Despite challenging weather conditions in Genesee County, Scenic Adventure thrived in the spotlight, capturing the $15,493 featured pace for female pacers at Batavia Downs on Wednesday, November 20.
Driven by Drew Monti, Scenic Adventure surged to an early lead, clocking a half-mile in :58.3 while maintaining control with Truly (Jim McNeight Jr.) in pursuit. With no rear challenges, Scenic Adventure widened her margin, reaching three-quarters in 1:27.4 and cruising home by two lengths in 1:57.1.
The win marked Scenic Adventure's seventh victory of the year for owner Mike Torcello and trainer Sam Smith, paying $23.00 to her backers.
Driver Highlights:
Drew Monti had a stellar evening, notching four wins on the card, including:
- Bee Still My Hardt (1:55.1, $5.60)
- Vondell Kemp (2:00.2, $3.30)
- Big Bad Mosa (1:57, $14.80), who won by an astonishing 16-3/4 lengths
Equally impressive, Shawn McDonough matched Monti’s performance with his own four-win night, highlighted by a natural hat trick in races seven through nine. McDonough’s triumphs included:
- Always B Mimi (1:55.3, $35.00), whom he also trains
- Keystone Phoenix (1:58, $3.80)
- R U Talkin (1:58.2, $48.40)
- Hurrikane Msrodine (1:58, $8.70)
Sam Smith emerged as the top trainer of the evening, sending three horses to the winner’s circle.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday, November 22, at 6:00 p.m. post time. Bettors can expect a $1,481 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta for the 13th race.