Unexpected Victories Highlight Saturday’s Opens at Batavia Downs

The harness racing card at Batavia Downs on Saturday, September 21, showcased $18,243 Open Handicaps for both pacers and trotters, with surprise winners claiming victory in each of the day's premier races.

The pacers kicked off the action, with Lip Reader A (Drew Monti) capturing his third win of the meet. Starting from sixth, Lip Reader A watched as Admiral Hanover (Kyle Swift) led the pack to the quarter in 27.4 seconds. Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) then surged to take the lead. As Villiam reached the top of the turn, Monti guided Lip Reader A off the pegs and began his challenging journey to the front. When Villiam hit the half-mile mark in 57 seconds, Lip Reader A pulled up alongside, setting the stage for an intense duel. Both horses distanced themselves from the pack during the final turn, with Lip Reader A seizing the lead in the home stretch and finishing just ahead by a neck in a time of 1:53.4.

With this victory, Lip Reader A ($11.60), owned by Vogel and Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing, secured his ninth win of the year, under the training of Maria Rice. Monti had a remarkable day, securing four wins overall, including races with P L Quarantine (1:54.1, $12.40), Heir Of Southwest (1:57.2, $8.10), and Leave And Roll (1:56.1, $19.60).

In the following race, the trot featured Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.), who scored his second consecutive victory, despite a slow start and being overlooked by bettors after winning the Open last week. Biscoe found himself 10 lengths behind leader Treasured Tee (Joe Chindano Jr.) at the quarter. As they moved towards the half, Biscoe began his ascent from the back. Although Treasured Tee maintained a strong position through the backstretch, it wasn't until nearing three-quarters that Biscoe kicked into high gear. Entering the last turn, he surged past Treasured Tee, ultimately winning by 3-1/2 lengths in a time of 1:57.

Biscoe, who paid $28.20, earned his seventh victory of the season for driver and owner Jim McNeight, who also trains the horse.

Live harness racing at Batavia Downs will continue on Wednesday, September 25, with a post time of 6 p.m. A noteworthy $1,290 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 will also be featured in the 14th race.