Batavia, NY—Fresh off three starts at Tioga Downs, Fireyourguns returned to Genesee County and picked up right where he left off last year by winning the $10,000 harness racing Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (July 29).
Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) left like a bullet and grabbed an early, gapped lead. When Caprio saw everyone seat behind him, he hit the brakes and slowed the proceedings to :57.1 at the half. By that station Lucky King (Ron Beback Jr.) pulled first-over and started a hearty challenge to the leader. Rounding the last turn and heading for home, Fireyourguns held position down low while Lucky King kept driving hard on the outside. But the drive was not enough to catch the leader in the end and Fireyourguns won by a half-length in 1:53.2.
It was the third win in only eight outings this year for the late-starting Fireyourguns ($4.10) and owners Jennifer Lowe, Robert Lowe and Terrence McClory who also trains the winner.
In the co-featured $9,000 Open II pace, Sir Ziggy Z Tam ($13.00) laid off the pace before coming first over at the half and eventually pulled away to a two-length victory in 1:54.2, which was his second win in a row and third in his last four starts. Drew Monti did the steering for owner Tessa Roland and trainer JD Perrin.
Driver Drew Monti and trainer JD Perrin teamed up to register a total of four winners on the night. Besides the afore mentioned Sir Ziggy Z Tam, the duo also shooed in Cracker Pullet (1:54.2, $13.00), Instant Hit (1:56.2, $6.80) and Beechwood Wayne (1:57, $2.70).
Ray Fisher Jr. also drove two winners during the nights activities.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday afternoon (July 30) with a 1:15 p.m. post time. The card features three divisions of the New York Sires Stakes for 3-year-old male pacers.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs