Dec 11, 2017
It was a hard fought race between two game opponents, but Lucky McTrucky came out on top of Jimi Wind Ricks in the $9,000 feature pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Dec. 9).
Lucky McTrucky (Drew Monti) inherited the lead from the pylons as no one else in the field left. Now lined up in post-position order, the leader strolled the group to the half in a very pedestrian :59 split. Eager to challenge at that point, Jimi Wind Ricks (Billy Davis Jr.) came with a rush at the three-eighths and drew alongside Lucky McTrucky up the backside and that began a very contentious encounter.
After a :27.4 third panel, Jimi Wind Ricks got the lead on the outside by over a half-length but could not clear as Lucky McTrucky stayed game and would not let him go by. They continued to fight around the far turn with both Monti and Davis rocking and knocking their respective mounts, hoping each other would give way. They hit the straight and were still going at it but Lucky McTrucky gained a slight edge and held it to the wire where he won by a half-length in 1:55.1.
It was the 42nd lifetime win for Lucky McTrucky ($7.30) who is owned by Tessa Roland and trained by J.D. Perrin.
In the $8,500 Open III pace, Big Ricky (Ron Beback Jr.) took a mostly overland route to defeat the heavily favored David The Saint (Ray Fisher Jr.) by a length in 1:56.4. Big Ricky ($9.70) is owned by William Emmons and is trained by James Clouser Jr.
Driver Shawn McDonough had a big night at the Downs, winning three races including the nightcap with Best Ears who blew up the tote board with an $86 mutuel.
The final week of the meet...
Northfield Track Announcer Ayers Ratliff’s free handicapping tips are provided for our IdaBet.com players.
Remember, due to their draw schedule, picks are made in advance and do not account for scratches or late driver changes.
From the “Ayers Above” MONDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 11
Race 1: 1- Deep Question – Has two wins in a row and looks to garner a three-peat this time around. 6- Moneydontbuyulove – Looks to be tough upon coming to Northfield. 2- Chad – Won his most recent effort but is moving up in class. 4- Annie’s Rocketman – Should not be overlooked as a solid contender in here.
Race 2: 6- Lucky King – Looks to be successful upon coming to Cleveland. 2- Hokuri Handrail N – Draws well and looks to get a good trip. 1- Crosswinds Dodger – Could be tough from the rail. 3- Smart Move – Looks to be in the thick of the action.
Race 3: 7- Sandy’s Victory – Won her most recent effort and could strike again tonight despite starting on the far outside. 1- Headsaregonna Turn – Could do well from the rail. 5- Outburst – One of several in here that could make the ticket.
Race 4: 5- Herlin – Won two of his last three races and could strike again tonight. 9- Yes Your Mattjesty – Looks to be tough from the second tier. 1- Elite Awards – One of several that could do well in this highly-competitive field. 3- Dragon N Kickin – Has as good of a shot as any in here to complete the Superfecta.
Race 5: 5- Nono Lindy – Made the ticket in all three of his most recent races; could step-up and lead that ticket this time around. 1- Walltocousins – Looks to be a solid contender from the rail. 7- Ulf Hanover – Could make the ticket despite the poor post draw. 8- Super Lily – Another “outsider” that could grab a piece of the action.
Race 6: 1- Stuckey Dote – Draws the inside advantage and that advantage could be key in being successful in here. 3- Go Daddy Go – Looks to be tough...
Some insights into tomorrow’s racing program for our IdaBet plarers:
Beginning final week of season for Yonkers:
1ST RACE – (2) BONZAI BEACH has been knocking on the door in her last few tries. Draws well and need not be much to take down these in limited opener.
2ND RACE – (5) D G’S ELSA makes local debut after an Ottawa form spree. Won local qualifier with two-move effort, could be ready for first Westchester try.
3RD RACE – (5) WINDSUN BROOKLYN didn’t embarrass herself from an outer venue after arriving from Pocono. Just enough post relief tonite to be useful.
6TH RACE – (7) FAITHFUL DESIRE was handy, ‘peeked’ winner against lesser. Stay with going up ladder, if nothing else, should certainly be square price.
9TH RACE – (5) IN THE DARK has been quite good in all three local tries. We’re gazing here, because any number of competent lasses means value offered.
10TH RACE – (3) MACONUPWITHEDRAGON earns a third consecutive four-eyeball. Pocket third moving up ladder, but this appears to be easier group.
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$2 +/- (thru Tue., Dec. 5) – 319 wins [inc. 2 dead-heats] ($2,383.60)
from 1,453 ($2,906) selex (-$522.40, should have parental warning)
highest-priced winner – GYPSY LEATHER ($57.50)
lowest-priced winner – GREAT VINTAGE/FUNKNWAFFLES ($2.20 each)
BY FRANK DRUCKER,
Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
Thank you for your continued support of Yonkers Raceway and IdaBet.com!
Northfield Track Announcer Ayers Ratliff’s free handicapping tips are provided for our IdaBet.com players.
Remember, due to their draw schedule, picks are made in advance and do not account for scratches or late driver changes.
From the “Ayers Above” SUNDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 10
Race 1: 1- Gorgeous Road – Draws the rail and looks to take tonight’s opener. 4- Thrill Chaser – Finished second last time out and looks to be tough again tonight. 3- De Vins Girl – Draws well and looks to make the ticket. 6- Shirleys Dream – Could add value to the exotics.
Race 2: 7- Obsessed Blue Chip – Was a winner last time out and could strike again tonight. 8- Dynamite Stick – Could do well in here despite starting from the far outside. 1- Song Of Forgivness – Could be tough from the rail. 6- Song Of The West – Could grab a piece of the action.
Race 3: 3- It’s Your Fantasy – Gets the top-call to start tonight’s Pick 5. 1- Nirvana Gear – Could be tough from the rail. 2- Mortgage Bags – Draws well and should get a good trip.
Race 4: 6- Happy To Scoot – Draws into a race where several could win; this one gets the slight call over the others to get the job done. 7- Wynnfrith – Another that looks to have a big shot in here. 4- Stephie Clay – Made the ticket in all three of her most recent races and could be right there again tonight. 5- Naked At The Beach – Has as good of a shot as any in here to complete the Superfecta.
Race 5: 2- Screamin Dreamin – Draws well and could score with the right trip. 1- Gonnakissmeornot – Another that looks to be solid in here. 4- Mustodian – Should not be overlooked as a solid contender. 6- Hooray For Willie – Looks to be in the thick of the action.
Race 6: 2- Intuitive Writer – Could be successful upon coming to Northfield. 4- Major John – Looks to be solid in here. 6- Western Legs – Looks to be rounding into form. 3- Out Wit – Could grab a...
Data provided by Equibase
