Sports

Pembroke swept Alexander in three sets in volleyball on Friday, 25-20, 25-17, 25-18.

Pembroke stats:

• Jules Cleveland threw up 9 assists, 5 digs and an ace. 
• Onolee Easterbrook had 3 solo blocks, 3 kills, 2 assists and an ace. 
• Camille Campbell added 5 digs
• Reagan Schneider with 5 kills  and an ace. 

Elba beat Lyndonville on Thursday in volleyball in three straight sets.

Stats for Elba:

• Alexa Ocampo 12 kills, 2 blocks, 2 aces
• Jada Fite 14 assists, 4 kills, 7 aces
• Mariah Ognibene 4 blocks, 4 kills, 3 aces

On Wednesday, Elba beat Wheatland-Chili in three straight sets, 25*17, 25*12, and 25-11.

Stats:

• Alexa Ocampo 7 kills, 6 digs, 4 aces
• Jada Fite 17 assists, 5 aces
• Mariah Ognibene 6 kills, 4 blocks 

Oakfield-Alabama beat Notre Dame in volleyball on Wednesday in a five-set game.

Scoring:

• Set 1: OA-26     ND-24
• Set 2: OA-25     ND-14
• Set 3: OA-24     ND-26
• Set 4: OA-17     ND-25
• Set 5: OA-15     ND-12

OA stats:

• Junior, Libero, Cali Cramer - 41 digs!!!
• Junior, Opposite Hitter, Ava Caton - 31 digs!!!
• Senior, Setter, Jessica Sosnowski - 40 assists, 3 kills, 11 digs
• Senior, Middle Hitter, Ryleigh Kirkum - 8 aces, 6 kills, 10 digs
• Junior, Outside Hitter, Kendall Newbould - 9 kills, 9 digs
• Senior, Outside Hitter, Cara Williams - 29 digs, 6 kills
• Sophomore, Middle Hitter, Allie Williams - 8 kills, 5 blocks, 3 aces, 5 digs

ND stats:

• CJ Campagna - 9 kills, 5 blocks
• Lylli Miller - 11 kills, 15 assists
• Lucia Fiorentino - 3 kills, 3 aces, 4 assists

Driver Joe Chindano Jr. put on a driving clinic at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 11) night by winning six races on the card.

Chindano scored with NY Hardcore (1:56.3, $5.50), Tidal Shark (1:55.4, $3.60), Pepin Coolie (2:01.2, $4.70), LA Always A Martini (1:56.2, $5.00), Pop The Bubbly (1:56.1, $3.60) and Beddenburg (1:56.3, $4.70). He also had a second and third out of his 13 drives.

The one race Chindano didn’t win was the $13,500 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap pace. That went to Oaxacan Dream N, who returned to Batavia after a successful month-long hiatus at Tioga Downs.

Dave McNeight III rushed Oaxacan Dream N off the gate and took a lead she would not relinquish. After getting to the half unchallenged in :58.1 with only Ball Diamond (Ray Fisher Jr.) tracking close from the pocket, Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first-over, but stalled shortly after making the move. That left It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) who followed Center Attraction to tip three-wide and draw alongside Oaxacan Dream N at three-quarters. The two mares paced in close proximity, but Oaxacan Dream N held the advantage from the top of the stretch to the line where she won by a half length in 1:55.

It was the eighth win of the year for Oaxacan Dream N ($5.30) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags and trained by Maria Rice.

Another terrific trio on Wednesday was driver Kevin Cummings, trainer Sam Smith, and owner Mike Torcello, who combined for a hat trick. They won with Stay Safe (1:57.3, $2.50), Pray The Rosary (1:58.3, $4.20) and Louie The Lilac (1:56.1, $11.40).

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 13) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,892 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

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.

Driver Kyle Cummings had an outstanding night at the lines at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 7) night after winning four races on the card, including the $13,500 Open trot.

Cummings got away third with Dougadougadew as Great Unknown (Dave McNeight III) cut the mile with Biscoe (Joe Chindano Jr.) hung in the breeze second, through quarters of :28.1, :57.3 and 1:27.1. At that last station, Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) tipped three-deep and Double Class (John Cummings Jr.) went four wide around him, leaving Dougadougadew shuffled and locked-in fifth as they approached the stretch. When they straightened for home, Biscoe had taken the lead, but Dougadougadew snuck into the passing lane and brushed past him late to win by a neck in 1:57.4.

It was the seventh victory of the year for Dougadougadew ($6.40) who is owned by Doug and Tyra Ackley and trained by Tammy Cummings.

Cummings completed his grand slam with Knocking Around (1:57.2, $5.10), Davey Day Trader (1:57, $7.70) and Twentysevenbelow (1:56.2, $22.00). Cummings also had three seconds and three thirds from his 13 starts, giving him a stellar .513 UDR for the evening.

Later in the $13,500 Open Handicap pace, Lip Reader A (Drew Monti) settled fourth on the pylons as Admiral Hanover (Dave McNeight III) set the pace. After getting to the half in :56.3, Livonjaxandqueens (Kyle Cummings) started the outer-flow and Lip Reader A followed a close second with cover. When they got to three-quarters, Livonjaxandqueens took the lead and Lip Reader A moved into second before taking the lead himself as they came out of the turn. From there, Lip Reader A bolted home under a confident line-drive to win by 1-½ lengths in 1:54.2.

It was the eighth win of the year for Lip Reader A ($3.90) and owners Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice trains the winner.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 11) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $833 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.

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.

After benefitting from a perfect trip, Credarena slipped through late to capture the $10,000 featured trot at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (September 4) night in a clocking that equaled his career best.

Kenobi (Jim Morrill Jr.) was cutting the air on the point while Credarena (Dave McNeight III) sat in the garden spot from the start. After Kenobi reached the half in a modest :59, Sonny’s Moni (Drew Monti) pulled first-over in the breeze from fourth and pushed the issue to three-quarters in 1:28.1. But Kenobi turned back that challenge and entered the lane as a clear leader. That was until Credarena ducked into the passing lane and bolted to the line, passing Kenobi just before the wire where he won in 1:57.2, tying his lifetime mark.

It was the fifth win of the year for Credarena ($29.20) who is owned by Marissa Russo and trained by David Russo.

In the ninth race, Morgans All In and Sea Of Love BC went down shortly after the start in the first turn, unseating drivers Jim Morrill Jr. and Jim McNeight Jr. As a result, the race was declared a “no contest” and refunds were made. Both drivers were alert. Morrill was checked at the track and McNeight was sent to the hospital for further evaluation. Both horses appeared to be okay after the incident.

Dave McNeight III had another huge night winning four more races, this after a six win breakout this past Saturday (Aug. 31). This catapulted Triple Sticks to the top for dash wins this meet, now with a total of 34 wins.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 7) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $590 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

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.

Indiana-campaigned but locally owned, It's Corona Time made her western New York debut one to remember as she mare-handled the competition while winning the $13,500 Open Handicap distaff pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Monday (Sept. 2) afternoon.

Leads changed a number of times after the start as It's Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Arco N (Dave McNeight III) swapped the front. After they passed the :27.4 quarter, It's Corona Time finally settled on the point and really got down to business.

It's Corona Time paced to the half in :56.4 with a two-length lead that she extended to four by three-quarters. She continued to pull away around the last turn and was separated from the field by 5-½ lengths when they hit the straight. Heading down the lane, Chindano was in full recline as It's Corona Time bolted home wrapped-up and stopped the clock in 1:54.2.

A 4-year-old daughter of the former Batavia Downs all-time pacing track record holder Aracache Hanover, It's Corona Time ($2.30) is owned by Bill Switala and James Martin (who also bred the mare) and trained by Maggie Chindano.

Joe Chindano Jr. ended the day with three driving wins.

In the undercard $11,500 upper-level conditioned pace for fillies and mares, despite being overlooked by the betting public after being off over a month, Dance Ticket (Kyle Swift) made quick and easy work of her seven foes after taking the lead and setting unchallenged fractions of :28.4, :59.1 and 1:28. Dance Ticket then rounded the last turn and darted for the line on top by 2-½ lengths in 1:57.2.

It was the third win in the last five starts and fifth win of the year for Dance Ticket ($20.80) who is owned by 716 Standardbreds and trained by Courtney Wright.

Dave McNeight III also had a driving hat trick on Monday while 11 different trainers each scored one win apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 4) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,306 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race.

Just one week ago, Dave McNeight III had a brilliant night at Batavia Downs as he won five races on the card. On Saturday (Aug. 31), McNeight one-upped himself at The Downs as he won six races during the program and now sits a solid second for dash wins this meet.  

“Triple Sticks” won with The Downtown Bus (1:55, $4.00), Lana’s Desire (1:55.2, $16.20), Daylight Rush (1:55.1, $9.10), American Rascal (1:55.2, $41.20), Remember The Beach (1:56.1, $6.80) and My Mind Is Made Up (1:55.2, $2.90).

Mcneight now has 27 wins and is second to Jim Morrill Jr. who tops the leaderboard with 31 wins after Saturday’s action. Also as a result of his big night, McNeight is now only four wins away from 1,700 lifetime.

Two races McNeight didn’t win on Saturday were the pair of $13,500 Opens that were both taken by gate to wire winners who each reached double-digit wins for the year.

Saratoga Raceway regular Topville Somebeach, traveled west on the 90 to compete at Batavia and didn’t have to worry about paying the toll to get home after he won the $13,500 Open Handicap pacing feature in the fastest overnight clocking of the season.

Jim Morrill Jr. sent the front-loving Topville Somebeach right to the point and rated a moderate half in :57.1. As they made their way into the clubhouse turn, Melanion N (Drew Monti) was rolling up the outside and got as far as the pocket-sitting Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) at the 1:24.3 three-quarters. Topville Somebeach took his 1-½ length lead into the final bend as Melanion N and Villiam continued to track from behind, but both had work to do. The chase continued into the stretch where Villiam got the closest before the line, but came up a half length short as Topville Somebeach won in 1:52.3.

It was the fifth win in a row and tenth of the year for Topville Somebeach ($6.70) who is owned by Stephen Picarazzi, Darryel Bullard and Bret Derue, who also trains the winner.

Then in the $13,500 Open Handicap trot, Power And Grace showed her speed and class and she dominated the field of seven male rivals.

Drew Monti put Power And Grace on the lead and then put the field to sleep with a :59.1 half. As the race made its way around the turn three, Monti hit the gas and Power And Grace started to pull away up the backstretch, opening up a 2-½ length lead at three-quarters. She continued to gap the field rounding the final bend and had a four length lead at the top of the stretch. Power And Grace turned for home all by herself and cruised to the line under no urging whatsoever to win in 1:56.3.

It was also the tenth win of the year for Power And Grace ($5.50), as well as her 66th career victory. Hartel Maintenance and Lormer McClure, Brett Macdonald and Reg Higgs own Power And Grace who is trained by Ronald Macdonald.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs with a special Labor Day matinee on Monday (Aug. 31) with post time at 1:15 p.m.

A pair of $10,000 conditioned trots topped the card at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 30) night and both winners were heavily backed at the windows.

In the first split, Keeper Of Secrets (Kyle Cummings) sat third behind the front-running BJ’s Smitty (Drew Monti) to the half in 1:00.1, where he made a first-over move heading into turn three. Keeper Of Secrets gained a narrow lead on the outside over BJ’s Smitty at three-quarters, who then fought back to the front at the top of the stretch. But when they turned for home, Keeper Of Secrets got back in gear and cleared the field by 1-¼ lengths to win in 1:59.

It was the second win in the last three starts for Keeper Of Secrets ($4.80) for owner Lawrence Barnett and trainer James Rothfuss.

Kyle Cummings ended the night with three driving wins.

Then in the second division, Curry Hanover (Kevin Cummings) took the lead from post one and was pressured on the outside by Jacked (Dave McNeight III) through quarters of :28.2, :57 and 1:27. As they trotted into the last turn, Jacked dropped out, leaving a clear path for the pocket-sitting Four Wheelin (Drew Monti) to make a dash. Four Wheelin closed all the way to the wire, but Curry Hanover was tough and hung on by a neck in 1:58.1.

It was the fifth win of the year for Curry Hanover ($4.70) who is owned by Franklin Meier and trained by Angelo Nappo.

Joe Chindano Jr. also scored a driving hat trick while trainers Marc Shuttleworth and Chris Petrelli each registered two wins apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 31) at 6 p.m. and there are two carryovers of note. The Pick-5 in the first race has a $706 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race will see the pool start with $1,154 on Saturday.

Record breaking, total domination is the only way to describe the performance put on by My Debt Collector (Chapter Seven-Magic Presto) at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 28) night who was absolutely peerless while winning the $102,500 New York Sire Stake for 2-year-old trotting fillies.

My Debt Collector’s time of 1:56.4 gave her a new lifetime record, set a new Batavia Downs track record for 2-year-old trotting fillies, and established a National season’s mark for 2-year-old trotting fillies over a half-mile track. The previous mark of 1:58 was set by Chapvious in NYSS action at Yonkers Raceway on June 25.

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. sent My Debt Collector right to the front and extended his lead with every stride after that. My Debt Collector hit the quarter in :28.4 up by 2-¾ lengths, flew by the half in :57.4 leading by six, and extended that bulge to nine lengths as she passed three-quarters in 1:27 flat. With the other four fillies clearly no match, Morrill had My Debt Collector wrapped up and cruising as she hit the line in front by seven in 1:56.4.

It was the second straight win and third victory of the season – all in NYSS races – for My Debt Collector ($2.40) and increased her 2024 bankroll to $185,259, which now makes her the second richest 2-year-old trotting filly in North America behind only Canadian trotting standout, Monalishi ($273,125). My Debt Collector is owned by David Mc Duffee, Melvin Hartman and Little E, who also bred the filly in partnership with Herb Liverman.

There were also two $20,000 Excelsior races on the card.

In the first, Flashchap (Chapter Seven-Wing Flash) won in 2:00.3 for driver Tyler Buter, trainer George Ducharme and owner Purple Haze Stable. John Cummins bred the winner.

The very next race, K J Title (E L Titan-Aren’t I  Hanover) also won in 2:00.3 for driver Drew Monti, trainer Alex Giuliani and owner/breeder Scott Woogen.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 30) at 6 p.m.