harness racing

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Some of the biggest names in Standardbred racing will be at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 30) for the $120,400 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings division. Fourteen horses are entered to compete in two splits, each vying for $60,200 in purse money.

In the first division (carded as race two), Rockin In Heaven (Rock N Roll Heaven-Tropic’s Beach Girl) is the 5-2 morning line choice and for good reason. He is coming in off a lifetime best, 1:50 flat win at Tioga Downs in the $290,000 Empire Breeders Classic. He is a multiple stakes winner this year, having already captured the Somebeachsomewhere and a leg of the Summertime series at Mohawk Raceway as well as the NYSS at Yonkers. And in those races has finished ahead of the likes of $400,000 Adios winner Dudes The Man and $300,000 Art Rooney Pace winner In The Arsenal.

Rockin In Heaven leaves from post five and will be driven by Trevor Henry for trainer Dr. Ian Moore.

His main competition appears to be American Primetime (American Ideal-Prime Xample A). Having raced the same slate of races as Rockin In Heaven over the past five starts, American Primetime has not had favorable draws. This week he starts from the rail and should be able to put forth his best effort as a result. His lifetime mark of 1:52.4 was taken over the half-mile oval at Yonkers Raceway and that bodes well for this start at Batavia.

American Primetime is 3-1 morning line and will be driven by Jason Bartlett for trainer Rick Dane Jr.

In the second division (carded as race four), Betting Exchange (Bettor’s Delight-Cheeky Hanover) brings an impressive resume to the table and as a result is the 2-1 early choice.

Most recently, Betting Exchange finished fourth in the $290,000 Empire Breeders Classic at Tioga Downs. After drawing post seven, Yannick Gingras took the colt to the front in :26.2 before getting covered up second by Arque Hanover. They sat the two-hole trip the entire race and fell just short in the stretch once getting loose in the stretch. Betting Exchange finished fourth in 1:50, beaten only three-quarters of a length by Rockin In Heaven.  

His biggest effort of the year came in the $810,000 Meadowlands Pace final on June 20 where he finished third behind Wakizashi Hanover and Wiggle It Jiggleit (currently first and third in North America for 2015 earnings) in 1:48 flat. He was only beaten by three lengths and was race timed in 1:48.3 in that marquee event.

Betting Exchange has drawn post one and will be driven by Jason Bartlett for trainer Tom Fanning.

Artistic Major (Art Major-Western Dancer) will be a major stumbling block for the favorite and has been listed as the 5-2 second choice. Having put together as solid a season as anyone could want, Artistic Major is 10 for 10 in the money and that money has totaled $203,351 this year. He was second in the fastest Empire Breeders Classic elimination (1:49.3) and then finished second once again in the final. All three of his wins have come in NYSS competition including his lifetime mark of 1:50.3 taken at Vernon Downs in June.

NYSS leading driver Jim Morrill Jr. takes the reins behind Artistic Major and will leave from post 4 for trainer Steve Elliott.

There are also two $15,000 NYSS Excelsior Series “A” races slated to go as race one and three.

Post time for the matinee card is set for 1:15.

(Fireyourguns with reinsman Mike Caprio. Photo courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

The horse named pacer of the meet for the last two years at Batavia Downs is making a case for a third as Fireyourguns won his second straight $9,500 Open pace at the oldest lighted harness track in North America on Saturday night (Aug. 29).  

Leaving from post five in the five-horse field, Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) got away last as Bad Fox (Lee Dahn) rushed to the lead before Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) brushed right on by at the quarter. Cummings then throttled down Youwillwishyouhad through as stodgy :30 second quarter as they hit the half in :58.1.

At that point, Caprio rolled Fireyourguns out to initiate his march to the front and incrementally improved position with each stride the pacer took. He pulled even with the leader at the three-quarter pole and a real battle ensued at that point. They paced in tandem around the last turn and halfway down the lane before Fireyourguns displayed superiority against his opponent and pulled away to a one-and-one-half length victory in 1:54.2.

It was the 10th win in 14 starts this year for Fireyourguns ($3.10) and the victory pushed his annual earnings to $63,875 for owners Jennifer and Robert Lowe and Terry McClory, who is also the gelding’s trainer.

Drew Monti, who was involved in a spill at the Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 26), returned to the bike on Friday (Aug. 28) but did not hit the winner’s circle. However that changed Saturday. Monti came back with a vengeance, scoring three wins and two seconds as he got back into a real groove.

Jack Flanigen also had three winners on the card while Kevin Cummings chimed in with a driving double. Maria Rice and Carl Smith both registered training doubles.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 30) with post time at 1:15 p.m. The card features two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings going for a total purse of $120,400.

(Lutetium with reinsman Kevin Cummings. Photo courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Despite the best efforts of local rival BZ Glide and the red hot ship-in Auspicious Hanover, Lutetium once again demonstrated he was the best Friday night (Aug. 28) in the $9,500 Open trotting feature at Batavia Downs. He is now four-for-four at the Genesee County oval and remains undefeated there in 2015.

Kevin Cummings sent Lutetium to the front from post six and led the whole race by two lengths while the rest of the field could do nothing but argue for place. The 8-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner set fractions of :28.1, :59 and 1:28.3 along the way before closing out the victory in 1:57.3.

It was the eighth win in 23 starts for Lutetium ($8.70) whose earnings were increased to $56,081 as a result of his efforts. The winner is trained by Mark Laidlaw for owner Colleen Girdlestone.

Batavia Downs leading driver Kevin Cummings had four victories on the night, pushing his win total to 43 for the meet. Shawn McDonough, Jim McNeight and Dave McNeight III all scored driving doubles. Trainers Kirk Desmond and Dave McNeight Jr. also had two conditioning wins apiece.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 29) with a 6:35 post time for the first race.

(Photo of Drew Monti by Jeff Zamaiko.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Western New York driving favorite Drew Monti was taken to a local hospital Wednesday night (Aug. 26) after being involved in a post-race spill that took place just past the wire.

After finishing second with Schooner or Later in the fourth race, Monti’s horse locked wheels with another horse while pulling up after the finish line, causing him to fall off the race bike. Before he could get up, he was struck by a trailing horse and knocked down again.

Track and first-aid personnel were on the scene immediately to assist Monti off the track and into the ambulance. He was evaluated on the scene and then transported to the Erie County Medical Center as a precautionary measure. Monti suffered cuts and abrasions but no broken bones and was released from the hospital late Wednesday night.

Drew Monti currently sits third in the Batavia Downs driver standings with 19 wins on the meet. He finished second at the recently concluded Buffalo Raceway meet with 139. For his career, the 20-year-old Monti has 417 wins and $2.1 million in earnings.

(Photo of Badlands Hanover with reinsman Jim McNeight courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations:

A patient steer from a veteran driver produced an upset victory in the $9,500 mares Open pace feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 26). It was Badlands Hanover (Jim McNeight) who sat last and watched the rest of the field argue position before swooping in to claim the spoils.

There was a traffic jam off the wings when Country Delight (Jack Flanigen) and All About Boyz (Dave McNeight III) went toe-to-toe through a fast 27.3 quarter. Not wanting to join the front-end fray yet locked out of a hole, heavy 1-9 favorite Ugly Betty (Drew Monti) ended up drafting third on the outside the entire time. These positions held firm past the half and three-quarters; that station in 1:26.2.  

As the group left the turn at the top of the stretch, Ugly Betty tried a three-wide tip and Dontch Remember (Ray Fisher Jr.) reached four-high. But wily veteran McNeight, who was saving ground the entire race, stuck to his guns and thus, the pylons, before barreling up the inside the pack to end up best of all with a 1:57.2 victory.

It was the seventh win in 30 starts this year for Badlands Love ($29.40) and the winner’s share pushed her coffers to $52,803 for owners Richard, Randy and Robert Roth. Richard Roth conditions the 4-year-old Badlands Hanover mare.

Driver Shawn McDonough score a natural hat trick winning races six, seven and eight. Jim McNeight, Ron Beback Jr. and Jack Flanigen all tallied doubles.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Aug. 28) with the first post set for 6:35.

Barn Doll with reinsman Jeff Gregory.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Barn Doll (Conway Hall-Headintheclouds) lived up to her hype as she toyed with the field in her division of the $120,400 New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) for 3-year-old trotting fillies at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 22)

As Ray Schnittker flew off the gate with Waiting Room to take an early three-length lead, Jeff Gregory floated Barn Doll out before settling in fourth. As the pack entered the clubhouse turn, Gregory started his outside march with the filly and quickly found himself sitting second outside of the leader at the three-quarter pole in 1:28.3.

Then halfway through the final turn, strategy came into play. Schnittker popped the earplugs looking to pull away while Gregory held his filly firm, making sure she got through that turn without issue. As the pair hit the top of the stretch, Barn Doll became explosive with trot and left the rest behind like they were tied to a post.

Barn Doll ($2.10) was a five-length winner in 1:57.3, which was only one-fifth second shy of the track record for this gait and sex. It was the ninth win in 11 starts for the top NYSS point-earning trotting filly and raised her 2015 earnings to $311,520.

After the race, Gregory commented “She just loves to pass horses down the lane. The filly is just a pleasure drive.”

Barn Doll is owned by Steve and Nancy Pratt and Wanda Polisseni’s Purple Haze Stable. Steve Pratt also trains the horse.

Jewels in Hock with reinsman Chris Lems.

In the other division, Jewels In Hock (Credit Winner-Jewels Galore) proved to be much the best even though she was tested early.

Chris Lems put Jewels In Hock took and held the point immediately, until Nunkeri (Ray Fisher Jr.) motored up the outside to challenge and then take the lead at the quarter. But with the tepid :30 clocking, Lems pulled to retake the front and did so without issue. From there the race was pretty much over.

Lems line-drove the filly to a 1:00.2 half and 1:29.4 three-quarters before letting her out a notch and trotting away from the field to win by two in 1:58.4.

“She just does it so easy,” Lems said. “She trotted real strong to the wire. She will definitely be a factor in the finals in a couple of weeks.”

It was the eighth win in 15 starts (and five out of her last 6) for Jewels In Hock ($3.10) who saw her 2015 earnings inflate to $220,450 for Ken Jacobs’ KJ Stable and trainer Linda Toscano.

There were also two $15,000 NYSS Excelsior Series A races on the card Saturday.

The first was won by Allerage Belle (Conway Hall-Bourbon Belle) in 2:00. The filly was driven by John Cummings Jr. for trainer Megan Wilson. Allerage Belle ($11.80) is owned by Alan Hainsworth.

The second division went to High Rise (Conway Hall-RC Biscuit) in 1:58.4. Chris Lems drove High Rise ($2.60) for trainer George Ducharme and owner Ray Campbell Jr.

The Downs $9,500 overnight pacing feature was won by Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) in 1:53.4 in one of the most exciting finishes this track has seen in some time.

After getting away last and remaining there passed five-eighths, Caprio took full advantage of his rail ride as the field fanned four-deep at the three-quarter pole. Now only three lengths off the lead and with a wall of horses in front of him, Fireyourguns was tipped widest off all; five-deep, and he had a head of steam to back him up. At the top of the lane, Fireyourguns forced his will on the field and pulled away to a one-length victory.

It was the ninth win in 13 starts this year for Fireyourguns ($18.60) who is owned by Jennifer and Robert Lowe and Terry McClory, who also trains the 6-year-old son of American Ideal.  

Visiting drivers Jeff Gregory and Chris Lems both scored driving doubles on the card.

Racing resumes Sunday afternoon at Batavia Downs with a 1:15 post time.

(Photos courtesy of Paul White.)

(Photo of Barn Doll courtesy of Steve Roth.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Two of the five richest 3-year-old trotting fillies in North America, that also just happen to be the top point-getters and money earners in the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for their sex and gait this year, will be in town on Saturday (Aug. 22) to compete for the $120,400 up for grabs at Batavia Downs.

Barn Doll (Conway Hall-Headintheclouds) currently ranks third for money earned in 2015 behind only Mission Brief (who finished second in the Hambletonian) and Wild Honey. She also ranks third for most wins by her sex and gait.

Barn Doll has four wins and two seconds in the state series along with wins in both the elimination and final of the $248,275 Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon Downs in June where she trotted back to back 1:52.1 miles. Jeff Gregory, who grew up just a short drive from Batavia, comes home to steer the classy filly that will start from post five as the morning line 4-5 favorite for trainer Stave Pratt.

In the other division, Jewels In Hock (Credit Winner-Jewels Galore) is fifth in North America in earnings for her sex and gait and second behind Barn Doll in the state for points and banked winnings.

Jewels In Hock comes in on a roll, winning four out of her last five starts, including three NYSS events. She has a seasonal mark of 1:53.3 earlier this year at the Meadowlands and has earned $190,350 on the strength of her seven victories. Chris Lems is in the bike this week for trainer Linda Toscano and will team the filly from post two as the handicapper’s choice at 7-5.

The two divisions are programmed as races three and four. There are also two divisions of the NYSS Excelsior series carded as race one and two. These events go for $15,000 each.

Batavia Downs overnight featured Open pace has three of the top side-wheelers in Upstate New York going head to head for the $9,500 purse.

JK Panache ships in from Tioga Downs where he just scored a three-length, 1:50.3 win. He has also been victorious in five of his last six outings. His seasonal and lifetime mark of 1:47.3 was taken at Vernon Downs just last month.

Fireyourguns has eight wins this year at Tioga, Vernon and Buffalo, but has yet to hit the line first at Batavia. Like JK Panache, he too set a lifetime best of 1:47.3 at Vernon Downs in June and figures to be a major player in this race.

Cobble Beach won this race last week in a sparkling 1:52.1 and is a winner of three out of his last four races. His gate speed gives him a definite advantage here as he is in top form right now and working on a career best year.

Post time for the first race is 6:35 p.m.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Tioga Downs invader, Mach It A Par, tried to extend her winning streak at Batavia Downs last week but fell under the weather and was scratched. That only delayed the inevitable as she bounced back with a vengeance this week in the $9,500 mares Open feature pace on Wednesday night (Aug. 19).

Three horses left as the seventh race began. Eyemajet (Shawn Gray) and Ugly Betty (Drew Monti) both went for the front but not without an argument from Badlands Love (Jim McNeight). When the dust settled, Ugly Betty took her regular spot on top in :28 flat putting Eyemajet in the pocket. The field then stayed in single file to the half in :58.4 before the outer flow began.

Past five-eights, Country Delight (Jack Flanigen) pulled first-over and enticed Mach it A Par (John Cummings Jr.) to leave last place and follow. At that point, Ugly Betty picked up the pace and widened her leader's gap to two-lengths at the 1:28.1 three-quarter pole. When Country Delight stalled, Cummings Jr. swung Mach It A Par three-wide and paced by everyone to win by a length in 1:56.2. The mare hoofed her last quarter in :27.2 over a track rated as “good."

It was the ninth win in 16 starts this year for Mach It A Par ($3.60) including five in a row and seven out of her last eight. The 5-year-old daughter of Mach Three has now amassed $60,090 in 2015 earnings for owner Dan Clements. The winner is trained by Renaldo Morales III.

Drivers John Cummings Jr. and Drew Monti both scored driving triples on the night with Ray Fisher Jr. nabbing a double.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday night with post time at 6:35.

(Cobble Beach with reinsman John Cummings Jr. / Photo courtesy of Paul White)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

John Cummings Jr. bought a ticket to ride and he didn’t care while winning the $9,500 Open pace feature with Cobble Beach ($6.80) at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 15).

Cobble Beach flew off the wings and took the top before the quarter while post time favorite, Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) took to the wood. After the leader passed the quarter in 27.1, Caprio wasted no time getting Fireyourguns in gear as he moved him to the outside in pursuit. Although it seemed like a good move in theory, the exercise was futile because there was no catching Cobble Beach tonight.

Cummings Jr. had the best view of the proceedings as his charge flew by the half in 55.3 and three-quarters in 1:23.2. Then he raised the lines, laid back in the bike and with a swish of the whip opened up four and was looking for more. The pair then proceeded to pace away to an impressive 1:52.1 win.

James Clouser Jr. owns and trains the 5-year-old altered son of Artiscape and his evenings efforts increased the horse’s annual earnings to $51,440.

Drivers scoring multiple victories on the card included Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III with three and Jim McNeight with two. Trainer Dave McNeight also registered a double.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 16) with a matinee card starting at 1:15 p.m.

(Lutetium and reinsman Kevin Cummings; photo courtesy of Paul White)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

He’s three-for-three at the current meet and continues to win at will. Lutetium wired his foes on Friday night (Aug. 14) in the $10,000 Open trot feature at Batavia Downs.

Once again leaving from the widest post in the draw (7), Lutetium (Kevin Cummings) made quick work of taking the lead before setting-down for the mile. However this week his main rival BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) decided to leave as well and tucked in third for the trip.

The field was led to a soft half in: 58 when the tempo picked up on the backside. Lutetium tripped the three-quarters in 1:26.3 with BZ Glide on the outside, closing in for the chase. As the race hit the top of the stretch, Lutetium’s 2-length advantage was dwindling and continued to do so as the sparring pair drove to the wire. But when they hit, the 8-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner mustered just enough to gut out a head victory over the fast closing BZ Glide.

It was the seventh win in 21 starts for Lutetium ($7.60) and pushed his earnings to $48,331 for owner Colleen Girdlestone and trainer Mark Laidlaw.

Five drivers were seeing double on Friday as Kevin Cummings, Shawn Gray, Dave McNeight III, Ray Fisher Jr. and Jim McNeight all scored two wins on the card. Shawn Gray, Jim McNeight and Carl Smith also tallied a pair as trainers.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 15) with post time set for 6:35 p.m.

(Photo of Ugly Betty and reinsman John Cummings Jr. by Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Ugly Betty returned to Western New York after a quick trip to Northfield Park and wasted no time dominating the local mares once again in the $9,500 distaff Open at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 12).

In her normal style, Ugly Betty (John Cummings Jr.) went right to the front and led by two through quarters of 27.3, 56.4, 1:25.3 before coasting home to a one-length victory in 1:55.3. Eyemajet (Shawn Gray) came up the rail for second and All About Boyz (Dave McNeight III) rallied from last to finish third.

It was the 10th win in 25 start this year for Ugly Betty ($3.80), boosting her pocketbook to $62,505 for owners Margaret Payne and Jennifer Falcone. Rex Clabaugh trains the winner.

Drew Monti scored a driving triple on the night with VT’s Gold Key ($12.00), Climate Hanover ($3.40) and September Hall ($5.70). Kevin Cummings and John Cummings Jr. both registered driving doubles. Trainer Rex Clabaugh also sent two winners postward.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 14) with post time set at 6:35 p.m.

(Red Doll driven by Kevin Cummings.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Batavia Downs hosted two divisions of the $108,000 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Sunday (Aug. 9) and a locally owned, trained and driven colt won the first division going for a $54,500 purse.

Red Doll who is owned by John Sixt of Chaffee, NY, trained by Judy Blaun of Elba, NY and driven by Batavia Downs defending driving champion Kevin Cummings, went gate to wire, scoring a measured one-length victory over the heavily favored Autotune Hanover.

Red Roll shot right to the lead as Autotune Hanover (Tyler Buter) had trouble navigating the first turn before making a break. While Cummings piloted the leader to a pedestrian 59.3 half, Buter had settled Autotune Hanover before pulling the colt around gapped horses in an attempt to mount another attack at the front.

After looking rough again in the clubhouse turn, Autotune Hanover made quick work of the back stretch and got within a length of the leader. But after tucking to the pylons behind Red Roll in 1:28.4, Cummings started rocking and knocking the leader and got away from the pack by three lengths at the head of the lane before bringing Red Roll home victorious in 1:57.2.

“I drove him at Buffalo last month so I knew the horse. I took a shot, went to the front and was able to cut the mile I wanted. He was good the whole race” said Cummings in the winner’s circle.

Overlooked in the betting, Red Roll returned a healthy $23.00 for the win.

It was the first win of the year for Red Roll and thus also his lifetime mark. Despite only one win so far, the horse has not missed a check in NYSS action all year and that has put his earnings at $59,117.

(Joe Larry N Curly with leading NYSS driver Jim Morrill Jr.)

In the second division, morning line co-choice Travel Playlist scratched sick and that cut the field down to five pacers. But there was no “stoogery” in post time favorite Joe Larry N Curly’s performance as he was all business, pacing his fastest mile ever over a half-mile track.

Leading NYSS driver, Jim Morrill Jr., got away third with Joe Larry N Curly as Carlos Danger (Kevin Cummings) cut the quarter in 28.4. But as soon as they passed that station, Morrill pulled the 1-9 favorite and methodically moved to the front by the head of the stretch.

The field remained unchanged until Joes On A Roll (John Cummings Jr.) came first over to challenge the leader at the five-eights. But before he could mount any kind of serious threat, Morrill popped the ear-plugs and then held on tight as Joe Larry N Curly switched into overdrive and paced away from everyone. He came home in a brisk 28 flat to stop the timer in 1:56.2 and win by four lengths.

After the race, a visibly pleased Jim Morrill Jr. said “I couldn’t be happier with the way he raced. I pulled the plugs at the three-quarters and he took off like a rocket. I should have left them in! He won easy; he was simply awesome."

It was the third win of the year for Joe Larry N Curly ($2.30) and increased his earnings to $82,794. The colt is trained by Mark Harder, who co-owns him with Joe Jannuzzelli and Dawn Colucci.

There were also two divisions of the NYSS Excelsior “A” series on the card.

The first $15,000 division was won by 1-9 favorite, Craftship (Art Major-Capri Hanover) who was driven by Jim Morrill Jr. Craftship ($2.20) is trained by Tony Alagna for owners Crawford Partners, J. Fodera N M Frank Stable, Joe Sbrocco and Craig Henderson.

The second $15,000 leg was won by KJ Erich (Roll With Joe-Michelle’s Scooter) in 1:59.2. The colt was driven by John Cummings Jr. for trainer Gary Messenger. KJ Erich ($7.20) is owned by Scott Woogen, Brenda Messenger and Phillip Shapiro.

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. was as hot as the western New York weather Sunday, winning five of the 12 races on the card. He scored with the aforementioned Craftship ($2.20) and Joe Larry N Curly ($2.30) as well as Lucky Pablo ($7.40), If It Rains ($2.90) and Zipnthruthehall ($2.60).

Morrill is currently the third leading driver in North America for UDR with a .383. only .002 out of the second place George Napolitano Jr. He is 14th in North America in earnings with $3,123,201, but number one in NYSS competition with $920,602.59, more than three times more than his nearest competitor.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 12) at 6:35 p.m.

(Youwillwishyouhad and reinsman Kevin Cummings. Photo courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

The $10,000 Open pace feature at Batavia Downs was up for grabs for most of the race. But a patient drive by leading reinsman Kevin Cummings proved valuable as Youwillwishyouhad ($7.70) won his first race for his new connections on Saturday night (Aug. 8).

It was a cavalry charge off the gate as Ponyta Boy (Shawn McDonough), Beachfront (Dave McNeight III), Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) and Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) all had sights on the lead. The field momentarily settled behind the still battling Ponyta Boy and Beachfront, who eventually got the front. As they passed the quarter in 27.1, Fireyourguns pulled from fourth and took the front by the top of the stretch. He then led the group to the half in 56 as an outer flow began.

Now in two rows heading up the backside, Elite Awards (Drew Monti) tipped three-high with fresh legs as they breezed by three-quarters in 1:25. At that point, Youwillwishyouhad snuck off the rail from his perfect trip and into contention outside of the charging Elite Awards. At the top of the stretch, Fireyourguns ran out of ammunition and it became a two-horse race. Elite Awards tried hard to hang on but Youwillwishyouhad wore him down and powered on to win by two lengths in 1:54.

It was the third win in a row and eleventh win in 20 starts for the 4-year-old Artiscape gelding and the win brought his 2015 bankroll up to $60,178. Youwillwishyouhad is trained by J.D. Perrin for Mark Jakubik and Tessa Roland, who just claimed him last week for $31,250.

Kevin Cummings, Drew Monti and Jack Flanigen all scored driving doubles on the card.

(Lutetium (Kevin Cummings): Photo courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

It was business as usual Friday night (Aug. 7) for one of the best resident trotters to ever ply his trade at the historic Genesee County oval. Lutetium (Kevin Cummings) led from gate to wire for the second week in a row and captured the $9,500 featured Open trot at Batavia Downs.

Leaving sharply from post six, the 8-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner went right to the front and set fractions of 28.2, 59.1 and 1:28.2 before closing out the deal in 1:57.3. Cummings rated the horse perfectly and had no problem holding off a late charge by post time favorite, BZ Glide (Mike Caprio).

It was the sixth win in 20 starts this year for Lutetium ($5.50) and the proceeds raised his annual earnings to $43,331 for owner Colleen Girdlestone. The winner is trained by Mark Laidlaw.

Batavia Downs leading driver, Kevin Cummings, and Dave McNeight III both scored driving triples on the night.

Shawn Gray made his return to the sulky a winning one after taking the second race with Four Starz Trump ($3.20). Gray had been sidelined for just over three weeks after being involved in an accident at Buffalo Raceway on July 15.

Racing resumes tonight (Aug. 8) at Batavia Downs with post time set at 6:35.

(Dayson (Conway Hall-Nervey’s Taurus): Photo by Paul White.)

By TIm Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

He’s yet to taste defeat and judging from his performance on Wednesday (Aug. 5) at Batavia Downs, it might be quite some time before that happens.

Dayson (Conway Hall-Nervey’s Taurus) simply obliterated the competition in his $55,500 leg of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings and set a new lifetime mark in the process.

When Dante (Ake Svanstedt) shot to the front for the early lead, Southern Palms (Marcus Miller) made a break and caused momentary confusion to the horses behind him in the first turn. Dayson, who was trotting on the outside at the time, was taken three-deep around the commotion by driver Jeff Gregory and motored to the front to take command.  

At that point, for all intents and purposes, the race was over.

Dayson was a gapped leader for the rest of the contest with Dante and Reve Royale (Chris Lems) chasing, more than following. After setting fractions of 29.2, 59.4 and 1:29.3, Gregory laid the whip on his shoulder and enjoyed the ride home as Dayson opened up four and tripped the timer in 1:59.1, which was his new personal best.

“Dayson has been a pleasure to drive this year and he was very strong tonight,” said Jeff Gregory after the race.

Dayson is now a perfect four-for-four in 2015 with $91,556 in earnings for Howard Okusko and owners Margaret Butler and Amy Butler. The winner returned $3.40.

 

(Allerage Echo (Conway Hall-Echonomical))

In the second $55,500 NYSS division, Allerage Echo (Conway Hall-Echonomical) took advantage of post one and a perfect trip to score his second victory of the campaign.

Chargin Cadet (Ray Schnittker) flew off the wings and crossed over to the lead before the group straightened up the backside. The rest of the field fell in line in post-position order and followed the leader past the half. But even though Schnittker set tepid fractions of 30.1, 1:01.3 and 1:32.1, the race was far from over.

Credevie (Trond Smedshammer) pulled from third to try and challenge the leader, leaving Allerage Echo (Chris Lems) sitting chilly in the garden spot. But at the top of the stretch, that bid failed and Chargin Cadet again looked solid. But Allerage Echo was relentless, digging all the way to the wire and eventually getting up for the win in 2:01.1, with a 28.3 final quarter.

“He got a very good trip. And even though they backed down the third quarter, I thought I could get up down the lane,” said driver Chris Lems, who did just that.

It was the second win in four starts for Allerage Echo who paid $10.80. The winner’s share increased his earnings to $58,381 while the time was a new lifetime mark. The gelding is trained by George Ducharme for owner Ken Jacobs.

There were also three divisions of the NYSS Excelsior A series that went for $15,000 each.

The first went to Cashuz (Cash Hall-Sister Shuzy) and driver John Cummings Jr. in 2:00 flat. Cashuz ($8.20) is trained by J.D. Perrin and is owned by Tessa Roland and Lesa Peters.

The second division was won by Gremlin Wilson (Sand Vic-Savannah Montana) and driver John Cummings Jr. once again in 2:03. Meghan Wilson trains Gremlin Wilson ($9.60) for Cummings Jr. who also owns the colt.

The final leg saw Kaylon’s Prayer (Prayer I Am-Kaylon) victorious for Downs leading driver, Kevin Cummings, in 2:03.4. Dennis Laterza trains Kaylon's Prayer ($8.50) for owner Roy Dobbins.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 7) with post time at 6:35 p.m.

(Dayson photo by Steve Roth.)

(Reve Royal photo by Melissa Simser.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

When the 2-year-old colts and geldings converge on Batavia Downs for the $111,000 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) on Wednesday (Aug. 5), an unstoppable object will face an immovable force to lay claim to being the best in the state for this sex and gait.

The first division of the $55,500 stake features Reve Royale (RC Royalty-Dream Street) lining up against Dayson (Conway Hall-Nervey’s Taurus) in a contest that will see one of them suffer their first defeat of the year.  

Reve Royal is a perfect three-for-three and just took his lifetime mark of 1:56.3 at the Meadowlands last week. He is a perfect two-for-two in NYSS action this year, including a very impressive 1:59.4 win at Saratoga Raceway that saw him trot a 58.4 back half over the half-mile oval.

He is trained by George Ducharme, who conditioned the 2013 Hambletonian winner, Royalty For Life, and will be driven by Chris Lems. Reve Royal has been listed as the morning line favorite and will leave from post 5.

Dayson is also undefeated with three consecutive wins and has been trotting away from his competition in all of his races. His fastest outing to date was at Saratoga on July 2; a win in 2:00.1. But his best effort may very well have been last week at Buffalo Raceway.

After making a break after the start, Dayson and driver Jeff Gregory spotted the field 16-lengths at the quarter pole. Gregory then gathered his horse together and rallied for a one-length victory in 2:02.2; last half in 59.2, last quarter in 28.4.

Dayson and Gregory will team up once again to see if they can get another tally from post six for trainer Howard Okusko. Okusko is hot right now having just won the Adios Pace this past Saturday (Aug. 1) with Dude’s The Man.

It’s interesting to note that Reve Royal is a colt and Dayson is a gelding, so there is a chance that one of two track records could be rewritten in this race, depending on who wins. The Batavia Downs record for a 2-year-old trotting colt is 1:58.4 set in 2010 by Dejarmbro and the 2-year-old trotting gelding mark is 1:58 set just last year by Buen Camino.

The second $55,500 contest has the three perceived favorites lining up from the three inside posts as mirror images of each other. All are geldings, have comparable earnings, have one NYSS victory and are all coming off lifetime marks.

Credevie (Credit Winner-Fleur De Vie) drew post seven in his last start at Yonkers Raceway but overcame it with style. Trainer/driver Trond Smedshammer left and tucked third before pulling at the three-quarters to gain a close victory in 2:00.3. Credevie did not compete in the NYSS leg at Buffalo last week so he has not raced in three weeks.

Andrew Goldstein (RC Royalty-Final Time) had post five at Yonkers and left for position. He eventually sat the pocket trip for trainer/driver Kim Crawford, before pulling away to an easy four-length win in 2:00.4. Andrew Goldstein also did not compete in the NYSS leg at Buffalo last week so he too has not raced in three weeks.

Allerage Echo (Conway Hall-Echonomical) did race at Buffalo last week and did it well. Trainer George Ducharme had driver Chris Lems cut the mile and that allowed Allerage Echo to walk away with an easy five-length victory in 2:03.3. The horse could have obviously gone more but it wasn’t necessary as he had the race well in hand.

Credevie has post three and is favored at 2-1. Andrew Goldstein has post two and is 5-2. Allerage Echo starts from thepylons and is listed at 4-1.

There are also three divisions of the NYSS Excelsior A series that will split a total of $45,000.

Post time for the first of the 12-race card at Batavia Downs is 6:35 p.m.

Mosquito Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

The mutuel payouts may have been small, but the purses were spread around in the 3-year-old filly pacing division of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 2). A different sire, driver and trainer won each leg of the series as they represented the best New York State has to offer for this sex and gait.

In the first $39,200 division, Mosquito Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) left the gate and took a methodic path to the front in 27.4. Leading the single-file group and still unchallenged to the half, Morrill kept a tight grip on the filly with an eye on closing out the deal. When they rolled towards three-quarters, Morrill popped the plugs and Mosquito Blue Chip responded in kind, quickly pulling away to a four-length advantage. With Morrill stretched out like he was in a recliner, the pair scurried home in 28.2 with no one even close, to win in 1:54.2.

“She felt like her old self today. She was on cruise control the entire mile,” said driver Jim Morrill Jr. of the filly who is now two-for-two lifetime at Batavia Downs.

Mosquito Blue Chip (Bettor’s Delight-Sandfly Hanover) was sent off the prohibitive 1-9 favorite and paid $2.30 for the win. Paul Jessop trains and co-owns the filly with Our Three Sons Stable and Donato Falcicchio.

Band Of Angels (Matt Kakaley)

As most expected in the second $39,900 leg, Band Of Angels (Matt Kakaley) and Moremercy Bluechip (Andy Miller) left from post three and four respectively and got away 1-2 before sauntering to a pedestrian 29-second first quarter. With the rest of the field still in post-position order behind the two favorites, Kakaley continued to grab leather in an even slower 29.4 second panel.

From there it was all Band Of Angels who was given her head and quickly opened up a five-length lead before Kakaley lowered the lines and stored the whip. Band Of Angels ($2.50) paced the back half in 56.2, winning in 1:55.1 with Moremercy Bluechip closing ground on the wrapped-up winner to finish second.

After the race, winning driver Matt Kakaley pointed out “She did it as easily as a horse could do it and had plenty left coming down the stretch."

Band Of Angels (Rock N Roll Heaven-Time N Again) is conditioned by North America’s leading trainer, Ron Burke for owner W.J. Donovan.

Jag Out (Andy Miller)

The final $39,900 split featured a speed duel between two unrelenting contestants and it started as soon as the gate pulled away.

As the field headed into the first turn, they were spread three-wide across the track; Jag Out (Andy Miller) on the pylons, Nippy W Hanover (Jim Morrill Jr.) in the middle and Artiawitchtoyou (Doug McNair) out widest of all. Off the turn, Nippy W Hanover settled in second but Artiawitchtoyou opted to go on. As she drew next to Jag Out at the quarter in 27.1, it was clear the leader had no intentions of giving up that spot.  

As they contentiously passed the half in 55 flat, Jag Out and Artiawitchtoyou were seemingly pacing in tandem heading into the third turn, but then Artiawitchtoyou had taken all the air she could and by the 1:24.3 three-quarter split, started to show the effects. As she started to fade off, Jag Out continued to drive on to an impressive two-length victory in the fastest time of the day (1:53.4). The winner paid $8.

“She was awesome! I know we went fast early but she's that good,” said driver Andy Miller about the speed duel between his charge and Artiawitchtoyou.

Jag Out (American Ideal-Impertinent) is trained by Erv Miller, who co-owns her with Paymaq Racing and Mystical Marker Farms, LLC.

There were also two divisions of the NYSS Excelsior A series on the card for $30,000 in purses.

The first went to Yes You Can (If I Can Dream-Cantbuymehappiness) went gate to wire in 1:56.2 for driver Jim Morrill Jr. and trainer Heidi Rohr. Yes You Can, who paid $2.40 is owned by the Holland Racing Stable.

The second division was won by Hey Kobe (Bettor’s Delight-American West) who also led the entire mile for driver Mark Macdonald and trainer Marthe Drolet. Hey Kobe is owned by Stephen Schneider and William Siegel. The winner returned $4.

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. notched four victories on the card with Kevin Cummings adding two more wins to his meet-leading total.

Racing resumes on Wednesday at Batavia Downs when two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings go postward for a total of $110,000 in purses. Post time is set for 6:35 p.m.

(Photos courtesy of Paul White.)

(Drew Monti courtesy of Monti and Jeff Zamaiko.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Batavia Downs is pleased to announce that popular local reinsman, “Driving” Drew Monti, will be featured as a bobble head to be given away on Saturday Sept. 5.

"When we first started discussing this project last year, we spoke with our customers to see who they would like to see used as the focus of this promotion and the overwhelming response was "Driving Drew" said Todd Haight, general manager/director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.

"He started driving here at 18 just a few years ago but his career has taken off and he has obviously become a fan favorite. And as popular as bobble heads are in the sport right now, we are very excited for this promotion."

The 20-year-old Monti came on the driving scene in 2013, scoring his first pari-mutuel win in April of that year. He was the top first-year provisional driver in North America in 2013 and he has progressed at a torrid pace ever since.    

Last year Monti won 170 races, $886,461 in purses and hit the board over 40% of the time. So far in 2015, he is on pace for career high numbers all around as he already has 146 wins and $753,078 in purses through Wednesday (July 29).

During his short three-year career, Monti has amassed 393 wins and $2 million in earnings with a combined year-to-year UDR of .252. He is definitely poised to make a run at the driving title at Batavia Downs this meet.  

One of the more popular young drivers in social media and chat in the Harness Racing Fan Zone, Monti is an example of what the next generation of horseman is all about. While balancing his racing career and education at the same time, Monti will be entering his fourth year at Canisius College this fall as he pursues his BA in business.

The “Driving” Drew Monti bobble heads are sponsored by TAG Jewelers (www.tagjewelers.com ) of 936 Dick Road in Cheektowaga, NY. TAG Jewelers has been Western New York’s most trusted fine metals broker since 1977.

Tony Gruppo is the owner of TAG Jewelers and has been and owner and strong supporter of harness racing in the Western New York region for decades.

"I can remember coming to Batavia Downs with my friends on the weekend's while attending nearby Brockport State College over forty years ago" said Gruppo.

"The track has always been a part of my life, so when Todd (Haight) approached me about this promotion it was a natural fit for me. Drew Monti is a rising star and a fine young man. I think you will be seeing more of him on a bigger stage in the near future."

Distribution of the “Driving” Drew Monti bobble heads will begin immediately after the seventh race on Saturday (Sept. 5) in the Paddock Room. There is a limit of one per person and are available while supplies last. You must be a Players Club member to receive this premium.

Fans wishing to get their bobble heads signed by Monti are urged to bring them back to the track the following day during the Labor Day matinee. Driving Drew will be trackside for an hour before the first race to greet his fans and sign the statuettes.

This is the third bobble head issued by Batavia Downs. Previously, perennial New York Sire Stakes leading driver Jim Morrill Jr. was honored as was NFL Hall of Famer and Buffalo Bills great, Thurman Thomas. Thomas is featured in Batavia Downs “34 Rush” sports bar, which is located on the gaming floor.

(Bobble head photo courtesy of Batavia Downs.)