlyn Rae was second out and Media Queen N was still three-high. They straightened out down the lane and the three paced in unison until McNeight got Media Queen N in front and she prevailed in 1:55.1.
It was the eighth win of the year for Media Queen N ($69.50) who is owned by Daniel Goehle and trained by Angel Nappo.
The $10,000 fillies and mares Open III saw Gia’s Surreal (Jim Morrill Jr.) lead every step of the way in a gate to wire victory timed in 1:55.1. The 3-year-old filly that raced on the New York Sire Stake circuit this summer scored her eighth win of the year and pushed her earnings to $77,869 for owners Jim Graham, Edward Peron, Lee Winters and Thomas Mariano. Jim Graham trains the winner.
Shawn McDonough and Ray Fisher Jr. were the top drivers and Pat Galbraith best trainer for the night, each getting two wins apiece.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 11) with post time at 6 p.m.
