Old man winter reared his ugly head on Saturday night (November 19) as high winds and driving rain greeted the night’s competitors. However, the extremely sloppy conditions couldn’t dissuade Thunderbolt Jaxon from his best effort as he splashed to a gate-to-wire victory in the $10,500 Open Pace at Batavia Downs.
Thunderbolt Jaxon (Jim Morrill Jr.) left and took the front by the quarter as the rest of the field ducked for cover. The leader and a close-following Spender Hanover (Drew Monti) led pedestrian fractions of :29.2 and :59.1 as an outer flow started to chase. Shady City (Larry Stalbaum), who had been parked out from the start, and Knocking Around (Dave McNeight III) constituted that bid, but neither could sustain up the backside. Around the last turn, it was Thunderbolt Jaxon who could sense the win as he strode out and paced away from Spender Hanover down the lane and crossed the wire well in hand in 1:57.2.
It was the first Open class win for Thunderbolt Jaxon ($5.60) at Batavia Downs since being claimed on October 10, and his eighth overall win of the year. He has now earned $47,200 in 2016. The four-year-old gelded son of Mach Three is owned by Mike Torcello and is trained by Gerry Sarama.
Since Larry Stalbaum started racing regularly at Batavia Downs, he’s been winning races at a hurried pace. That trend continued Saturday as he scored a grand slam on the card. And the winning horses gave Kim Asher the training grand slam as well. The two teamed up in the winner’s circle with Story Book ($5.30), Itsonlyrocknroll A ($2.50), Steuben Patriot ($31.20) and Box Car Johnnie ($3.50).
Jim Morrill Jr. had another three-win night to remain the Downs leading dash driver, now with 112 wins.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November 23) with post time at 6:15 p.m.
Please note that a double draw will take place on Tuesday (November 22) for race cards to be held on Friday (November 25) and Saturday (November 26). The entry box will close at the normal time of 9 a.m. For more information, please visit the horsemen's link at bataviadownsgaming.com.
(With files from Batavia Downs)