Hit It Once More leads all the way in Genesee Valley Breeders' Stakes

Hit It Once More hit once again in the $50,000 Genesee Valley Breeders' Stakes on Monday at Finger Lakes, leading throughout the race and drawing off to defeat his fellow New York-breds by three lengths.

This was the fourth career stakes victory for the Hard Spun horse, who was coming off a third-place finish in the Saginaw Stakes last month at Belmont for trainer Gary Sciacca against New York-breds, and who is also stakes-placed against open company this year. Hit It Once More also won the 2016 New York Derby at Finger Lakes and that summer's Albany Stakes at Saratoga, and this year's Haynesfield Stakes at Aqueduct.

Hit It Once More ($4.50) broke from the inside post in the Genesee Valley under local rider John Davila Jr., and ticked off early splits of 24.56 seconds for the quarter and 48.65 seconds for the half while tracked by Winston's Chance. Those two were six lengths clear of the field through six furlongs in 1:12.39. Hit It Once More drew off handily when put to a drive by Davila in the lane and the outcome was never in doubt from there, as he hit the line three in front. He finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.52.

After Winston's Chance, who was a clear second, it was 6 3/4 lengths back to Broadway Bay, who edged Papa Shot by a neck for third.