Canadian-invader Rockin In Heaven went gate to wire without issue in the $10,000 Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday, August 26.
Driver Jim Morrill Jr. sent Rockin In Heaven for the front, clearing command through a :27.1 quarter and leading the field through a :56.1 half. With For A Bettor Time sitting behind him, Rockin In Heaven was challenged by Believe This Bob moving to three-quarters. However, he accelerated around the final turn and motored down the lane to win in 1:52.1, which was the fastest pacing mile of the 2017 meet.
It was the fourth win in 15 starts for Rockin In Heaven, who paid $4.80 to win, pushing his earnings for the year to $57,819. The five-year-old son of Rock N Roll Heaven is owned by Dr. Ian Moore, Douglas Polley, Francois Lecomte and Gordon McComb. Dr. Moore trains Rockin In Heaven.
In the co-featured $9,000 Open II pace, Show Stopping pulled first-over at the five-eighths and paced stride for stride with the pace-setter Lucky McTrucky, eventually out-dueling him at the wire to win by a nose in 1:53.4, equaling his seasonal mark.
Show Stopping, paying $26.60 to win, is owned by Resiliant Racing Stable and trained by Rose Russo.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday, August 27 at 1:15 p.m. The card features the the $107,000 New York Sires Stakes for 2-year-old Colts and geldings, as well as Family Fun Day festivities, which includes the "Dauschund Dash" wiener dog races.
(With files from Batavia Downs)