All About Thechase, Skyway Professor take Batavia features

Batavia, NY — A pair of $9,500 conditioned trots were featured Friday (Oct. 11) at Batavia Downs on a night that saw winds gusting over 40 mph down the lane. 

In the first contest, All About Thechase (Jim McNeight Jr.) sat second while Franks Watching (Ray Fisher Jr.) did all the heavy lifting during the mile. After getting to the half in 1:02.2, Franks Watching was under siege from Slayin Theday Away (Drew Monti) from the half to three-quarters, who was joined by Famous Dan (Kevin Cummings) moving three-wide in the final turn. But it was the tripping All About Thechase who quietly ducked into the passing lane and out-trotted them all to the line where he won by a neck in 2:01.3. 

It was the second win in a row for All About Thechase ($11.20) who is owned by the Caprio Stable and trained by Alana Caprio.  

The second group saw the off-time favorite Skyway Professor (Dave McNeight III) get away sixth early. But he also got underway quickly at three-eighths in pursuit of the loose leader Rough Tuff Tested (Jim McNeight Jr.), who was rolling to the half in :59. Skyway Professor advanced to second on the outside next to Hellrider (Mike Caprio), but was still 2-3/4 lengths behind the leader at three-quarters. However Skyway Professor started cutting into that lead around the last turn and drew alongside Rough Tuff Tested in the stretch. From there, Skyway Professor got the advantage in deep stretch and won by three-quarters of a length in 1:59.1.

It was the ninth win of the year for Skyway Professor ($4.00) who is owned by the Out In The Country Stable and Daniel Tybor and trained by Jim Rothfuss. 

Driver Joe Chindano Jr. had a grand slam during the night, winning with Arrakis (2:00.4, $3.90), Run Like Hill (2:01, $3.70), Lootable (1:56.1, $83.00) and Tidal shark (1:58.1, $2.90). Arrakis and Run Like Hill were trained by Francis Guillemette, who led all conditioners for wins on Friday. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 12) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $641 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and also a $3,207 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 12th race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs