It was a huge Wednesday (November 6) night for Shawn McDonough at Batavia Downs after he accounted for a total of six wins consisting of a driving grand slam -- featuring a natural hat trick in races six through eight -- and a training double.
One of McDonough's driving wins came in the $11,000 distaff pacing feature with Celia Bayama, who despite winning just two starts ago, was completely dismissed by punters and went off at 54-1. But the mare made those speculators regret their collective decisions after she rallied late to win and pay $111.50.
Celia Bayama got away a distant sixth as Forgot Thewallet A (Dave McNeight III) out-dueled Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) to the quarter in :27.1. Now on the point, Forgot Thewallet A backed off the half to :56.2 before It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) came first-over to challenge heading onto the second circuit.
It’s Corona Time eventually got the lead from Forgot Thewallet A at three-quarters and then started to separate. Right behind the new leader was Summer Slash, who tipped out around the fading Forgot Thewallet A, Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) who was two deep around her and Celia Bayama, who was in full flight and four-wide heading into the last turn. It’s Corona time was on top by two, but Celia Bayma was second and closing fast as the stretch drew near. Celia Bayama battled It’s Corona Time all the way to the wire where she edged in front and won by a half length in 1:55.2.
It was the fifth win of the year for the Jean Reid owned Celia Bayama and one of two training wins on Wednesday for Chris Petrelli.
McDonough completed his slam with No More Sweets (1:59.3, $7.60), Mcvera (1:55.3, $11.40) and Gracious Triumph (2:00.4, $3.60). No More Sweets and Gracious Triumph are both trained by McDonough.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 8) with post time at 6:00 p.m. with a $1,209 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and a carryover of $414 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..
