Serious George takes Batavia’s Open

Serious George was definitely serious on Sunday afternoon as he won the $9,000 Open trot at Batavia Downs in a lifetime mark of 1:58.3 over the fast track.

Paul White

Serious George got up on the outside to win Sunday's feature at Batavia

Sitting fourth at the three-quarter pole, Serious George ($4.80) was tipped to the outside by driver Jack Flanigen and went three-wide down the stretch to catch Kash N Credit (Ron Beback, Jr.), the pacesetter who eventually faded to third. Escrow Blue Chip (John Cummings, Jr.) managed to rally for second, ahead of Kash N Credit, but a length behind the winner.

It was the seventh win of the season for the 4-year-old Serious George, who now has earned $33,910 this year for owners Jason Wyatt of Gasport, N.Y. and James Palladino of Lockport, N.Y. Rich Mays trains the winner.

John Cummings and Dan Noble each had a driving triple, while Megan Wilson notched a training double in the matinee. The Pick-6 went un-hit again, meaning when racing resumes on Wednesday night there will be a carryover of more than $4,200. Post time has been scheduled for 6:25 p.m., eastern and the 12-race card will features the Fillies and Mares Open pace, with $9,000 on the line, slated as the seventh race, in which V'La Faire has been tabbed as the 3-1 morning line favorite.