Western New York Trackmaster Series Finals at Batavia Downs

The climax of the Western New York Trackmaster Series for trotters took place at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Feb. 22), with Flyhawk El Fuerte causing a stir in the $27,027 TM79 division.

P C Foreign Affair, under the guidance of Jim Morrill Jr., took the lead from post eight and maintained a solid margin through :28.4, :58.4, and 1:28.4 splits, with Flyhawk El Fuerte closely tracking in second. As they turned for home, John Cummings Jr., aboard Flyhawk El Fuerte, made a decisive move, surging past P C Foreign Affair to secure victory by 2-1/2 lengths in a season's best time of 1:58.3.

Owned by Kathleen Pratt and Andrea Lehmann, and trained by Joe Skowyra, Flyhawk El Fuerte returned $12.20 to win, adding to Skowyra's successful day with two winners.

In the TM74 division, Classic Sunny emerged victorious in the $20,270 final with a time of 2:00.1, driven to victory by Kevin Cummings. The $10,811 split was claimed by Finnick Odair, driven by Brett Beckwith for owner/trainer Rose Russo.

The day's card also featured a trio of Open events showcasing the top horses at the track. In the $20,270 Handicap for fillies and mares, Shecouldbegood N, driven by Kyle Swift, staged a thrilling late rally to overtake Ball Diamond and secure victory in 1:56.3.

Primo Uomo, driven by Brett Beckwith, triumphed in the $18,919 Handicap for male pacers with a new seasonal mark of 1:54.2, fending off Optical Illusion N in a close finish.

E Street, steered by Jim Morrill Jr. and trained by Rachelle Mungillo, dominated the $20,270 Handicap trot with a wire-to-wire victory in a new seasonal best time of 1:58.

Driver Dave McNeight III stood out with three wins on the day, with Magical Mistress, Mayweather Hanover, and VJ Panderosa delivering substantial payouts. The day concluded with a thrilling pentafecta combination yielding $5,524.10 for a 20-cent wager.