Press release:

MORGANTOWN, W. VA. -- Nic Ready hit two home runs in a Muckdogs win on Tuesday, and two home runs were not enough on Wednesday for Batavia as they fell to the West Virginia Black Bears, 8-2.

Troy Johnston belted his second home run of the season for Batavia and shortstop Dalvy Rosario hit his first of the season. Both were solo shots. Johnston had two hits; he's a 17th-round pick of the Miami Marlins this year out of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wa.

Eli Villalobos took the loss for Batavia, throwing the first 2.2 innings, giving up three runs and he struck out four.

Brock Love and Joey Steele once again had strong outings in relief for the Muckdogs and both have an ERA of 0.00 on the season.

Love, a 34th-round pick of Miami this year from Alabama, went 1.1 innings of perfect baseball and struck out one.

Steele, a 30th-round pick this year by there Marlins out of the University of San Francisco, tossed the eighth and struck out two without giving up a walk or a run.

Jackson Rose, a 2018 draft pick, threw three innings and struck out six without allowing a walk.

Batavia is now 24-15 and three games up on second place West Virginia (20-17) in the NYPL Pinckney Division. Third place State College (Pa.) also lost, and dropped to 19-20 with Mahoning Valley jumping ahead at 20-19. The Muckdogs are back in a battle with Lowell (23-13) for the best overall record in the league.

Batavia plays Thursday at 6:35 p.m. against West Virginia.

The fun continues at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Friday when the Muckdogs host Williamsport, it is Flash Back Friday, there will be Crafty Hour as Eli Fish craft beers are $3 for an hour before the game and all fans can get a bag of tennis balls after the game and take the chance on throwing one into a hula hoop to win two round-trip airline tickets courtesy of Allegiant Air. There are other hoops to win other prizes.

On Saturday (also a 7:05 p.m. start), the Muckdogs not only have fireworks after the game, but Tompkins Bank of Castile bought all the general admission seats and are giving them away to fans. There are still a few available at the box office.

Sunday is a 5:05 p.m. start and it's O'Lacy's Irish Day. O'Lacy's has specials and tickets, you can visit the restaurant or follow them on Facebook. It is also free admission for MuckPups and kids can run the bases. Before the game, next to the souvenir stand, it is Autograph Alley as eight players will sign autographs, pose for photos and selfies with fans.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Submitted photo: Milton Smith II gives a high-five to Troy Johnston (27), who hit his second home run of the season for the Batavia Muckdogs on Wednesday night. Johnston had two hits in the loss for the first-place Muckdogs.

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Today, The Batavian conducted an exclusive interview with Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia at the Holland Land Office Museum.

This photo shows the first time the medal awarded to Bellavia and the medal awarded to Charles F. Rand are in the same room together. Bellavia and Rand are the only two Batavians to have received the Medal of Honor.

Our interview today with Bellavia focused on his experience in Washington, D.C., last month when he received the Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump. David and I discuss some of the observations and insights Bellavia has not discussed yet in other interviews.  

Below, a video we did previously about Charles Rand and our video covering Bellavia's Medal of Honor Week, in case you haven't seen it yet, to prep you for the video interview. I hope to have that edited and later to post tonight sometime, or in the morning, at least.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: When I posted this, I wasn't thinking about the fact that we have the opening of Batavia Downs tonight. Covering that will greatly delay my ability to finish this video. 

Press release:

The Justice for Children Advocacy Center would like to cordially invite the community to attend an Open House at the Justice for Children Advocacy Center at 304 E. Main St., Batavia, from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15^th.

This Open House will celebrate the completion of phase one of the renovation of our Batavia location.

We are eager to celebrate this achievement with the community because it has come as the result of eight years of hard work and extraordinary support from countless individuals in our community who want the very best for our kids!

In 2011, the Kiwanis Club of Batavia embarked on an effort to raise funds to create a physical environment at the JFCAC that is as welcoming to kids and families as is the amazing multidisciplinary team members. Thanks to the hard work of the Kiwanians and an incredible amount of support from the community, this effort raised nearly $200,000.

The First Presbyterian Church of Batavia has generously offered the JFCAC a long-term lease to one of its buildings located at 304 E. Main St. in Batavia, allowing us to devote all funds available to creating a space that fully meets the need of our program and the children we serve. 

Construction on phase one of the renovations commenced in March of this year and was completed at the beginning of July.

These renovations have doubled the amount of space available to provide direct services to children and families and have made the entire first floor completely ADA compliant.

The Justice for Children Advocacy Center (JFCAC) was established in 1998, and is the only National Children’s Alliance accredited Child Advocacy Center with offices in Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

Services available at the JFCAC include forensic interviews, medical exams, victim assistance, mental health counseling, and multidisciplinary team coordination.

Case coordination facilitated by JFCAC enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of team members in the fields of law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, medicine, mental health, and victim advocacy and ensures a child-focused response to cases of physical and sexual abuse.

Since opening in 1998, the JFCAC has coordinated the investigation and response to over 2,500 cases of sexual or physical abuse involving children. In 2018 alone, the JFCAC coordinated 247 cases and served 569 children and caregivers impacted by violence.

The evolution of this plan truly was a community effort and sends a valuable message to the children and families who have been impacted by abuse: You are not alone. Your community supports you. We are all willing to work to keep you happy, healthy, and safe.

We hope that you will join us to celebrate our achievement, our community, and our kids!

For more information about the project, please visit www.justiceforchildrenadvocacycenter.org

Reader Paula Zack describes herself as an amateur photographer but she did a good job yesterday of capturing in still photos the program yesterday of David Bellavia receiving the Key to the City. We wanted to share them with you.

Press release:

Farmers Market Coupons are still available at the Genesee County Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia.

Booklets are available to adults aged 60 years and older who are income-eligible. Proof of age identification must be provided.  

Income guidelines are as follows:

• Household of one $1,926 per month;
• Household of two $2,607 per month;
• Household of three $3,289 per month.

Maureen Estabrooks, Office for the Aging’s coordinator for the program, says, “It still remains, that anyone 60 or older in a household may receive a coupon booklet as long as they are income eligible.

"This means that in a qualifying household, multiple individuals may receive booklets. This program is a wonderful way to help older adults with limited income to purchase healthy fresh produce from our local farmers.”

Questions may be directed to the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 585-343-1611.

By Dan McComb:

The Batavia 24U Baseball Team finished off the regular season yesterday with a 9-2 win against Lockport in Lockport.

Batavia finishes the regular season at 12-0 and will have a playoff game at home at Genesee Community College at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1.

Batavia was paced by three home runs, one by Zeke Lynn (two-run homer in the first inning), Dion Rosalina (3-run homer in the fifth inning) and a solo shot from Ryan Mullen in the sixth inning.

Batavia’s defense shone in this game also. Luke McComb fielded six chances without an error. Mullen threw out a runner at second base in the first inning attempting to steal, with a beautiful tag by McComb.

Also in the bottom of the first inning, Casey Radka threw out a runner at home plate with a beautiful tag at the plate by Mullen. In the sixth inning Tristan Aldinger threw out a runner at third base. Aldinger and Josh Bradley made nice running catches in the outfield.

The 14-hit attack was paced by Tristan Aldinger with three hits and two hits apiece by Josh Baptiste, Radka and Jerry Reinhardt. Also collecting hits were Lynn, Marcello, Rosalina, McComb and Mullen.  

Lynn and Radka shared the pitching duties, with Lynn earning the win. Batavia finishes their regular season with a perfect 12-0 record.

Press release: 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that seats are still available for his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., which will take place Sept. 19 – 22.

This will mark the 12^th year Hawley has hosted the trip which allows local veterans and their family members to visit a host of famous military memorials in the Washington, D.C., area. 

The group will be staying in the newly redesigned Bethesda Marriott Hotel, located near downtown Bethesda, Md., featuring an outdoor pool, fitness center, the new M Club Lounge and multiple dining and drink options on premises. Check in will be on Sept. 19 and check out will be Sept. 22.

Anyone is now permitted to sign up, although priority will still be given to residents of the 139^th Assembly District. The approximate cost of the trip is $400 per person and that includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials.

**Those planning to visit the White House must sign up before July 30.

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:

• White House (Must sign up before July 30)
• Gettysburg
• Capitol
• Air Force Memorial
• Pentagon / 911 Memorial
• World War II Memorial
• Korean Memorial
• Vietnam Memorial
• Stephen F. Udvar Hazy Museum
• Arlington National Cemetery
• Wreath Laying Ceremony at Tomb of the Unknowns

If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip XII, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@nyassembly.gov. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

Marquerite A. Magee, 80, of North Street, Albion, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 12:05 a.m. on July 20 on Bank Street in Batavia after allegedly punching her roommate in the face at the assisted living facility where she resides. Magee was issued an appearance ticket for July 30 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Michael L. Valle, 38, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested after allegedly punching a person in the face at 10:08 p.m. July 19 on Bank Street. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 23 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Brandon C. Dodd, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Dodd was arrested after an incident at 12:51 a.m. on Pearl Street in Batavia in which he allegedly struck an individual in the face. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 30 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Bradley R. Jordan, 26, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree harassment, and endangering the welfare of a child. At 3 p.m. on July 19 on East Main Street in Batavia it is alleged that Jordan struck a person who has an order of protection against him. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He was due back in court today (July 24). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Bobby Lee Mobley, 34, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree burglary and second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested on the charges July 20 and jailed without bail following an investigation of an incident that occurred at 6:35 p.m. on July 19 on Maple Street in Batavia. He is accused of entering a residence of a person who had a stay away order of protection against him. He is due in Batavia City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Sgt. Christopher Camp.

Tatiana Celeste Lugo, 24, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. Lugo was arrest at 12:46 a.m. on July 19 on North Spruce Street, Batavia, following the investigation into a violation of a court order. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash or bond. She was due back in city court today (July 24). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Kiha S. McNear, 21, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. McNear was arrested July 14 on an arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged that McNear stole a bicycle at 11 p.m. on June 28 on Ellicott Street. He was arraigned in city court and put in jail in lieu of $1,000 cash or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Duane K. Miller, 54, of Linwood Avenue, Warsaw, is charged with illegally inhaling toxic vapors in public places. He was arrested at 2:42 p.m. on July 22 in the 200 block of West Main Street in Batavia after he was allegedly located huffing an aerosol container in the parking of a local business. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and released. He is due in Batavia City Court on July 30 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Duane K. Miller, 54, of Linwood Avenue, Warsaw, is charged with illegal use of toxic vapors. He was arrested at 5:26 p.m. July 23 in the 4100 block of West Main Street Road in Batavia for allegedly huffing cans of air duster in the parking lot of a local business. He is due in Batavia City Court on July 30 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post.

Ronald D. Williams, 42, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawfully growing cannabis and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 8:45 p.m. on July 18 on Ellicott Street. It is alleged that Williams was growing marijuana plants on the roof of his residence. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 30 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Jurors listened closely to opening statements and testimony about the bludgeoning death of 47-year-old Raymond L. Morgan, of 111 Liberty St., Batavia, in the third day of the Richard D. Hanes trial.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman drew the attention of jurors as he described the brutality of Morgan’s death in his opening statement. Friedman told the jury that at least 24 blunt force trauma injuries, most likely caused by blows from a hammer, were sustained by Morgan’s body.

As he explained the timeline of events on the night of July 24, 2018, Friedman revealed the perpetrator dropped 12–15 feet from a second-floor window of Morgan’s apartment and fled the scene in the direction of Ellicott Street after the incident occurred. 

During the course of the investigation, Batavia PD investigators collected blood samples matching the DNA profiles of both Morgan and Hanes from a bathroom at 5 Thorpe St., Batavia, which is the rooming house where Hanes resided at the time. Friedman said detectives will testify to the significance of this finding later in the trial. 

In defense attorney Frederick Rarick’s opening statement, he described Morgan's murder as "bloody, vicious, in your face."

Rarick explained to jurors that Hanes was in the vicinity of the Liberty Street home on July 24 to purchase drugs from Morgan. Rarick emphasized that neither forensic evidence at the scene nor witness testimonies will prove Hanes as the perpetrator.

Rarick told jurors that police did not ask for blood or fingerprint samples from other witnesses once Hanes was questioned and his DNA sample was taken. Rarick’s last words in his opening statement — that Hanes had no motive to allegedly commit the murder — rang loudly in the silent courtroom. 

Damien Boyd was called by Friedman to testify because he lived at 111 Liberty St. and witnessed Morgan’s badly beaten body moments after the attack. Boyd said he briefly spoke to Hanes outside the house on July 24 about 10 minutes before he heard banging noises coming from Morgan’s room. 

Boyd said he saw an air conditioning unit thrown from the window of Morgan’s room and a white male drop to the ground shortly after. Boyd observed blood on the man’s hands, but he could not identify the individual due to the poorly lit surroundings. 

Boyd said that the man who had fallen picked up an object Boyd described as "1 ½ to 2 feet long with an L shape on the end." Yet, Rarick pointed out during cross-examination that Boyd previously failed to choose the correct hammer from a lineup of eight hammers, one of which was the weapon used in the beating.

Hanes faces a life sentence if the jury returns a guilty verdict for his second-degree murder charge. Jurors will draw nearer to a verdict today in Genesee County Court.

Jurors have been selected in the case of Richard D. Hanes, who is charged in the bludgeoning death of Raymond L. Morgan, 47, of Batavia.

After two days of questioning prospective jurors, defense attorney Frederick Rarick and District Attorney Lawrence Friedman selected a jury composed of eight women, four men and six alternates who swore to serve as unbiased fact-finders in the case. 

Hanes, a 37-year-old former Holley resident, is facing a second-degree murder charge after allegedly beating Morgan beyond recognition in his 111 Liberty St., Batavia, apartment last July. 

Morgan was pronounced dead when police arrived at the scene. Morgan's cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. Batavia PD officers and detectives are expected to testify to their investigation in the coming days of testimony.  

Friedman repeatedly asked juror candidates yesterday whether the use and sale of illegal drugs would affect their fairness since Morgan had a previous conviction for criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Rarick urged potential jurors to admit whether graphic testimony and images of the blood-covered crime scene would cause them to be impartial. Judge Charles Zambito excused a few juror candidates when they said that the forensic evidence may be too overwhelming.

The jury will now have the opportunity to listen as attorneys deliver their opening statements and question witnesses at 9:30 a.m. today in Genesee County Court. The first day of testimony coincides with the anniversary of Morgan’s death.

Press release:

Nic Ready is starting to show some of his promised power this season -- with his first home-game home run on Monday, he jumped on a bus after the game to play the West Virginia Black Bears Tuesday night.

He had a chance to stretch his legs, this time rounding the bases again.

With Batavia trailing 1-0 in the third, Ready, the NCAA Home Run Derby champion as a senior at Air Force Academy, blasted a two-out, three-run home run.

As West Virginia (wearing their special Moonshiners uniforms) closed the lead to 5-2, Ready crushed another home run. That was it as Batavia cruised to an 8-3 victory.

For the game, Ready increased his average to .305 by going 3-for-5 and had a RBI double as well as he drove in six runs on the game.

Batavia catcher Andres Stormes also hit a home run, a solo shot as he went 2-for-3 with two runs.

Milton Smith II had a hit and a run and stole his 10th base of the season.

J.D. Orr, who jumped to the top spot in the NYPL average race with a .378 average, went 2-for-3 with two runs and two walks. Putting him on base means a steal, and Orr stole two bases and has 19 on the season.

Dalvy Rosario scored once and stole two bases, giving him nine on the season.

The win was big for Batavia, as the Muckdogs are 24-14 and gained a full game (up 4.0) on second place West Virginia (19-17) in the NYPL Pinckney Division. Third place State College Spikes of Pennsylvania also lost, and dropped to 19-19 with Mahoning Valley. The Muckdogs are back in a battle with Lowell (23-12), Mass., for the best overall record in the league.

On the mound, lefty Andrew Miller won his second straight to improve to 2-3 on the season. he went five strong innings with two strikeouts and did not walk a batter. Bryan Hoeing had his first career hold, going three innings and striking out two without allowing a walk. Josh Simpson, another lefty on manager Tom Lawless' roster, pitched the ninth and struck out the final batter of the game.

For Buffalo Bills fans, Batavia won on Jeff Hostetler Bobble Head Night. The former West Virginia baseball player was featured with a Black Bears No. 15 jersey on his bobblehead. Hostetler led the New York Giants over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV, 20-19 in 1990. The first 1,000 fans received the gift and the former QB was there to sign autographs.

Batavia has two more games in West Virginia, Wednesday and Thursday at 6:35 p.m.

The fun continues at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Friday when the Muckdogs host Williamsport, it is Flash Back Friday, there will be Crafty Hour as Eli Fish craft beers are $3 for an hour before the game and all fans can get a bag of tennis balls after the game and take the chance on throwing one into a hula hoop to win two round-trip airline tickets courtesy of Allegiant Air. There are other hoops to win other prizes.

On Saturday (also a 7:05 p.m. start), the Muckdogs not only have fireworks after the game, but Tompkins Bank of Castile bought all the general admission seats and are giving them away to fans. There are still a few available at the box office. 

Sunday is a 5:05 p.m. start and it's O'Lacy's Irish Day. O'Lacy's has specials and tickets, you can visit the restaurant or follow them on Facebook. It is also free admission for MuckPups and kids can run the bases. Before the game, next to the souvenir stand, it is Autograph Alley as eight players will sign autographs, pose for photos and selfies with fans. 

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Submitted photo: Nic Ready, with his signature toothpick, is all smiles. He has hit three home runs in two games, had six RBI's Tuesday and Batavia is in first place.

In a short ceremony at City Hall, Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia received the Key to the City from Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski.

Following the ceremony, Bellavia met and spoke with every single person who came to the ceremony and stayed for the chance to meet him, shake his hand, take a selfie, and even hold his Medal of Honor.

Following the event, Bellavia participated in a short press conference inside City Hall. That video is below.

Important Notice

Effective today, the bridge on Searls Road between North Byron Road and Tower Hill Road in Byron is open, the GC Highway Department announced this afternoon.

It was closed for replacement.

Brookhart has been with Liberty for 22 years.

She has served in a variety of positions including sales and marketing, customer service, and manufacturing. Most recently she has been the company’s executive vice president, as well as its chief operating officer – a position she will retain.

Brookhart has an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology and an undergraduate degree in Marketing from SUNY Fredonia.

She serves on the board of the GCC Foundation and is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). She lives in Bergen with her husband, Michael, and children Camryn (14) and Zachary (11) – along with one dog, two cats and three horses.

Other members of the Liberty Pumps Executive Team are:

• Dennis Burke, CFO
• Randy Waldron, VP Sales and Marketing
• Dave Williams, Director of Engineering
• Peter Cunningham, Chief Information Officer
• Don Cunningham, Manufacturing Manager
• Jeff Cook, Purchasing Manager​

Ryan M. Sharlow, 49, of West Bergen Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief and resisting arrest. At 12:15 p.m. on July 16 on West Main Street Road in Le Roy, deputies were conducting an investigation into an incident in which Sharlow allegedly damaged the property of another person. While attempting to take Sharlow into custody, he allegedly tried to resist arrest by grabbing and attempting to punch a deputy. He was issued appearance tickets for Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 8. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Jessica Leigh Culver, 29, of Walker Road, Le Roy, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate; and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree. At 8:43 p.m. on July 21, Culver was stopped on Batavia Stafford Townline Road for alleged vehicle and traffic violations. It was determined upon investigation that she was driving on a suspended license. A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly led to the discovery of controlled substances in her possession. She was issued appearance ticklets for Aug. 15 in Stafford Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Alexandra R. Lasky, 29, and Alexander Scheg, 24, both of Seven Springs Road, Stafford, are charged with unlawful growing of cannabis by an unlicensed person. At 12:55 p.m. on June 26, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to an address on Seven Springs Road following the report of a domestic incident and an unlawful marijuana-growing operation. After an investigation, they were issued an appearance ticket for unlawful growing on cannabis. Lasky was also issued an appearance ticket for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree following the alleged discovery of a controlled substance on location. Both are due in Batavia Town Court on Aug. 13. The case was handled by Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Ronald Welker. The investigation was also assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati and members of the GC Drug Task Force.

A single-car accident, with injuries, is reported in the city at East Main and Swan streets. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:19 p.m.: The driver is being transported to UMMC and complains of pain.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs will celebrate their opening night of the 2019 live racing season on Wednesday (July 24) by welcoming the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) as they make their first of nine stops at the Genesee County oval this year. The initial visit will bring two divisions of 2-year-old trotting fillies along who will compete for identical $53,000 purses. 

The first split that's carded as race five features the undefeated Love A Good Story (Chapter Seven-Celebrity Lovin) who is listed as the 6-5 morning choice from post six for Team Orange Crush: Andy and Julie Miller.

This filly has already taken a lifetime mark of 1:55.1 at Tioga Downs in her second career start and has won all three of all her races by open lengths. She is the top pointgetter in her bracket and has $52,600 made this year. Love A Good Story will look to add the winners share of this race to her total as well. 

Per Engblom’s Munster (Chapter Seven-Richesse Oblige) is coming off a sparkling effort of her own at Yonkers where she went gate to wire in a career best 1:57.4. That was her first time on a half mile track and the result bodes well for her prospects at the Downs. Jordan Stratton will be at the controls from post two at 2-1.

The second division in race six has a pair or performers from from the Ake Svandstedt Stable that were made morning line choice at 2-1 by the track handicapper, as a stable entry. 

Seventimesalady (Chapter Seven-Ava Marion) and Destiny Blue Chip (Chapter Seven-Chasin Clouds Away) will leave from post one and post seven respectively.

Seventimesalady is winless in two starts but not for lack of performance. She chased Love A Good Story in a fast 1:55.1 at Tioga to finish second in her first lifetime start and then got parked out for a majority of the mile from post seven at Yonkers last week before finishing third. She will be looking to get a good trip from the pylons with her trainer Svandstedt in the bike. 

Destiny Blue Chip is also winless in two starts but has put in two solid races trotting close to the leaders, garnering a couple of thirds for her work. Unfortunately she moves out in post from those starts but does pick up driver Jim Morrill Jr. this week who will be an asset to her as he knows the track at Batavia well.  

Another ready candidate is Really Blue Chip (Credit Winner-Muscles Secret) who has shown she likes a half -mile track. She sat a pocket trip behind Hypnotic AM at Yonkers last week and finished second in a 1:56.1 time, trotting her mile in 1:57.2. And she does have a win in the NYSS already this in her first lifetime start at Buffalo. She is in a perfect spot here to take that next step for trainer Scott Di Domenico. Really Blue Chip leaves from post five for driver Jordan Stratton.  

There are also three $15,000 divisions of the Excelsior “A” series in races three, four and seven and two $6,700 Excelsior “B” series events in races eight and nine. 

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

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