Kaitlyn Rae with driver Drew Monti wins for the 14th time of the year in Batavia.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Who has 63 lifetime wins, 14 of which were taken this year and is currently the fourth winningest mare in North America? That would be Kaitlyn Rae, who bested the top female pacers in Western New York once again on Wednesday evening (Nov. 21) after she won the $10,400 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs.
Out-stepping Hey Kobe (Ray Fisher Jr.) to the front, Kaitlyn Rae (Drew Monti) took a comfortable lead to the half in :59.1 and three-quarters in 1:29 through 20-degree temperatures and a biting wind. Coming off the far turn, she opened up a two-length advantage and looked to be home free. But Sportsmuffler (Billy Davis Jr.) who was last at the half, made a second-over move off cover and was barreling down the lane full of pace. Kaitlyn Rae needed the wire with Sportsmuffler gaining quickly and it came just in time as Kaitlyn Rae hung on by a head in the photo and won in 1:58.2.
Kaitlyn Rae ($7.50) is flush this year, earning $75,421 for her owner/trainer Riley Asher-Stalbaum. She is also currently tied with her well-known win machine stablemate Quicksilvercandy A for wins in 2018.
In the $8,800 fillies and mares Open II, Mean Pauline (Shawn McDonough) followed A Crafty Lady (Drew Monti) for seven-eighths of the mile before pulling and brushing past the pace-setter to win her fourth race of the year, timed in 1:57.3. Harry Wortzman owns Mean Pauline ($9.40) who is trained by her driver McDonough.
The two hottest drivers currently competing at Batavia Downs are Denny Bucceri and Billy Davis Jr.
Over the last five cards of racing Bucceri has won 13 races, including two Grand Slam performances, the second of which was on Wednesday. Bucceri rewarded his backers with scores by Donegal Jim (1:58.4, $3.70), Ciro (2:02, $36.20), Ugly Betty (1:59.4, $6.00) and Wallflower (2:00.1, $4.30).
Billy Davis Jr. also won 13 races during that span and not to be outdone by Bucceri, had a driving Hat Trick on the card Wednesday.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Nov. 23) with post time at a special early time of 4:45 p.m.
The management and staff of Batavia Downs would like to extend wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving to all horsemen and women as well as our customers both live and simulcast.
