(Cobble Beach with reinsman John Cummings Jr. / Photo courtesy of Paul White)
By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations
John Cummings Jr. bought a ticket to ride and he didn’t care while winning the $9,500 Open pace feature with Cobble Beach ($6.80) at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 15).
Cobble Beach flew off the wings and took the top before the quarter while post time favorite, Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) took to the wood. After the leader passed the quarter in 27.1, Caprio wasted no time getting Fireyourguns in gear as he moved him to the outside in pursuit. Although it seemed like a good move in theory, the exercise was futile because there was no catching Cobble Beach tonight.
Cummings Jr. had the best view of the proceedings as his charge flew by the half in 55.3 and three-quarters in 1:23.2. Then he raised the lines, laid back in the bike and with a swish of the whip opened up four and was looking for more. The pair then proceeded to pace away to an impressive 1:52.1 win.
James Clouser Jr. owns and trains the 5-year-old altered son of Artiscape and his evenings efforts increased the horse’s annual earnings to $51,440.
Drivers scoring multiple victories on the card included Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III with three and Jim McNeight with two. Trainer Dave McNeight also registered a double.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 16) with a matinee card starting at 1:15 p.m.
