Photo of Gunslinger Hill courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
A $15,000 Open I Handicap for each gait topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 9) and both winners took new seasonal marks as a result of their efforts.
In the feature pace, Gunslinger Hill (Drew Monti) made it two in a row after taking advantage of a perfect trip.
Gunslinger Hill took an early lead, but soon found himself in the pocket behind Avon Seelster (Kyle Cummings) who would then battle the parked-out Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) to the half in :55.3. As the race progressed up the backstretch, Nox Vegas Bluechip began to lose touch with Avon Seelster, forcing Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) three-wide and The Longest Yard (Kevin Cummings) four-wide as they headed into turn four. Coming out of that bend, the outside horses started to fade, but Gunslinger Hill took to the passing lane and paced past Avon Seelster before holding off The Longest Yard by a length to win in 1:52.4.
It was the eighth win of the year for Gunslinger Hill ($14.60) and pushed his earnings to $68,580 for owner Ron Viele. Jeniffer Giuliani trains the winner.
The top trot went to Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) who led at every station enroute to his victory.
Morrill pushed Mugshots Bro off the gate and got the top as they passed the quarter in :27.4. Once settled on the point, Mugshots Bro slowed the half to :57.1 before hitting the gas and opening up a two length advantage over Special Prosecutor (Drew Monti), Lougazi (Ray FIsher Jr.) and Johnny Boy (Kevin Cummings) who were fanned three across the track from three-quarters to the top of the stretch. As they headed down the lane it became a two-horse race between Mugshots Bro and Lougazi, who was flying. Morrill and Fisher both rocked and knocked to the wire where Mugshots Bro hung on by a head in 1:57.1.
Mugshots Bro ($6.50) got his fifth win of the year for owners Herman Niedhammer and Herman Niedhammer Jr. and trainer Rose Russo.
Kevin Cummings had a driving hat trick while Jim Morrill Jr. and Joe Chindano Jr. both had two wins on the card. Trainers Ryan Swift and Jeniffer Giuliani also had two wins apiece during the night.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 13) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,182 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the race 15. Wednesday will also feature eight divisions of the $440,000 New York Sire Stake Excelsior finals that kick off in race two.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Mugshots Bro courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
The Pembroke Dragons Varsity Football team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 58-22 victory over Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen
Behind the blocking of Ben Steinberg, Jayden Mast, Jayden Bridge, Madden Perry, JJ Gabbey, Octavius Martin and Caleb Felski, Tyson Totten rushed for 330 yards and five touchdowns on 15 carries -- all in the first half.
Fullback Caleb Felski and Quarterback Vijay Dhanda had the other rushing touchdowns.
Caleb Kimmel took a kick return 70 yards to the house, and the Dragons got a safety to finish their scoring.
Defensively the Dragons were led by Hayden Williams with 10 tackles on defense. Madden Perry, Caleb Kimmel and Landon Suro each added seven tackles a piece, and Sean Pustkula had the game's lone interception. He also was 8-8 on extra points.
The Dragons travel to Bolivar-Richburg this Thursday to take on the 2-0 Wolverines.
The Dash in the Dark event was hosted by the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Cross Country Teams right on the OAE school grounds. There were around 70 schools in attendance, traveling from as far away as Pennsylvania.
There were more than 1,100 runners in races throughout the night. This was mostly a 3-person relay with each runner doing a 2-mile distance.
Girls Blue Race Large school winner was Fairport (40:18.3 time), and the small school winner was Harley Allendale Columbia (47:59.0 time).
Boys Blue Race Large school winner was Fairport (35:21.5 time), and the small school winner was Akron (35:35.4).
The boys individual race winners were Brendan Jacoby (11:48.6 time) from Brighton and John Alfiero (11:58.9 time) from Attica.
Girls Gold Race Large school winner was Fairport (37:17.9), and the small school winner was East Aurora (35:08.6).
Boys Gold Race Large school winner was Spencerport (31:41.6), and the small school winner was East Aurora (30:40.2)
There was also an intense race among the mascots in attendance.
The hosting OAE cross-country team had a historic night, according to Coach Robert.
Eli Williams, Elijah Loysen, Trevor Enes, Jackson Gilbert, Angelina Luker, Evelyn Chadbourne, and Mackenzie Domoy have all earned top 10 best OAE runners lists per their respective grade levels. On top of that, Caroline Luft not only became the 3rd fastest sophomore in OAE history but also became the 8th fastest OAE runner in Dash in the Dark history regardless of grade.
Logan Clark became the 2nd best Junior and 2nd best OAE runner in Dash in the Dark history.
Connor Domoy became the top OAE senior runner as well as running the 2nd fastest time in Dash in the Dark history, becoming the only OAE runner to break the 10-minute barrier at this race.
Last but certainly not least, Connor Domoy, Eli Williams, and Logan Clark not only got 2nd at Dash as a team, but became the fastest OAE relay team in Dash in the Dark’s 13-year history, overtaking the 2018 gold relay team of Kyle Mott, Zack Hall, and Derek McIntire by over a minute.
A nice start to the season by the hosting OAE XC teams.
Big thanks to all the dozens of people who helped to make this happen and the schools that come and support it. It is a fun night to kick off the Cross Country season for all area schools.
Batavia takes the lead with 3.8 seconds left in the second quarter, making 20-14 at halftime Photo by Steve Ognibene
In the closing seconds of the first half, the Batavia Blue Devils scored a go-ahead TD over Wayne Central to regain a lead the team wouldn't relinquish the rest of the way, leading to a 33-14 win.
It was the team's home opener and made the Blue Devils 2-0 under new head coach Alex Veltz.
Bronx Buchholz was 7-11 passing for 59 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also gained 130 yards on the ground on 15 carries, scoring twice.
Cole Graz snagged our receptions for 18 yards and a TD. He also had an inception on defense.
Carter Mullen had one reception for an 8-yard TD.
Mekhi Fortes, 14 carries, 85 yards, 5.5.
Zailen Griffin, nine rushes for 82 yards and a TD.
The Blue Devils take on Honeoye Falls-Lima this Friday in HFL. Game time is 7 p.m.
Cole Grazioplene scores the first touchdown for Batavia in the first quarter. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo of Summer Slash courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
After coming up short in her last outing, Summer Slash got back to her winning ways while imposing her will on a field of top pacing mares in the $15,000 Open I Distaff Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 6).
In a reversal of tactics, Ray Fisher Jr. sent Summer Slash to the front for the first time since April and made short work of her competition once settled. Summer Slash held a gapped avantage setting fractional times of :27.2, :57 and 1:25.3, while the pocket-sitting Skyway Venus (Joe Chindano Jr.) and the breezing Xenia’s Chip (Dave McNeight III) tried to keep pace at that station. But that turned out to be an exercise in futility as Fisher shook the lines and Summer Slash found another gear. With her tail flagged and her head held high, Summer Slash ripped around the last turn and flew down the lane to win by an easy 3-½ lengths in 1:54 flat, tying her lifetime mark.
It was the third win in her last four outings and eighth win of the year for Summer Slash ($3.20) who is owned by Ilovemyharnesshorsesummer and trained by Ryan Swift, who had three winners go postward on Wednesday.
An equally impressive performance was put in by Casie’s Believer (Joe Chindano Jr.) who jogged in the secondary featured $11,500 upper-lever condition pace for fillies and mares.
Casie’s Believer was also the commander of fractions from the start and was hard-pressed by Diamondtequilashot (Ray Fisher Jr.) from the quarter to the five-eighths. At that point, Diamondtequilashot called it a night, forcing Mcdelicacy (Kevin Cummings) to go three-wide and engage Casie’s Believer up the backstretch and into the far turn. Mcdelicacy tried her best, but it wasn’t good enough as Casie’s Believer accelerated into the straight and bolted for the line, winning by 3-½ lengths in a season’s best 1:54.4.
Casie’s Believer ($15.80) registered her 28th lifetime win for Chindano, who also owns and trains the winner.
Jim Morrill Jr. had a driving grand slam during the night with three of those winners being trained by Cory Kreiser. Two of Kreizer's trainees were longtime equine veterans who added to their lofty lifetime win totals. They were 11-year-old trotter BJ Anthony who got his 52nd career win and the 12-year-old pacer Sudden Change N who posted career win 51.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 9) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $903 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the race 13.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Casie’s Believer courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Pembroke Girls varsity pulled out a 3-1 win last night in their first home game against Perry.
Three minutes into the first half, freshman Ashlyn Robinson scored the first goal of the game, she was assisted by Seneca Calderón.
The remaining two goals for the win were scored by junior and captain Seneca Calderón. She was assisted both times by sophomore midfielder Peyton Liss. Notable defensive plays were made by goalkeeper Madelyn Groves, and center backs Kayla Weyrauch and Mykenzie Dylag.
The newly installed Brunswick Sync scoring system features large color upper monitors and big screen TVs across Mancuso Bowling Center's 24 lanes. Photos by Mike Pettinella.
Mancuso Bowling Center has elevated its game with the installation of the Brunswick Sync scoring and management system.
Tuesday Night Coed bowlers were the first league bowlers to experience the state-of-the-art platform last night – a system that features 50-inch, full color upper monitors and interactive, touchscreen lower monitors along with six 55-inch color televisions strategically placed across the 24 lanes.
Two more big screen TVs have been placed behind the service bar and the customer service desk.
“It’s nicely lit and easy to read,” said Rebecca Bates, a league bowler for the past three years. “So, we’ll see if it keeps score good.”
General Manager Mike Sputore reported no scoring problems on opening night of what is an eight-month fall-winter league season.
“Sync is Brunswick’s latest model of automatic scoring, and it controls food and beverage (point of sale ordering) as well as far as restaurant capabilities,” Sputore said. “And there are a bunch of different (bowling) games – not just standard bowling.”
Sputore said the lower monitors are “very user friendly” and the upper monitors are loaded with numerous colorful and high-tech graphics. Casual bowlers can even upload their photo onto the upper monitor when playing a specialty game known as Angry Birds.
Other games (some are 10 frames and some are five frames) include Creature Feature, EZ Bowl, HORSE, Ka Pow!, My Shot, Pin Pals, PinPix, Rival Rumble and 3-6-9 Free Strike.
“It has so many different features, including the Open Lane app, where bowlers’ scores can be downloaded and then sent to their email,” Sputore noted.
The scoring upgrade replaces the Brunswick Frameworx system that had been in place for the past 25 years or so.
“(Proprietor) Rick (Mancuso) did a good job of research and getting the right stuff that works – and it looks beautiful,” Sputore said. “It’s quite a substantial investment.”
Sputore said that Sync interfaces with league secretarial software and handles a multitude of back office tasks.
The Sync system also reads the down-lane speed of the bowling ball and posts that number on the upper monitor after the bowler’s delivery.
“Yeah, it does the ball detect; average first ball speed,” he said. “It’s very convenient for league and tournament bowlers. Now, if you make a bad shot and you see that you threw it three miles an hour slower than your last one, that’s probably the reason.”
Tuesday Night Coed League kicks off the fall-winter season.
Mancuso Bowling Center Manager Mike Sputore enters the name for Adam Flint, who was substituting in the Tuesday Night Coed League.
Open bowling takes on a new look with the graphics from the Angry Birds specialty game.
Photo of I Got The Looks courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery
A trifecta of $10,000 mid-level conditioned events topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 4) as the summer heat returned to Genesee County.
The initial two features were trots and the fastest of those was won by I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) who sat fourth to the half before coming first-over in turn three to draw near the leading Muskingum (Joe Chindano Jr.) at three-quarters. I Got The Looks made his way to the top at the head of the stretch and won, pulling away by 1-½ lengths in 1:58.3.
I Got The Looks ($12.20) got his second win of the year for owner Tronolone Racing and trainer Frank Mays.
The second trot was won by Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) who sat in the pocket while Photo Bomber (Dave McNeight III) and Create My Heart (Denny Bucerri) trotted side by side from the half to the top of the stretch. It was there that McNeight tipped Lunar Credit three-wide and looped them both on his way to a 1:59.2 victory.
Lunar Credit ($3.40) is owned by his driver and is trained by Jim McNeight.
Then came the pace, which was won by Undertaker (Joe Chindano Jr.) who similarly sat third behind the battling Friskie All Night (Ray Fisher Jr.) and Barry Hanover (Jim McNeight Jr.) until three-quarters when Chindano went three-wide around them both and bolted home by three lengths in 1:56.3.
It was the 54th lifetime win for Undertaker ($12.80) who is owned by Melvin Fink and trained by Chris Petrelli.
For the second day in a row, Dave McNeight III was the leading driver with a hat trick on his card.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 6) at 6:00 p.m.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Dave McNeight III, aka Triple Sticks, had a big night at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 2) as he scored a driving hat trick that included wins in both feature races.
The first came with Tiger Baron, who on the heels of an impressive victory last week at Batavia, moved up to the top class and scored again, winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace in a personal season’s best clocking.
Tiger Baron got away fourth as Casimir Richie P (Drew Monti) and Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) traded leads before the :27 quarter. Shortly after at the three-eighths, McNeight brought Tiger Baron first-over and started the long grind up the rim heading onto the second circuit. As they passed the five-eighths, Casimir Richie P was gapping behind Nox Vega Bluechip which allowed Tiger Baron to drop into the garden spot at three-quarters and draft behind the leader around the final bend. At the top of the stretch, Tiger Baron pulled again and paced past Nox Vegas Bluechip on his way to a three-quarter length win in 1:52.2.
It was the second straight win and third of the year for Tiger Baron ($4.40) and owner Courtney McNeight. Amanda Arrigenna trains the winner.
McNeight also won the secondary featured $12,500 upper-level conditioned pace with Gunslinger Hill, who got away second early and remained in the pocket third, as the frontrunning Shazam Blue Chip (Joe Chindano Jr.) battled the first-over Speedy Dominic A (Ray Fisher Jr.) from the half to the seven-eighths. It was there that Speedy Dominic A faded, giving a clear path for Gunslinger Hill to come off the pylons into the middle of the track and outpace Shazam Blue Chip to the wire by 2-¾ lengths in 1:53.4, matching his season’s best effort.
Gunslinger Hill ($23.20) got his seventh win of the year for owner Ron Viele and trainer Jennifer Giuliani.
The driver/trainer combinations of Drew Monti and Russell Bratt and Jim McNeight Jr. and Jim McNeight each scored two wins apiece.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Sept. 4) at 1:15 p.m. as the track will hold a special matinee card on Labor Day.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Gunslinger Hill courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Senior RB/DB Shaun Alexander - 9 Rushes, 50 Yards, one touchdown
Ronald Szpylman, Austin Pangrazio, and Gavin Armbrewster all also had rushing TDs (Gavin Armbrewster also had an interception).
Senior LB Ashton Bezon - 12 Tackles, 1 Sack
Senior DL Angelo Penna - 8 Tackles, 1 Sack
Senior DL Austin Pangrazio - 8 Tackles
"It was great to see this team come out of the gate and play a style of football that we felt they were capable of playing," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "They were physical, played well at the point of attack, and they executed at a level much greater than a typical group in a week zero game. We are very pleased with the victory, but this group is more excited that they can now dive into film and begin preparations for the next challenge that awaits them."
The New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old trotting fillies took center stage in split sets at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 1) for a total of $103,000 in what was the final visit for the top state-bred series for the year.
The first $51,500 division was won by Erin (E L Titan-Blurred) in a romp.
In a field that was scratch-shortened to only four horses, Jim Morrill Jr. pointed Erin down the road and dominated from start to finish. After quarters of :30.1, 1:00 and 1:29, Erin had opened up a nine-length lead heading into the last turn. At the top of the stretch, Morrill sat chilly as Erin was wrapped up and cruising unabated to the line to win in 2:00.3.
It was the first NYSS and lifetime win for Erin ($2.90) who is owned by Ann-Mari Daley, Donald Brenner, and Jared Daley. Dan Daley was the winning trainer of Erin, who was bred by Glengate Farms.
The second $51,500 division saw quite an upset as Sadbirdstillsing (Chapter Seven-Fade Into You) caught the previously undefeated Sister Mary Maude at the line to notch her second consecutive NYSS victory.
Jeannie’s Action (Dave McNeight III) took the early lead before Sadbirdstillsing (Tyler Buter) overtook her at the :30 flat quarter. As they spiraled out of turn two, Sister Mary Maude (Jordan Stratton) pulled first over from third and brought Seven Year Itch (Kevin Cummings) on her back. Sister Mary Maude cleared as Seven Year Itch drew alongside, leaving Sadbirdstillsing tucked away neatly in the pocket. Positions remained the same until the top of the stretch where Sadbirdstillsing found the passing lane and overtook Sister Mary Maude in deep stretch to win by 1-¼ lengths in 1:59.3.
Sadbirdstillsing ($9.40) is owned by Crawford Farms Racing and Pryde Stables and is trained by Tony Alagna. Crawford Farms was the winning breeder.
There were also two $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Barn CJ (Crazy Wow-Fractured Dream) in 1:59.1 and the second went to Barn Dreamer (Devious Man-HB All Our Dreams) in 2:01.1. Both horses were driven by Kevin Cummings, trained by Steve Pratt and owned by Steve and Nancy Pratt, Purple Haze Stable and Out In The Country Stable.
Kevin Cummings finished the night with a four-bagger in the sulky.
The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in the 12th race on Friday and paid out a substantial mutuel. The combination of 5-1-2-9-3 returned $12,568,80 for the 20-cent wager.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 2) at 6 p.m. Also please note that Batavia Downs will hold a special matinee card on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 4) with post time set at 1:15.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Sadbirdstillsing courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery
Max Monroe scores 4.7 seconds left in second half to win the game for Bulldawgs. Photo by Steve Ognibene
The 11th annual scrimmage between the Batavia Blue Devils vs. the Batavia Bulldawgs was another win for the mini-squad on Wednesday evening at VanDetta stadium.
The Bulldawgs opened the first drive with a 60-yard TD run by Logan Brooks. They led at the half 20-16.
Bluedevils took a brief lead after halftime, 24-20, then on its next possession, the Bulldawgs scored Parker Davis on a 60-yard TD run, regaining the lead 26-24.
With 3:44 left in the game, the Blue Devils scored and led by four, 30-26.
Then with 4.7 seconds left, Max Monroe scored to secure the Bulldawg's win, 34-30,
The Blue Devils, who over the past 11 years have won sectional titles and vied for a state championship, has yet to manage a victory against the much younger team.
Photo of Sister Mary Maude courtesy of Jessica Hallett.
The New York Sire Stakes will make its final 2023 visit to Batavia Downs on Friday (September 1) when two $51,500 divisions of 2-year-old trotting fillies will line up to vie for the $103,000 in purse money and the statistical leader in this category will be on hand to compete.
Sister Mary Maude (Crazy Wow-Perfect Mass) is the current points leader of this NYSS demographic and comes into this race on a five-race win streak, four of which were consecutive NYSS wins. She recently became a member of the Burke Brigade after they acquired her on July 3 and Sister Mary Maude has provided those connections with three wins already. She was scratched sick in her last engagement at Vernon Downs meaning she’s been off over two weeks. But with post one in a short field, Sister Mary Maude will look to extend her win total to six for trainer Ron Burke, who has Jordan Stratton in the bike for this week’s competition.
Looking to prevent that from happening is Sadbirdstillsing (Chapter Seven-Fade Into You) who did compete in the NYSS at Vernon and won in 1:56.3 to take a new lifetime mark. That was her first win of the year but it came on the heels of three very close second-place finishes, the last two being only by a head. With that maiden tag finally behind her, Sadbirdstillsing will try to start a streak of her own with Tyler Buter at the lines for trainer Tony Alagna.
The other group of girls finds Erin (E L Titan-Blurred) the track handicapper’s early choice although she’s winless to this point. She has five-lifetime starts, all in NYSS action, and has hit the board three times. Erin has good gate speed and with post one, should be able to control this race from the start. Jim Morrill Jr. will drive for trainer Dan Daley.
Crowbar Girl (Chapter Seven-Miss Trixton) has seven-lifetime starts and has tasted victory in her first and most recent outings. However in between she’s been unpredictable, to say the least. That said, she has the fastest lifetime mark of the group (1:57.1) as well as the highest earnings this year ($34,281) so she is definitely a player. Jordan Stratton will drive Crowbar Girl from post four for Ron Burke.
There are also two $20,000 NYSS Excelsior divisions on the program and those splits will be contested in races eight and nine. The NYSS main events are carded as races six and seven.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Miss Rockadali courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Jim Morrill Jr. had the hot hand in the bike on Wednesday as he won six times during the 13 race card. His biggest tally came with Miss Rockadali, who led at every station en route to victory in the $15,000 fillies and mares Open I Handicap at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (August 30).
Morrill left with Miss Rockadali and out-dueled Imprincessgemma A (Kevin Cummings) for the lead in the scratch-shortened field of six, establishing that position at the :27.3 quarter. After settling on the cones, Miss Rockadali slowed the second quarter down to:30.1 forcing Diamondtequilashot (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) into the outer flow, eventually going two and three wide moving towards three-quarters. Summer Slash eventually drew alongside Miss Rockadali in the turn and looked like she meant business. But her bid fell apart in the stretch where Miss Rockadali kept her lead to the wire while holding off Imprincessgemma A and a fast closing Bet I’m Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) to win in 1:55.1.
It was the seventh win of the year and 37th lifetime for Miss Rockadali ($3.20) whose lifetime earnings now total $305,655 for owners Team Italia Racing and Lisette Mota. It was one of three wins for trainer Russell Bratt on Wednesday.
Besides the already mentioned Miss Rockadali, Morrill also won with Charmbo Orbit (1:57.4, $10.00), A Black Diamond (1:56.2, $3.10), Triumphant’s Chip (2:00.2, $3.80), BJ Anthony (2:00.3, $15.40) and Skyway Venus (1:56.3, $5.60) to complete his six pack.
In the secondary featured $11,000 mid-level condition for distaff pacers, Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first-over at the half and started cutting into the lead of the front running Carbon Cider (Joe Chindano Jr.) up the backstretch. Center Attraction drew even with Carbon Cider at three-quarters, matched strides with her around the last turn, and then paced clear in deep stretch by 1-¼ lengths to win in 1:56.
Center Attraction ($3.20) is owned by her trainer Robert Anderson, in partnership with Pamela Schieber.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (September 1) at 6 p.m. there will be a $9,506 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 12th race.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Center Attraction courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Mike Sputore fell in love with the game of baseball when he was a young boy growing up on the southside of Batavia.
He excelled at the sport, starting as a member of the Ramblers, who were coached by his father, Paul, in the Batavia Minor League on the diamond at the corner of State and Denio Streets and continuing through two seasons as a pitcher and third baseman for the Genesee Community College Cougars.
Sputore’s baseball career didn’t end then, however. In a sense, it was just beginning. For the past 20 years, he has been a coach at various levels – including the past two years as the varsity head coach at Pembroke Central School.
This summer, when he heard that James Patric was stepping away from the job after two years at the helm, Sputore submitted his resume to Mike Bromley, director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for the Batavia City School District.
“In 2022, James had reached out to me about coaching the jayvee team at Batavia, but I was committed to Pembroke at that time,” said Sputore during an interview with The Batavian on Monday at Mancuso Bowling Center, where he is employed as the general manager. “When the position did come available, I applied and was interviewed by Mike and (physical education staff members) Brennan Briggs and Nick Burk.”
Apparently, Sputore, a 1999 BHS graduate, aced the interview and was offered the job.
“We had several applicants and Mike came through as the leading candidate,” Bromley said. “He had some great experiences as a coach at Notre Dame and the last couple years at Pembroke as the varsity coach. We know that he has a love for Batavia baseball, with his family deeply involved in baseball here for a long time.
“We think that he has some of the attributes that it would take to be the next varsity coach here in Batavia – a good work ethic, great with kids and loves baseball. Just a good fit.”
Sputore credits his dad, who was president of Batavia Minor League for many years, for introducing him to the sport.
“He was a big influence when I was young and now, I’m enjoying it more and more the older I get,” Sputore said. “It’s very satisfying to help others in reaching their goals.”
After progressing through the summer youth baseball programs in the city – Minor, Little and Junior-Senior leagues, Sputore was a three-year starter at Batavia High under coaches Pep Johnson and Rick Saunders – claiming a Section 5 title in 1998 and earning Monroe County Honorable Mention status as a pitcher and third baseman.
Interestingly, Sputore’s brother, Chris, also won a Section 5 championship as a Blue Devil in 1994.
Mike Sputore played American Legion ball, before enrolling at GCC. It was there that he started his coaching career, serving as an assistant in 2003.
From there, he joined the Notre Dame High baseball program, recruited by varsity coach Rick Mancuso to run the jayvee program. In 2006, he became the varsity assistant coach under Mike Rapone and stayed in that capacity for 11 more years.
From 2018 until last season, Sputore coached at Pembroke – helping to build its program while coaching at the modified and varsity levels.
“We were very young (at Pembroke), but we made progress,” Sputore said, noting that the team won five games over the past two seasons after not winning any the previous couple years. “Going to Batavia, I feel the program has been set up for success, thanks to James, and we hope to continue the tradition built by Pep and Rick.”
Sputore said his expectations for his players start with two words – hustle and effort.
“It takes zero talent to hustle and give your best effort at all times,” he said. “We’re looking for kids to be coachable and to be motivated to succeed.”
He said he hopes to get his players on the field for some practice in October and is planning some “winter workouts” with the drop-down batting cage at the high school’s auxiliary gym. He also is excited about the “Meet the Coach Night” on Sept. 12 at the high school for all of the program’s players and parents.
Ryan Mansell, a five-year ballplayer at Brockport State, has accepted a health teacher position at BCSD and has been hired as the baseball program assistant. Other coaches are Derrick Busch (junior varsity), Greg Mruczek (modified A) and Rich Wagner (modified B).
Sputore has a son, Benjamin, a senior at BHS, and a daughter, Brooklyn, an eighth grader at Oakfield-Alabama Central School. His wife, Jillion, is a teacher at John Kennedy Intermediate School.
Photo of Covered Bridge courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
A large trackside crowd was treated to a robust card of racing at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (August 26) that was headlined by the track’s signature event, the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace. A full field of eight top Open pacers went postward with Covered Bridge taking the winner’s share of the purse after a dominating finish.
Covered Bridge (Jordan Stratton) got away fifth as This Is The Plan (Joe Bongiorno) dashed off the gate and crossed over to the lead before the :27.2 quarter. Bongiorno then proceeded to back down the half to :56.3, forcing a first-over move by Idealsomemagic A (Tyler Buter) and Covered Bridge. With the field now in two rows, the top four positions remained unchanged to three-quarters and into the far turn where Idealsomemagic A took the lead from This Is The Plan and Covered Bridge tipped three-deep around Idealsomemagic A. At the top of the stretch, Covered Bridge drew even with Idealsomemagic A before bolting to the line on top by 1-¾ lengths under a line drive by Stratton in 1:52.
On the strength of his third straight win, Covered Bridge ($3.60) became the sports newest millionaire, with earnings now totalling $1,032,175 for owner Mark Ford. Jeff Gillis was the winning trainer.
The New York Sire Stakes were also on hand Saturday with three divisions featuring both genders of 3-year-old trotters.
The colts and geldings lined up first with one field of seven vying for $119,800 where Chapercraz (Crazy Wow-Chapress) was much the best.
Chapercraz (Joe Bongiorno) sat in third, tracking fast first half fractions of :27.4 and :55.4 set by Wild Bill Kelso (Jim Morrill Jr.). Wild Bill Kelso took a three length lead into the second circuit but Bongiorno moved quickly from third with Chapercraz and by three-quarters they were on top. Chaprcraz crossed over in the last turn while Bongiorno bounced relentlessly in the bike into deep stretch where Chapercraz hit the light on top by 3-¾ lengths in 1:54.
The winning time established a new lifetime mark for Chapercraz and was only one-fifth of a second shy of the Batavia Downs track record for 3-year-old trotting geldings.
With the win, Chapercraz ($10.00) boosted his 2023 earnings to $336,632 for owners Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and Phillip Collura. Ron Burke trains the Chapercraz who was bred by Purple Haze Stable.
The fillies went in two short fields and the first, valued at $57,000, was won by Usosweet Blue Chip (Devious Man-Twin B Kisses) who led from gate to wire.
Usosweet Blue Chip (Marcus Miller) out-trotted Midwind Success (Jordan Stratton) for the lead and set up shop on the point just past the five-eighths. From there she rattled off three identical:29.2 quarters while Midwind Success and Five Fish Species (Mark Macdonald) attempted to keep up. Those efforts fell short and Usosweet Blue Chip turned for home and pulled away by 3-½ lengths to win as Miller sat chilly in 1:56.4.
Usosweet Blue Chip ($5.00) is owned by the Erv Miller Stable and Douglas Overheiser and is trained by Erv Miller. Blue Chip Bloodstock bred Usosweet Blue Chip.
The second set of trotting fillies were in pursuit of $58,100 and Royal Filly (Chapter Seven-Swinging Royalty) was absolutely peerless on this night.
Jean’s Action (Kevin Cummings) advanced to the front by the eighth pole and led for a handful of pylons before Royal Filly (Tyler Buter) made a power move to the point and this lead was for good. Royal Filly stepped off quarters of :29.2, :58.3 and 1:27.1 while extending her lead from two to six to seven lengths at each station. With no one even remotely near her in the last turn, Royal Filly turned for home and completed her tour of the facility on top by 10-½ lengths in 1:56.2.
Royal Filly ($2.20) is owned by Crawford Farms Racing, trained by Tony Alagna and was bred by Jonas Schlabach.
There were also four $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Kennebago (E L Titan-First Class Act) in 1:58.1 for driver Joe Bongiorno, trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi. The second went to Serendipity (Chapter Seven-Vida De Vie) in 1:58.1 for driver Marcus Miller, trainer George Ducharme and owners William Donovan, Jim Winske, Stephen Michaels and Joe Sbrocco. The third was won by Metro Matty (Met’s Hall-Order By Matilda) in 1:59.2 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer John Butenschoen and owner Bay Pond Racing Stable. And the fourth was won by Seven Over (Chapter Seven-Overpowering Lindy) for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Per Engblom and owners VIP Internet Stable, Rich Preziotti, Heritage Standardbreds and Timothy Drag.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 30) at 6 p.m. there will be a $8,813 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Mugshots Bro courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
The trotters were on full display under the Friday night (August 25) lights at Batavia Downs but the spotlight fell directly on driver Jim Morrill Jr., who choreographed the journeys of the winners of the top two events.
In the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot, Morrill put Makadushin N Cheez on the point and then sat chilly for the next eight furlongs. Makadushin N Cheez put up easy fractions of :28.4, :58.2 and 1:26.4 before taking his 3-½ length lead into the last turn. Morrill stayed reclined behind Makadushin N Cheez as Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) tried to employ his patented late rally in the stretch. But there would be no change in the order this week as Makadushin N Cheez just cruised across the line in 1:56.
It was the 23rd lifetime win in only the 67th lifetime start for the high percentage Makadushin N Cheez ($5.30) who is owned by Joe D’ Agostino, Molly D’Agostino, Phillip Kadushin and David Dewhurst, who also trains the winner.
In the undercard $13,000 Open II trot, Morrill took no prisoners with Mugshots Bro, who grabbed an early lead and maintained a 1-½ length lead to three-quarters. CR Blazin Beauty (Dave McNeight III) and Good Boy (Ray Fisher Jr.) tried their best to catch the leader around the last turn, but when Mugshots Bro hit the top of the stretch, he bolted home to a 3-¾ length victory in a seasonal best 1:57.1.
Mugshots Bro ($3.90) is owned by Herman Niedhammer and Herman Niedhammer Jr. and is trained by Rose Russo.
Morrill ended the night with a total of three wins on the strength of his natural hat trick in races eight, nine and ten, but Dave McNeight III led all reinsmen with a grand slam. Also, trainers Rose Russo and Lee Dahn both scored doubles.
The biggest win mutuel of the year so far occurred in race four when Coco Hall (Jim McNeight Jr.) out-trotted the heavily favored Crews Hilltopper (Jim Morrill Jr.) to the line by a head in 1:59.3 and paid $129.00 to win.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (August 26) at 6 p.m. there will be a $7,322 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race.
Also on Saturday, Batavia Downs will host its richest card of racing this summer when a total of $467,400 in purses will be up for grabs. The card features both colt and filly divisions of New York Sire Stake and Excelsior 3-year-old trotters with total purses of $294,900 and the $75,000 Kane Memorial Invitational Pace, which is Batavia Downs signature race.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Makadushin N Cheez courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
The richest night of harness racing all summer will be held at Batavia Downs on Saturday (August 26) when total purses of $467,400 will be in play for participants of the heavily stake-laden card. Post time for the first of 15 races is at 6 p.m.
The New York Sire Stakes will be back in Genesee County, this time featuring both colt and gelding and filly divisions of 3-year-old trotters. Those three races alone are worth $234,900 and coupled with three $20,000 divisions of NYSS Excelsior events, total $294,900 in purses for the state-bred trotters.
Also on the card is Batavia Downs’ signature event, the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace which has attracted some of the best Open pacers currently racing in North America.
The feature races start with one division of NYSS 3-year-old male trotters going to post for a jackpot of $119,800 and includes two top trotters from their division going postward.
Kierkegaard K (Chapter Seven-Gone Baby Gone) has four wins this year including two NYSS events and an elimination of the MGM Yonkers Trot. But he also won the Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon Downs in 1:50.3. That mark has him tied as the fastest 3-year-old trotter of either gender to this point of 2023 with Hambletonian winner Tactical Approach and Hambletonian Oaks winner Heaven Hanover. As if that line on his resume isn’t enough, with his earnings of $209,351, Kierkegaard K is also the 11th highest earner in North America among all 3-year-old trotters. After making a break in his Hambletonian elimination at the end of July, Kierkegaard K came back with a NYSS win and a third-place finish in the Beal Memorial at Mohegan Sun Pocono last week, bringing him into this race off two solid efforts and looking like the one to beat.
Kierkegaard K starts from post three with Mark Macdonald in the bike for trainer Ake Svanstedt.
Chapercraz (Crazy Wow-Chaperess) has also had a big year with three wins, including two NYSS outings. But the gelding was only a little over two lengths away from having three more wins and all in very big races. Chapercraz finished second by a head in the MGM Yonkers Trot elimination, second by three-quarters of a length in that final and second by 1-1/4 lengths in the Zweig Trot at Vernon. But all those seconds still paid well and as a result, Chapercraz is currently the seventh richest 3-year-old trotter in North America. After not missing the board in eight consecutive starts, Chapercraz got stung last week at Saratoga, parked four-deep into turn one before getting the lead past the :27.1 quarter. But he never saw the pylons until the three-eighths and that took its toll at the end of the mile and gave him his first out since May.
Chapercraz looks to rebound from post four with Joe Bongiorno in the bike for trainer Ron Burke.
Next are two NYSS divisions for 3-year-old trotting fillies. The first group goes for $57,000 and none of the five fillies have won a NYSS event this year.
Five Fish Species (Chapter Seven-Stylemaker) comes into this race on a tear, winning three out of her last four starts including two Excelsior races. She is making her first NYSS start here for trainer Megan Scran who has Mark Macdonald in the bike from post three.
Usosweet Blue Chip (Devious Man-Twin B Kisses) finished second in the NYSS at Yonkers last week, has one Excelsior win earlier this year and is the highest 2023 earner of this group. Marcus Miller will drive from post two for his father, trainer Erv Miller.
On The House (Chapter Seven-On Your Tab) has drawn terribly in her last three NYSS events but still was able to grab two checks. Prior to that she was a willing winner from post one in an overnight at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Here she drew post four for trainer Ake Svanstedt who has Jim Morrill Jr. In the sulky.
The second division is a six horse affair going for $58,100 and Royal Filly (Chapter Seven-Swinging Royalty) looks to get the most attention from the bettors.
Royal Filly is a four-time winner this year, including a victory in the Empire Breeders Classic and three NYSS races, two of which came in her last three starts. Her $190,697 in earnings has her the fifth richest and her mark of 1:52 has her the eighth fastest 3-year-old trotting filly in North America to this point. Royal Filly has drawn post one and trainer Tony Alagna has Tyler Buter back in the bike for this outing.
Woolco (Chapter Seven-Upside Hanover) is also a four-time winner and they were at both NYSS and Excelsior levels. And aside from one unfortunate break, Woolco has been first or second six out of her seven starts this year. Leaving from post six, trainer Bob Krivelin has Jim Morrill Jr. at the lines for the second time this year. The first outing with Morrill was a win.
Canterbury Hanover (Chapter Seven-Charmed Life) is another consistent performer with a win, second and third in her last three starts and all in NYSS action. She is the second-highest earner among this group and is poised to make a strong statement. It will be a homecoming of sorts for trainer/driver Jeff Gregory who started his career at Batavia Downs. Canterbury Hanover drew post four.
Finally, the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace has drawn what appears to be, the toughest overall field in the 17-year history of the race.
Covered Bridge ships in fresh off a win in the 64th Gold Cup and Saucer Pace at Red Shores in Charlottetown, PEI last week. After winning his elimination in 1:51.2 by four lengths, Covered Bridge came back in the final from post nine and won the final in 1:50.3 after being parked out four-deep at three-quarters. Covered Bridge also took a seasonal mark of 1:49.4 at Yonkers in June. His 13 wins this year have earned him $390,985 and he is likely to become a millionaire by the end of business on Saturday night as he is only $5,325 shy of that mark now.
Jordan Stratton will be at the lines again for owner/trainer Mark Ford and will start from post five.
Rocknroll Runa A (Rock N Roll Heaven-She’s A Runa) has excelled on half-mile tracks since landing in North America and you needn’t look any further back than his last three starts for proof as he has been dominant in the Open at Yonkers. He also finished second in consecutive weeks at Plainridge Park while chasing two track records in those races. His extreme tactical speed and middle-of-the-pack draw makes him very dangerous in here.
Jason Bartlett will drive Rocknroll Runa A from post six for trainer Larry Stalbaum.
The field of eight also features millionaires This Is The Plan ($3,082,603) and None Bettor A ($1,145,227), 12-time 2023 winner Idealsomemagic A and last week’s Batavia Downs Open winner and recent import, Mirragon A.
The Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace is named in honor of the former chairman of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTB) and his vision for a defunct racetrack. In 1998 Robert Kane saw the opportunity for WROTB to keep harness racing alive in Western New York and convinced the group to purchase the shuttered Batavia Downs. He then worked diligently for four years to obtain a racing license from the state of New York in order to re-open the track in 2002.
With the improvement of the live racing product, multiple expansions of the gaming floor, and the addition of the top-rated hotel in the years since the acquisition, what once was an empty building is now the pre-eminent attraction in all of Genesee County and that is due to the vision of Robert J. Kane.
Families are encouraged to bring the kids early on Saturday to have their picture taken with one of the Budweiser Clydesdales, who will be on hand from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a track-side meet and greet. Also, there will be a Kane Memorial T-Shirt giveaway that night. You must be a Players Club member and swipe your card (starting at 4:30 p.m.) to receive a slip redeemable after the seventh race.
Photo of Covered Bridge courtesy of Gail Macdonald.
Photo of Kierkegaard K courtesy of Photowon.
Photo of Rocknroll Runa A courtesy of Jessica Hallett.
Batavia Muckdogs Manager Joey Martinez during a 2023 baseball game at Dwyer Stadium. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press release:
The Batavia Muckdogs have agreed to terms with current Manager and coach Joey “Skip” Martinez for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Skip Martinez took over in 2021, the first season CAN-USA Sports took over ownership of the Muckdogs. The Florida native and former Detroit Tigers draft pick has come to know Batavia as a second home these past few years.
Since taking over, Martinez has led the Dogs to the playoffs in two of his first three seasons. The Muckdogs won the West Division in 2022 and fell just 1 game short of winning the PGCBL Championship that season. Under Martinez, the Muckdogs claimed the #1 seed in the regular season in both 2022 and 2023.
"Joey has done a great job for us here in Batavia, and we are pleased to have him back," said Muckdogs Owner Robbie Nichols.
“I am very happy to be back to my second home and continue to be part of the Nichols family and our Muckdogs Mafia, I hope to be here amongst family for a long time. Thank you for the continued support for our organization, We will be back, and we will be better,” said Martinez.
Season tickets are on sale as low as $99 for the 2024 season. If you are interested in tickets, sponsoring the Muckdogs, or hosting a group event next year at Dwyer Stadium, call 585-524-2260. For the latest news throughout the offseason, check out their website at www.canusamuckdogs.com. The Muckdogs will be hosting the Battle of the Badges this Saturday at 6 p.m. at Dwyer Stadium and will be hosting Muckdogs Trick or Treat on Saturday, October 21st 3 to 6 p.m.
The last time she was at Batavia Downs in 2021, Racine Bell set the track record of 1:51.3 for aged pacing mares after destroying her competition by eight full-lengths. On Wednesday night (August 23), the million-dollar mare returned to the Downs and won again in the $15,000 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace.
Anne Bonney N (Cory Kreiser) took an early lead while Racine Bell (Kevin Cummings) rolled three-wide at the eighth pole on her way to the front at the :27.1 quarter. After crossing over, Cummings settled Racine Bell down and backed off the middle half to a tepid :58.4 as Oaxacan Dream N (Matty Athearn) and Waitforever N (Jim Morrill Jr.) were one out and one back in the breeze. Waitforever N made a three-wide move in turn three and found herself only a length behind the leader as they made their way around the final bend. But that was as close as she'd get as Racine Bell maintained that margin all the way to the line under Cummings urging to win in 1:55.1.
It was the 33rd lifetime win in only 89 lifetime starts for Racine Bell ($3.40) and owners Chris Lawton and Dale Lawton. David Dewhurst was the winning trainer.
Besides Racine Bell, Kevin Cummings also won with Tullow N (1:57.1, $2.60), Confidence Man (1:57.1, $9.40), Louie The Lilac (1:55.1, $4.30),
and Pepin Coolie (2:01.2, $4.90) to round out his five bagger on Wednesday.
Earlier in the $13,000 fillies and mares Open II Handicap, Diamondtequilashot (Jim Morrill Jr.) sat the pocket behind American Jazz (Denny Bucerri) through quarters of :28, :57.1 and 1:26 while Bet I’m Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) and Mcdelicacy (Kevin Cummings) pushed the issue on the outside from the half to the top of the stretch. It was there that Diamondtequilashot found the passing lane and paced by them all to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:56.
Diamondtequilashot ($2.60) got her 49th lifetime win and third of the year for owner Rick Senger and trainer Bill Rhoades.
Jim Morrill Jr. also won with TImeless Virgin (1:58.1, $2.50), Kandy Sweet (1:58.4, $2.20), and Mildrix (1:56.2, $3.00) to complete his grand slam.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 25) at 6 p.m. there will be a $6,582 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
On Saturday (Aug. 26), Batavia Downs will host the richest card of racing in 2023 when a total of $450,600 in purses will be up for grabs. The program features both colt and filly divisions of New York Sire Stake and Excelsior 3-year-old trotters with total purses of $305,100 and the $75,000 Kane Memorial Invitational Pace, which is Batavia Downs signature race.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Diamondtequilashot courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery
