Sports

Guaranteed $5,000 Pick-5 pool Saturday at Batavia

By Press Release
Sep 18, 2021, 11:54am

Press release:

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 18) there will be two carryovers and one guaranteed pool.

With no winner of the Pick-5 on Friday (Sept. 17), there is a carryover of $898 and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the track will offer a $5,000 guaranteed pool for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 18). The guarantee is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by clicking here. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv0918x.pdf)

Free program pages can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the next day of racing.

Then in race 9, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a carryover of $1,156. Free program pages for these races can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab where free full card past performance programs are always available for every live racing night at Batavia Downs.

And if you can't attend the races in person, you can still watch a live stream of the entire night's action on the Batavia Downs Youtube channel.

Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Fisher, Swift, Warriner sweep Batavia trots

By Press Release
Sep 18, 2021, 11:52am

Press release:

Driver Ray Fisher Jr., trainer Ryan Swift, and owner Mary Warriner were a formidable team at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 17) as they won both top trotting features of the week.

Friday's "A" Team took the $12,300 Open I Handicap trot with Lougazi ($3.00) who made his first Batavia Downs appearance of 2021.

Willie B Worthy (Kevin Cummings) led to the quarter in a slow:29 split, so Fisher pulled Lougazi early from third and sat outside the leader pushing the pace. After a :56.4 half and 1:26.4 three-quarters, Lougazi finally crossed over and took command heading into the final bend. From there he trotted home with authority and won by a length in 1:56.

It was the 39th-lifetime win for the 7-year-old gelded son of Lou's Legacy.

Then in the $11,000 Open II Handicap, Frank's Watching was assigned post eight and dismissed by the betting public at 25-1. But that had little bearing on the outcome.

Frank's Watching went right to the front, increased his lead incrementally at each quarter station, turned for home with a 3-⅓ length margin and coasted home to win in a new lifetime best time of 1:57.1.

That was the seventh win of the year for the upset-minded Frank's Watching ($52.50).

Shawn McDonough was the leading horseman on Friday with a driving hat trick and also two training wins.

Frank's Watching wasn't the only longshot to hit the board on Friday. The card opened with a real bomb when Western Passage was sent off at 37-1 to pay $77.50. Being the first race of the Pick-5 wager, it resulted in no one having the winning combination. As a result there is an $898 carryover for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 18) and the management of Batavia Downs has announced there will be a $5,000 guaranteed pool as well. That will be part of the USTA's Strategic Wagering and free program pages for those races are available on the USTA's website or by clicking this link.

https://legacy.trackmaster.com/usta/btv0918x.pdf

There is also a carryover of $1,156 for the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the last race on Saturday and free full card program pages are always available for download at the Batavia Downs website and Facebook page.

Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Trojans just miss chance to beat Avon

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 18, 2021, 11:50am

The Alexander Trojans suffered the team's first loss of the season at the hands of Avon, 12-10.

The Trojans drop to 2-1 and Avon remains undefeated at 3-0.

Alexander scored first on a 30-yard field goal by Eric Cline to cap a seven-minute offensive drive.

Avon took the lead early in the second quarter on a one-yard TD. A failed extra-point try made the score 6-3.

Alexander's final score of the game came on a Nick Kramer one-yard TD dive followed by a Cline PAT, 10-6.

With two minutes left in the half, Avon scored again on a 23-yard pass, setting the score at 12-10.

The Trojan's last gasp came with 30 seconds left on the clock and a 37-yard field goal attempt that drifted wide, allowing Avon to hold on for the win.

Braden Woods carried the ball 19 times for 132 yards. Kramer rushed for 32 yards and a TD on nine carries.

Photos By Philip Casper. Top photo: Nick Kramer QB #3 scrambling out of the pocket

Brayden Woods RB #2

Nick Kramer QB #3 being brought down after a commanding run

Eric Cline K #9 with the field goal attempt

Benny Merrill DB #6

Trojans special teams making their way onto the field before a field goal attempt

Clayton Bezon, FB #40 powering through the Avon line

Protect Blue Chip back to winning ways at Batavia

By Press Release
Sep 16, 2021, 10:51am

Press release:

Protect Blue Chip finished third in her first start back last week after returning from a five-week respite. That start served her well as she bounced back with a season’s best effort in winning the $12,300 Distaff Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Sept. 15).

Jim Morrill Jr. hustled Protect Blue Chip to the lead and kept everyone honest through fractions of:27.4 and:57. At that point the field split -- three in and three out -- with the outer flow consisting of Stay Beautiful (Braxton Boyd), Wonderful World (Drew Monti), and Misty Memory N (Shawn McDonough).

Feeling the pressure, Morrill tapped the gas and Protect Blue Chip sped up the third panel to:28.2. However, despite the increased tempo, Stay Beautiful continued to reel in the leader and Misty Memory N tipped three high and was full of pace. Heading for home and in the midst of the attack, Protect Blue Chip stayed brave and fended off all comers under a mere line drive by Morrill and won by a 1-1/4 lengths in 2021 personal best of 1:54.

It was the eighth win of the year for Protect Blue Chip ($3.40) who is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice is the trainer.

Morrill ended up as the winningest driver on Wednesday after he added scores with Willy Mouse (2:00.1, $5.40) and Hey Kobe (1:56.4, $4.20) to take home the hat trick.

A scratch shortened field of five mares started in the $9,900 Open III pace and when they hit the wire they were all only 1-1/2 lengths apart from each other.

Ellieonthemove (Kevin Cummings) got away easy and led to the half without opposition. Then Twin B Kini (Drew Monti) tipped first-over at five-eighths and drew even with the leader by the 1:27.3 three-quarters. At the top of the stretch the entire field fanned out across the track and all five horses had a shot to win, but Twin B Kini was toughest of all and hung on by a neck in 1:56.4.

Twin B Kini ($5.00), who came in fresh off winning the New York Sire Stake County Fair final for 3-year-old pacing fillies at Historic Track in Goshen on Sunday (Sept. 5), increased her 2021 win total to 11 on the strength of this victory for her owners John Sixt and Judy Blaun, who also does the training.

Monti and Blaun combined to score a consecutive double after they won with Barry Hanover (1:55.3, $3.10) in the following race.

The Jackpot Hi-5 perfecta was not hit in the last race on Wednesday so there will be a $946 carryover for that bet on Friday when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs at 5 p.m.

GCC will induct new members of Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday

By Press Release
Sep 16, 2021, 10:40am

Press release:

This Saturday, Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Genesee Community College will welcome its 2021 inductees into its Athletic Hall of Fame. This year the College will honor:

Brian Jackson who played on the Men's Basketball team from 2001-2003, never losing a home game during his tenure. Jackson played on the first team all-region both years, won two district titles, two region titles and made two national tournament appearances. He broke GCC's record for career assists, had 17.8 points a game, 3.75 rebounds, led the team in assist and steals, and had a 1,138 career-point total. Off the court, Jackson is a Behavioral Specialist at Eugenio Maria de Hostas Charter School and is the head coach of the boys' varsity basketball team. He also has his own training brand, Jackson Basketball Training. Jackson resides in Rochester, New York.

Jessie Jaszko Rapone, born in 1990 in Batavia, NY, Jessie is the daughter of Diane Donohue and the late Joseph Jaszko and has one brother, Joey Jaszko. She graduated from Batavia High School in 2008 where she played varsity soccer player. She attended GCC and played soccer until graduation in 2011, and went to work as a Medical Administrative Assistant. Her career has taken her to Three Little Birds Pediatrics in Batavia, NY. In 2015 Jessie married Mikey Rapone and they have two children. They reside in Batavia where she coaches Notre Dame High School's girls' varsity soccer team. She continues to play soccer all year long and shares her love of the game with her children.

Chris Page played baseball for the GCC Cougars from 2007-2009. As a freshman Page was selected Third Team All- American. In his sophomore season, he led the Cougars with 52 hits, 4 Home Runs, and 34 RBIs. In 2009 Page set the single-season school record with 34 RBIs, 34 walks, and 18 doubles. He was selected GCC's male athlete of the year, in addition to being named 2nd team All-American and 1st team All-Region. Page was ranked 22nd in the nation with a batting average of .456. To conclude his final season with GCC he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and was the first GCC athlete in baseball to achieve this honor. Page continued his baseball career at Embry Riddle, where he was a two-time first-team all-conference selection.

Last, but certainly not least, the entire 2016 Men's Lacrosse Team is being inducted for their outstanding season and Genesee Community College's first-ever National Lacrosse Championship title. The team ranked #4 from the start of the pre-season to the last poll before playoffs began. During the regular season, they lost only to the three top teams in the country - Onondaga Community College, Nassau Community College and CC-Broome County-Essex in overtime. Genesee beat every other team in the league by 10 or more goals. In the regional playoffs, GCC dominated, automatically qualifying for the National Tournament. GCC hosted Howard CC in the first round and won, putting GCC in the National semi-final game against Nassau, the then #1 seed. In the semi-final game, GCC was winning at halftime, tied at the end of the third quarter and with five seconds left in the game, GCC earned a spot in their first-ever National Championship Game. The National Championship game was the third time facing off against Onondaga CC. In overtime, GCC came up with huge saves and caused turnovers and in the end, scored the most important goal in the history of GCC's lacrosse program, for the school's first National Lacrosse Championship.

The community is invited to join the Athletic Department and Alumni Affairs Office in welcoming these deserving individuals and team members into Genesee Community College's Athletic Hall of Fame.

OAE gets second win of season, 68-0

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 14, 2021, 1:53pm

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies enjoyed another day of domination on both sides of the football in their second game of the season on Monday.

The final score: OAE 68, Clyde-Savannah 0.

The Aggies gained a total of 589 yards on the ground.

Gaige Armbrewster had five carries for 113 yards and three TDs. Noah Currier, six carries, 149 yards, two TDs. Aidan Weisbrodt, two carries, 117 yards. Connor Scott, eight carries, 74 yards, and a TD. Jayden Allport had one rushing TD and an interception on defense. Aiden Warner scored a TD on the ground.

Brayden Smith had a big game on defense with six tackles, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. CJ Gottler had five tackles. Kameron Cusmano had an interception.

"In these first two games, our boys have really enjoyed the 'success by committee' approach the team is taking," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "This was another complete team performance, and we had a lot of guys contributing to the win."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Pembroke runs away with second victory in second game of the season

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 12, 2021, 11:06am

Pembroke moved to 2-0 to start the 2021 football season on Friday evening with a 47-6 win over Lyons/Sodus.

Tyson Totten rushed for 138 yards on 11 carries. He scored a touchdown. Caleb Felski, seven carried, 65 yards and a TD.

QB Cayden Pfalzer was 506 passing for 107 yards and two TDs. He also had six carries for 46 yards and a TD.

Chase Guzdek had three receptions for 68 yards and two TDs.

Alex Lamb and Giovanni Smart each had three sacks. Smart recovered two fumbles. Jacob Dulski had six tackles. Pfalzer contributed a sack and an interception.

In other football this weekend:

Batavia beat Attica 41-8. Jesse Reinhart was 8-12 passing for 184 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 35 yards on two carries, scoring a TD. Cam McClinic also scored a rushing touchdown, gaining seven yards on two carries. Aidan Anderson rushed for 76 yards on ten carries. Carter McFollins caught two TD passes and Jamison Richardson and Javin McFollins each had a TD reception. Kaden Marucci had seven tackles, Garret Schmidt had six.

Alexander beat Geneseo/Mount Morris 63-14. Eight of the 17 players on the Alexander roster scored touchdowns. Braydon Woods had 11 carries for 73 yards. Nick Kramer, 48 on seven carries. And Clayton Bezon rushed for 312 yards on six carries. Kramer was 3--5 passing for 86 yards. Benny Merrill had two receptions for 73 yards. Bezon had seven tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovering.

East Rochester beat Le Roy 18-6.

Previously: Wade, Essig, Cappotelli spark Cal-Mum/B-B to a 36-0 varsity football victory over host Notre Dame

Photos by Elizabeth Gabby.

Wade, Essig, Cappotelli spark Cal-Mum/B-B to a 36-0 varsity football victory over host Notre Dame

By Mike Pettinella
Sep 11, 2021, 4:26pm

The Caledonia-Mumford/Byron-Bergen Red Raiders dominated on both sides of the ball this afternoon, blanking host Notre Dame, 36-0, in varsity football action.

Senior quarterback Kyle Wade and senior receiver Scott Essig led the way with Wade passing for three touchdowns – two of them in the first half to Essig, who also scored on an interception as the visitors led 22-0 at intermission.

Both teams are 1-1.

After stopping the Fighting Irish on a fourth down play at the ND 29, Cal-Mum/B-B took a 6-0 lead midway through the first quarter when Wade found Essig from 11 yards out. Senior running back Jacob Cappotelli ran it in for the two-point conversion.

The visitors went up 14-0 late in the quarter when Essig intercepted a pass in the end zone by ND quarterback Jimmy Fanara, who was chased out of the pocket and attempted to throw the ball away.

Cal-Mum/B-B scored again in the second quarter, this time on a 33-yard pass from Wade to Essig on a fourth-and-11 play, capping a 77-yard drive. Cappotelli’s run made it 22-0 at the half.

ND was held to just one first down in the opening half, that coming in the final minute.

In the second half, Wade tossed a 29-yard TD strike to tight end Mark Poles-Harrison in the third quarter – sophomore Anthony Leach tallied the two-point conversion – and junior David Bromsted scampered into the end zone from 17 yards out in the fourth period to round out the scoring. Bromsted also had an interception for the Red Raiders.

Cappotelli ran the ball 20 times for 97 yards and Wade’s three completions in five attempts all went for touchdowns. Cal-Mum/BB outgained Notre Dame, 221-89.

For the Irish, George Woodruff (19 tackles), Drew Edwards (18 tackles) and Vin DiRisio (13 tackles) were defensive stalwarts. Ryan Fitzpatrick came up with an interception on a pass that was deflected by DiRisio.

For the game, Cal-Mum/B-B had 16 first downs to Notre Dame’s three. Bryceton Berry’s 20-yard run in the fourth quarter was ND’s longest play of the day.

Morrill had a big night at Batavia Downs

By Press Release
Sep 11, 2021, 9:53am

Press release:

Jim Morrill Jr. was in top form at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 10) by winning four races that included a natural hat trick in races six, seven and eight and the top two trots.

In the $11,800 Open I-II, Morrill sent Party Boy Hanover down the road and dominated his rivals for two tours of the oval. After leading to the three-quarter pole by as much as two open lengths, Party Boy Hanover turned for home and out-legged the field by 1-½ lengths in a season's best time of 1:57.4.

It was the third win in five starts since coming to Batavia for Party Boy Hanover ($12.40).

Then in the $8,700 mid-level condition trot, Morrill air mailed Keystone Apache from post six and proceeded in a similar style. After quarters of :28.3, :58 and 1:27.3, Keystone Apache held off all comers down the lane to win in 1:57.3, which was also a seasonal mark.

It was the fifth win of the year for Keystone Apache ($6.10).

Both horses are owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing, and Adelphi Bloodstock, and both are trained by Maria Rice.

Morrill rounded out his grand slam with Innocent Victim (1:56.1, $2.80) and Heez Orl Black N (1:56.3, $2.30).

From his 10 starts on Friday, Morrill also had two seconds and two-thirds giving him a stout .525 UDR for the evening.

The fundraiser to benefit the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester that was held at Batavia Downs on Friday raised a total of $16,500. The management of Batavia Downs would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended the function and especially thanks to everyone who made a donation.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 11) with post time for the first race at 5:00 p.m. and there are two small carryovers to mention. The Jackpot Pick-6 has a carryover of $639 and the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta has a carryover of $248.

Batavia Downs to conduct annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser Friday

By Press Release
Sep 10, 2021, 2:46pm

Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel is gearing up to host its annual fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) on Friday night (Sept. 10) in the track’s historic clubhouse.

The fundraiser includes a $30 clubhouse buffet package deal, a silent auction with a wide variety of items up for bid, sponsorship of races, and private donations. The clubhouse opens at 4 p.m. and the first race post time Friday is 5 p.m.

“The officers and staff at Batavia Downs are thrilled to be able to partner with the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester for their annual fundraising event,” said Facility Vice-President of Operations Scott Kiedrowski. “The tremendous outpouring of support year after year from our customers, horsemen and women, and residents from the surrounding communities is very heartwarming and makes this fundraising effort a true success.”

The silent auction will be held in the clubhouse entryway with bidding opening at 4 p.m. and continuing until the start of the tenth race which will be approximately 8 p.m. High bidders do not need to be present when the silent auction closes.

Many local horsemen and women get greatly involved in helping out with this great cause by donating all or some of their Friday night earnings and many have already pledged in advance. Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact Jami Chatt via Facebook (@Jami Rae) or in the paddock Friday night.

“We had so many sponsors this year we had to double up on most races,” said Todd Haight, Director and General Manager of Live Racing at Batavia Downs. “The last time we held this event was 2019 when we raised over $17,000. I think we’ll take a run at that total this year.”

The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is the only full-scope, an independently-operated organization focused on serving breast and gynecologic cancer survivors in the Central and Western New York regions and each year they benefit from over 100 fundraising events like this. They are a community-based, grassroots organization dedicated to eradicating breast cancer through research and advocacy along with offering supportive and educational programs that are available to breast and gynecologic cancers survivors. And all programs and services are free of charge.

A very busy Labor Day
Those who attended the races on Labor Day at Batavia Downs had to be impressed by the size of the crowd as it was certainly the largest attendance at the track since the prestigious New York SIre Stakes Night of Champions was held in 2019.

“Traditionally Labor Day is our biggest day of the season. We’ve had some big Labor Days in the past but no doubt this one was up there with others from 20 years ago. Fueled by $1 Sahlen's hot dogs, sodas and drafts, on-track betting was double per race than it normally is. You could simply look at the tote board and see the pools were bigger than usual,” said Haight.

“Our loyal patrons certainly came out to play the races and enjoy our dollar specials. We went through 2000 hot dogs (in four hours) and hundreds of sodas and drafts. Our food and beverage department did an incredible job handling the lines.”

Loyal Fox Hanover was best on trot-heavy Batavia card

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 7, 2021, 8:32am

Press release:

After repeating a winning strategy, Loyal Fox Hanover went gate to wire once again to win the $12,300 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 6).

For the third time in his last four starts, Jim Morrill Jr. marched Loyal Fox Hanover to the front and led all the way home. After Willie B Worthy (Denny Bucceri) made a break, Loyal Fox Hanover kept the remaining four foes in check with quarters of :28, :57.4 and 1:27.1 with Mugshots Bro (Shawn McDonough) at his back and Barn Hall (Kyle Cummings) to his outside in chase.

As the race rounded the far turn, CR Blazin Beauty (Kevin Cummings) joined the party three-wide and all of a sudden it was a real scramble. From the top of the stretch to the finish line, Barn Hall and CR Blazin Beauty continued to gain on Loyal Fox Hanover and when they hit the light the three were across the track only a neck apart. But Loyal Fox Hanover hung on in 1:57.

In five Batavia starts, Loyal Fox Hanover ($7.60) has not missed the board with three wins, one second and one third for owners Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the winner.

Morrill and Rice also hooked up to win with Majestic Kat (1:59.4, $3.30), giving each two wins on the card.

In the $11,000 Open II Handicap trot, Franks Watching (Dave McNeight III) dropped down from the top class and circled the field to win by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:58.2. It was the sixth win of the year for Franks Watching ($3.50) for owner Mary Warriner and trainer Ryan Swift.

The third trotting feature was the $10,400 Open II-III where Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) started from post one and finished in the same position as he led the entire mile. After stopping the timer in 1:59, Lunar Credit ($2.40) chalked up his fourth win of the year for owner Jim McNeight Jr. Jim McNeight trains Lunar Credit.

There was a $2,403 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the eighth race and it generated a huge payoff. Despite the heavily favored Hellrider ($5.10) winning the race, the 3-7-2-6-9 returned a generous $4,278.10 for a 20-cent wager.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 10) with post time at 5 p.m.

Le Roy's Cartwright earns soccer award at Alfred

By Press Release
Sep 7, 2021, 8:12am

Press release:

In a week where the Alfred University women’s soccer team went 1-0-2 in non-conference action to open the 2021 season, the Saxon defense kept defensive pressure off of their keeper and that was in large part thanks to Katline Cartwright (Le Roy, NY/Le Roy).

On Monday, in an official announcement by Associate Commissioner, Joe Venniro, Cartwright joined Hartwick goalie, Sara Staup as the Co-Defensive Players of the Week. Cartwright was also named the Saxon of the Week along with Alfred University football’s Jeremiah Young (Buffalo, NY/Canisius).

Cartwright anchored a defense as the center defender who had two shutouts in a week, going 1-0-2. Over the weekend she led a defense that only allowed seven shots on goal in two games. Cartwright was vital in preventing numerous dangerous goal-scoring opportunities from the opponents.

Cartwright and the Saxons will next head to SUNY Brockport on Wednesday, September 8 for a 4:00 p.m. start before playing in their first home game on Saturday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. versus Kings College (PA).

OAE crushes Cuba-Rushford 64-6

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 5, 2021, 9:48am

Oakfield-Alabama/Elba started its 2021 season in dominating fashion, beating Cuba-Rushford 64-6.

Gaige Armbrewster had seven carries for 202 yards and four touchdowns. Bodie Hyde, three carries, 68 yards, two TDs and one passing reception for a TD to go along with five tackles on defense.

Kameron Cusmano rushed four times for 80 yards and a TD and caught a 15-yard TD pass.

Aiden Warner, six carries, 52 yards, and a TD.

Nate Finta lead the team with 13 tackles and Angelo Penna had 10 tackles.

Head coach Tyler winter said, "Our guys did a great job of making sure the focus for this week of practice was to put in the work necessary to put the best product of OAE football on the field. Without the preseason scrimmage and a lack of scouting, we couldn't really put the focus on the opponent. They had a great week of practice and the success they achieved today was a total team effort."

Also on Saturday, Pembroke beat Wellsville, 55-26. Tyson Totten carried the ball 13 times for 291 yards and five touchdowns. Dakota vonKRamer, two carries, 65 yards, and a TD. Alex Lamb scored a rushing TD. Caleb Felski returned a kickoff 85 yards for a TD. On Defense, Chase Guzdek had six tackles and a sack. Pete Farrington also had six tackles and a fumble recovery. Jacob Dulski had five tackles. Jyden Mast, four tackles and a sack. Sam Pfeiffer, two tackles and a sack.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Silver Arrow was on target in Batavia feature

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 5, 2021, 9:31am

Press release:

A patient drive by Kyle Cummings paid big dividends for owner//trainer Lee Dahn after Silver Arrow roared down the lane to an upset victory off a perfect trip at 16-1 in the $12,300 Open I Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 4).

Sunfirewindrain (Jim McNeight Jr.) was in his favorite spot -- on the point -- and stepped off solid fractions of :27.2 and :56.2 while Catch A Lefty A (Mike Baumeister), SIlver Arrow and the rest of the field stayed single file behind. As they headed by the five-eighths, Thor De Vie (Kevin Cummings) made a first-up move and tried to advance to the front.But when the third quarter went :28 flat, Thor De Vie stalled and Sunfirewindrain opened up two heading into the last turn.

Sunfirewindrain looked strong heading around the turn but things were about to change. Catch A Lefty A left the pocket, allowing Silver Arrow to slide up the pylons. These two horses now flanked Sunfirewindrain and he was really starting to feel the heat. With all three drivers fully animated as they headed for home, the three horses paced hard side by side all the way down the lane. They hit the wire in a photo with a mere nose separating all three with Silver Arrow getting the nod with a 1:54.1, season’s best victory.

It was the first Batavia Downs win of the year for Silver Arrow ($34.80) and fourth overall this year.

The undercard provided another good payoff. After not having raced in over a month and starting tonight fresh off a qualifier, Endeavors Pride dropped one class and popped at 7-1 to upset in the $11,000 Open II pace.

Major Asset (Jim Morrill Jr.) took command by the quarter and set a moderate pace of :57.1 to the half. In the third bend, Santana Beach (Drew Monti) pulled first-up from fifth and Endeavors Pride (Kevin Cummings) was right on his back. The outer flow caught the leader by three-quarters and just before coming out of the turn, Cummings pulled Endeavors Pride and blew right to the front and paced away to victory in 1:54.2.

Endeavors Pride ($16.20) picked up his fifth win of the year for owner Mike Torcello and trainer Gerry Sarama.

Kevin Cummings, Sarama and Torcello also won with Ginger Tree Lerue (1:56.3, $7.10) and B’s Yankee (1:55.3, $4.00) for the triple to lead in all categories for wins on Saturday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 6) with a special matinee post time of 1:15 p.m. Please note that there will be a carryover pool of $2,403 available on Labor Day in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 in race eight.

Anderson ignites Batavia to 41-0 victory in home opener

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 4, 2021, 9:05am

Aidan Anderson and Jesse Reinhart led the Blue Devil's offense in a shutout win over Bishop-Kearney in Batavia's season opener at home.

The final score, 41-0.

Anderson rushed for 130 yards on seven carries and scored two touchdowns. He also had an interception return for a touchdown.

Reinhart was 7-13 passing for 84 yards and two TDs. Cole Grazioplena caught a 15-yarder and Carter McFollins grabbed a seven-yard TD pass.

Kaden Marucci and Vincent Arroyo each had four tackles. Marucci and Anderson (who had two interceptions) each had a fumble recovery.

Also on Friday night:

LeRoy 21, Caledonia-Mumford 6. Drew Stroller carried the ball 16 times for 93 yards and a TD. Jack Tonzt scored a TD on six carries for 17 yards. Adam Risewick caught three passes for 33 yards. John Panepento was 5-9 passing for 45 yards. Tyler Strollo had seven tackles.

Alexander 7, Bolivar-Richburg 0. Head Coach Tim Sawyer described the game as a battle. "Old school football." Nick Kramer scored the only TD of the game on a 2 yard run up the middle near the beginning of the 2nd quarter. Eric Cline nailed the PAT. Kramer had a fumble recovery and 4 tackles and Sophomore CB Tyler Marino recovered a fumble late to seal the Trojan victory. DE Gavin Smith Crandall had 5 tackles for the Trojans. Jr. DE Cole Dean had 2 Sacks and two tackles while Clayton Bezon had 1 sack and 5 tackles. Brayden Woods led the Trojans in rushing with 30 yards on 11 carries

Story: Notre Dame Fighting Irish blank host York/Pavilion, 15-0, behind junior quarterback Jimmy Fanara

To view and or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Guaranteed $4,000 Pick-5 pool Saturday at Batavia Downs

By Press Release
Sep 4, 2021, 8:44am

Press release:

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 4) there will be three carryovers and one big guarantee.

With no winner of the Pick-5 on Friday (Sept. 3), there is a carryover of $1,059 and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the track will offer a $4,000 guaranteed pool for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 4). The guarantee is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages for those five races are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website (ustrotting.com) or by clicking this link. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv0904x.pdf)

Free program pages can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab or at the Batavia Downs Facebook page.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the next day of racing.

Then in race five, there is a $225 carryover for the Jackpot Pick-6 and in race 10 the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a carryover of $1,849. Free program pages for these races can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab where free full card past performance programs are always available for download for every live racing night at Batavia Downs.

Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Misty Memory N brushes late to win Batavia Open

By Press Release
Sep 4, 2021, 8:42am

Press release:

Making her first start for new connections after being claimed last week, Misty Memory N moved up to the top class on the grounds and despite being overlooked by the betting public, won the $12,300 Distaff Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 3) in convincing fashion.

Misty Memory N (Ray Fisher Jr.) started from an assigned post seven and settled in last as No Where To Hide (Kevin Cummings) led uncontested to the half in: 57.4. At that station, Misty Memory N left the pegs and started the long trek in the breeze without cover as they headed into turn three.

As No Where To Hide took the field up the backside, Misty Memory N made her way towards the front, methodically picking off horse after horse. By three-quarters, she was second on the outside and the leader was starting to show fatigue. At the top of the stretch, Misty Memory N was in full flight and paced right by the tiring No Where To Hide. She opened up 1-1/2 lengths at the light and won in 1:56.2.

In her initial outing for new owner JP Houle Stables and trainer Gaston Lareau, Misty Memory N ($18.40) won her third straight race at Batavia Downs and eighth of the year overall, increasing her 2021 earnings to $64,350.

In the $9,350 Distaff Open IV Handicap pace, HP Sissy (Jim McNeight Jr.) looked very much in form as she went gate to wire with authority, winning by 2-3/4 lengths in a new seasonal best 1:56.1. HP Sissy ($6.20) is owned by Finnocchario’s Dream Stable and is trained by Jim McNeight.

Finnocchario, McNeight, and McNeight Jr. also hooked up earlier with Smooth Mara N ($9.00) to have a connection double on the card. McNeight Jr. ended his night as the top driver with three overall winning steers.

There were two other connection doubles registered on Friday. First, owner Mike Torcello, trainer Gerry Sarama and driver Kevin Cummings got across Nats A Lady (1:59, $34.00) and Backyard Swagger (1:55.4, $12.80) and then trainer Tammy Cummings and driver Kyle Cummings who also own Candy’s Desire (1:57, $11.80) and Heaven’s Diva (1:56.1, $16.60).

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 4) there will be three carryovers and one big guarantee.

The Pick-5 wager in races one through five was not hit again on Friday and as a result, there is a $1,059 carryover and General Manager Todd Haight announced there will be a guaranteed $4,000 pool for that wager on Saturday. The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and free program pages for races one through five are already available on the USTA website (ustrotting.com) under the Handicapping tab, on the Batavia Downs website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the live racing tab and also on the Batavia Downs Facebook page. Or get it here by clicking this link. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv0904x.pdf)

Then in race five there is a $225 carryover for the Jackpot Pick-6 and in race 10 the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a carryover of $1,849. Free full card past performance forms for every race night are always available for download at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab.

Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Photos: Blue Devils Experience night at Van Detta

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 1, 2021, 12:58pm

The Batavia Bulldawgs and the Batavia Blue Devils joined together once again on Tuesday night for the annual (after a skipped season) Blue Devil Experience Night at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

Batavia Downs announces schedule and post time changes

By Press Release
Aug 31, 2021, 10:05am

Press release:

Horseman and racing fans should be advised of the following changes at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel heading into the month of September.

Wednesday racing will take a two-week hiatus on September 1 and 8 but will resume on September 15 with post time remaining at 5:00 p.m.

Racing shifts back to Fridays starting on September 3 and post time will also be 5 p.m. The track has not been racing on Fridays thus far this year as live concerts have been ongoing every Friday since opening week.

Another change to note is that Saturday post times starting September 4 move to 5 p.m. for the rest of the season with the exception of Breeder’s Cup Saturday (Nov. 6) when post time will be 3:15 p.m.

There is one more matinee remaining during the summer-fall meet and that is Labor Day Monday (Sept. 6) with post time at 1:15 p.m. It’s also the final Dollar Day of the season. Sahlen hot dogs, sodas and draft beer will be just $1 from noon until 4 p.m. on Labor Day.

The clubhouse hours are also changing and will now be open from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The only exception is Breeders Cup Day (Nov. 6) with the time to be announced. The Clubhouse will be closed on Labor Day.

For the complete racing schedule please visit bataviadownsgaming.com.

Business is Brisk

There are many positives to be noted during the first 18 days of the summer-fall meet at Batavia Downs. Total betting is up roughly $3,000 per race and the clubhouse -- albeit limited due to staffing issues -- has sold out on a regular basis. Also, the Winning Wednesday hotel package that was introduced this year has proven to be a hit as over 91% capacity has been achieved each week on Wednesday since the season began.

“The combination of having free full card past performances programs available online nightly and a nine-horse field in the last race has certainly helped our betting,” said Todd Haight, Director and General Manager of Live Racing. “You can simply look at the tote board and see our win pools are bigger and there has also been a lot of interest in our new Jackpot wagers as well.”

Haight was also pleased with the Clubhouse.

“Our staff is doing a great job keeping the Clubhouse open. We have very limited staffing but we are doing our best to keep it open and the only reason it’s happening is because of the hard work of our dedicated employees.”

“We thought the Winning Wednesday hotel deal would be a hit when we put it together and it has been, and it has positively affected all phases of our business. Our Wednesday night on-track handle is up and the clubhouse is busier (as are our other restaurants) along with the gaming floor,” Haight concluded.

The $79 hotel deal continues through Wednesday (Dec. 8).

Loyal Fox Hanover goes the route in Batavia trot

By Press Release
Aug 30, 2021, 9:31am

Press release:

Two weeks ago Loyal Fox Hanover won gate to wire in the Open II trot at Batavia Downs. After racing off the pace in defeat last week, driver Jim Morrill Jr. went back to basics as he moved up in class and circled the field once again in the $11,200 Open I Handicap trot at the Downs on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 29).

Morrill guided Loyal Fox Hanover on the lead through somewhat modest fractions of :29.2, :59.2 and 1:28.3 while Winning Legends (Justin Huckabone) and Willie B Worthy (Kyle Cummings) followed in chase. Heading into the far turn Winning Legends vacated the pocket to advance and Willie B Worthy slid in closer behind Loyal Fox Hanover. As the race headed down the lane those two inched closer but couldn’t reach the top as Loyal Fox Hanover trotted across the line first by 3/4’s of a length in 1:57 off a snappy :28.2 final panel.

Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock own Loyal Fox Hanover ($6.70) who scored his second win in his last four starts and hasn’t missed the board during that run at Batavia. Maria Rice trains the winner.

Morrill and Rice also hooked up to win with Movie Star (1:54.3, $8.20) to each finish with two wins on the day.

The $10,000 Open II trot went to Credit List (Justin Huckabone) who also went gate to wire in the easiest of fashion, winning by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:58.3. It was the first win of the year at Batavia, but ninth overall in 2021 for Credit List ($3.10) who is owned by Jonathan Appelbaum and trained by Justin Huckabone.

Other horsemen who had multiple winners included the father-son team of trainer Jim McNeight and driver Jim McNeight Jr. who had two wins each and driver Drew Monti who scored a double.

The live racing schedule changes at Batavia Downs next week as there will be no racing on Wednesday. However live racing returns to Friday (Sept. 3) with post time set for 5 p.m. On the Friday card there will be a $1,081 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the last race.

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