Hypnotic Blue Chip wins Battle of Lake Erie

Francis Azur’s Hypnotic Blue Chip ($8.60) won Saturday’s $100,000 Battle of Lake Erie with a track-record equaling 1:49.4 effort. He defeated Won The West by five lengths, with favored Foiled Again, who set the fractions, finishing third.

 

Foiled Again and Dave Palone battled Pilgrims Toner for the early lead and took the field to the quarter in 26 seconds. Pilgrims Toner backed off and Foiled Again hit the half in 54 second, but driver Jody Jamieson had Hypnotic Blue Chip underway. By the three-quarter pole, the pair were on even terms, and Hypnotic Blue Chip put the favorite away with a 27.4 final panel. Kevin McDermott trains Hypnotic Blue Chip, a four-year-old son of Art Major.

 

In addition to the track record, the mile equals the fastest ever on a half-mile commercial racetrack and equals the fastest at night on a twice-around mile. (Northfield)