Press Release:
Batavia, NY --- The veteran campaigner Craiger notched the 38th win of his career when he won the featured $8,000 II Trot on Friday night at Batavia Downs Casino. The 9-year-old Sea Battle gelding was capably driven by Jim McNeight for trainer Neal Russo and owners Edt Stables.
Getting away seventh, Craiger bided his time along the rail until angling out three-wide approaching three-quarters. Now picking off horses one by one around the final turn, Craiger had all the momentum coming off the turn and trotted home strongly in the center to be a head winner in 2:00.3. Craiger has lifetime earnings of more than $238,000.
Roy (Jack Flanigen) surged late in the passing lane to be second while the talented 3-year-old trotting filly Queen Creek (Ron Beback Jr.) came on to be third despite an overland journey.
Jim McNeight, Ray Fisher Jr. and Ken Holliday all had driving hat tricks while training doubles went to the meet's leading conditioner Sherri Holliday and John Mungillo.
Passailed to be retired on Saturday
Win-lose or draw the well bred pacer Passailed will make the final start of his career in the 5th race on Saturday night.
The 13-year-old Albatross-Assailed stallion was originally retired in 2002 but was brought back to the races in 2008 when the breeding business went downhill in Quebec. He was purchased after a qualifying race by current owner Patrick Chella’s Nickel City Ranch Stable.
In 2009 Passailed has made 26 starts with three wins. His lifetime earnings are over $318,000. He took his 1:50.2 lifetime mark at Woodbine Racetrack, in 2000, with Rick Zeron in the bike.
Passailed will resume his stud career at Dr. Guy Hammonds, Steuben Farms, located in Bath, New York. He’s sired 84 registered foals.
The 63rd Summer-fall only has three more nights left. With racing on Saturday (Nov.28) and next Friday and Saturday. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
