By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Three-year-old Gia’s Surreal had been a solid campaigner all year on the New York Sire Stake circuit, culminating that series with a second-place finish in the Excelsior “A” final in September. Since that start the filly has won three straight races in overnights against aged mares and on Monday (Oct. 14) knocked off the track's top class, the $12,000 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs.
Driver Jim Morrill Jr. left fast with Gia’s Surreal and led the ladies to the quarter in :27.4 and the half in :57.2. As the race proceeded onto the second circuit, Little Joke (Billy Davis Jr.) and Kaitlyn Rae (Mike Caprio) moved up on the rim to apply some pressure and pushed a fast :28.2 split to the three-quarters.
But Gia’s Surreal, who had maintained a 1-1/4 length lead the entire race, stayed stout and kept to her business which was turning back all challengers and pacing home strong to win in 1:55.
Gia’s Surreal ($3.10) scored her ninth win in 19 starts this year and pushed her stake-enhanced earnings to $83,869 for owners Jim Graham, Edward Peron, Lee Winters and Thomas Mariano. Jim Graham trains the filly.
Gia’s Surreal was one of three wins for Jim Morrill Jr. on Monday. Billy Davis Jr. also got the driving hat trick on the card.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 18) at 6 p.m. There is no racing this Wednesday (Oct. 16) due to today’s special matinee card.
