Batavia, NY — Indiana-campaigned but locally owned, It’s Corona Time (Aracache Hanover) made her western New York harness racing debut one to remember as she mare-handled the competition while winning the $13,500 Open Handicap distaff pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Monday (Sept. 2) afternoon.
Leads changed a number of times after the start as It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Arco N (Dave McNeight III) swapped the front. After they passed the :27.4 quarter, It’s Corona Time finally settled on the point and really got down to business.
It’s Corona Time paced to the half in :56.4 with a two-length lead that she extended to four by three-quarters. She continued to pull away around the last turn and was separated from the field by 5-Ā½ lengths when they hit the straight. Heading down the lane, Chindano was in full recline as It’s Corona Time bolted home wrapped-up and stopped the clock in 1:54.2.
A 4-year-old daughter of the former Batavia Downs all-time pacing track record holder Aracache Hanover, It’s Corona Time ($2.30) is owned by Bill Switala and James Martin (who also bred the mare) and trained by Maggie Chindano.
IT’S CORONA TIME REPLAY
Joe Chindano Jr. ended the day with three driving wins.
In the undercard $11,500 upper-level conditioned pace for fillies and mares, despite being overlooked by the betting public after being off over a month, Dance Ticket (A Rocknroll Dance, Kyle Swift) made quick and easy work of her seven foes after taking the lead and setting unchallenged fractions of :28.4, :59.1 and 1:28. Dance Ticket then rounded the last turn and darted for the line on top by 2-Ā½ lengths in 1:57.2.
DANCE TICKET REPLAY
It was the third win in the last five starts and fifth win of the year for Dance Ticket ($20.80) who is owned by 716 Standardbreds and trained by Courtney Wright.
Dave McNeight III also had a driving hat trick on Monday while 11 different trainers each scored one win apiece.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 4) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,306 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.
by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs