Photo of Bet Eightthirtyone courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Driver Kevin Cummings and trainer Angelo Nappo teamed up to take the top two feature races at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 23) over a speed-bearing track on a beautiful fall evening.
First in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace, Cummings got away fifth with Stranger Things while Gunslinger Hill (Drew Monti) shot to the quarter in :28.3. However Stranger Things wasted little time getting into the mix, coming first over halfway through the second turn and engaging Gunslinger Hill by the half. After trading strides up the backstretch, Cummings rocked Stranger Things to the front and crossed over at three-quarters in 1:25.3. From there, Stranger Things closed it out on his own, holding off another late bid from Gunslinger Hill and winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.
After taking a new lifetime mark of 1:52.2 last week, Stranger Things ($3.60) made it two straight wins despite moving up in class for owners Kathy Schoeffel, Virginia Schoeffel, and James Reuther.
Then in the $12,500 upper-level conditioned pace, Cummings took a similar path to victory with Bet Eightthirtyone. After getting away fifth as Remember The Beach (Dave McNeight III) commanded the fractions, Cummings tipped Bet Eightthirtyone second-over behind Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) at the half and followed his cover to three-quarters where he went three-wide around the fading Nox Vegas Bluechip. He was then kept in the three path by Mighty Santana N (Joe Chindano Jr.), who slipped out of the pocket under him. At the top of the stretch, Remember The Beach, Mighty Santana N and Bet Eightthirtyone were even and all were under heavy drives by their pilots. In deep stretch the race was down to Mighty Santana N and Bet Eightthirtyone with Bet Eightthirtyone getting the nod by one-half length in 1:54.2, tying his seasonal mark.
Bet Eightthirtyone ($7.60) got his sixth win of the year for his owner Super Mile.
Cummings went on to win a total of four races during the night including a natural hat trick in races nine, 10, and 11. Trainer Jim Rothfuss had a hat trick of his own to lead all conditioners on Saturday.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 27) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $365 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in 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 Stranger Things courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
After scoring his second straight win at Batavia Downs in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot on Friday night (Sept. 22), Lougazi attained a career milestone by surpassing one-half million dollars in lifetime earnings.
Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) got away sixth while Makadushin N Cheez (Kevin Cummings) took the outside route to the lead as he passed the quarter in :28.4. Then just before the half, I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) led an outer-flow charge while Lougazi got in gear and followed. I Got The Looks pushed Makadusin N Cheez to three-quarters and that’s where Lougazi tipped three wide into the last turn. By the time they hit the top of the stretch, the three horses trotted evenly across the track, but then Lougazi kicked away in deep stretch and won by a length in 1:57.2.
It was the 57th lifetime win for Lougazi ($6.10) and it pushed his career bank to $501,366 for owner Mary Warriner. The Ryan Swift trained Lougazi has not missed the board in nine Batavia Downs starts this year, posting three wins, four seconds and two thirds to this point.
In the $13,000 Open II Handicap trot, Ricky Be Sharp (Mike Baumeister) was let go by the betting public at 28-1 and pulled a major upset after making a three-wide move at three-quarters, trotted by the race leader Worthy Of Honor (Drew Monti) and then held off the late closing Da Boogie Man (Kyle Cummings) and E Street (Jim Morrill Jr.) to win by a head in 1:57.3, tying his lifetime mark.
Ricky Be Sharp ($59.50) got his 40th career win for owner Jennifer Signor. Ron Baumeister trains the winner.
Jim Morrill Jr. led all drivers with three wins on Friday.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 22) at 6 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.
Photo of Ricky Be Sharp courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Lockport resident and Batavia native Paul Bacon continues to make his mark in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League at Mancuso Bowling Center.
The 58-year-old right-hander averaged 220 in the league last season and is off to a hot start this season.
Earlier this week, he rolled games of 258, 276 and 264 for a 798 series, bowling with partner Brian Cline, on lanes 3-4.
Bacon spun 10 strikes in each of the first two games and strung the first nine strikes in the third game before leaving two pins on the first ball of the 10th frame. He missed the spare, and finished just two pins shy of his second 800 series. His other 800 -- 824 -- came in December 2004 at Brad Angelo Lanes in Lockport.
"My feet got a little quick in that last frame and I pulled the shot," said Bacon, who is employed as an operator at WestRock packaging facility in North Tonawanda. "Still, I'm pretty happy about that score."
Bacon said he used a 900 Global Eternity en route to his 29-strike effort.
In other action at Mancuso's, Attica's Mark Brown found perfection in the County Line Stone Friday Trios League with a 300 middle game on lanes 21-22. His other games were 200 and 234 for a 754 series.
Brown rolled a 300 in January in the same league.
For a list of high scores around the Genesee Region USBC, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.
With a 49-16 win over Frewsburg (Section VI) on Friday, the Pembroke Dragons improved to 4-0 on the season.
The Dragons held Frewsburg scoreless until the fourth quarter.
Behind the blocking of Ben Steinberg, Jayden Mast, Jayden Bridge, Madden Perry, JJ Gabbey, Octavius Martin and Hayden Williams, Vijay Dhanda drew first blood with a 5-yard rushing TD.
Tyson Totten rushed for 177 yards and four touchdowns on 13 carries to eclipse 1,000 yards on the season, while fullback Caleb Felski added 102 yards and one touchdown of his own on just five carries.
Defensively the Dragons were led by Caleb Felski with nine tackles.
Octavius Martin and Tyson Totten recorded seven each, with Landon Schoonover and Landon Suro adding five a piece. JJ Gabbey, Vijay Dhanda and Tyson Totten each had a fumble recovery, while Madden Perry had two. Tyson Totten took his recovery to the house on a 55-yard score.
Sean Pustulka was 7-7 on extra points. The Dragons have yet to punt this season.
"We've got a young team still trying to find their way," said OAE Head Coach Tyler Winter. "A lot of guys are playing competitive minutes of football, and it's a new experience. The loss hurts, but the goal remains the same. If we can persevere and build upon the positives, our best football is still in front of us."
UPDATE with Notre Dame's stats:
Jay Antinore, 8-12 passing for 80 yards, seven carries for 51 yards and a TD.
George Woodruff, 62 yards rushing on 23 carries, one TD. On defense, he had 8 1/2 tackles.
Gabe Castro scored a TD on three carries for two yards. On defense, he had eight tackles.
Jaden Sherwood had two receptions for 25 yards and a TD.
Balance Beam: 1. Elizabeth Power (Pittsford): 9.1, 2. Roan Finn (Genesee): 8.35, 6. Mady Underhill (Genesee): 7.3, 8. Ashlyn Reynolds (Genesee): 7.1, 11. Nee'Kay Smith (Genesee): 6.55, 12. Emma Cooper (Genesee): 6.5, 13. Lei St. Clair (Genesee): 5.8
Floor Exercise: 1. Katie Kull (Pittsford): 9.0, 3. Roan Finn (Genesee): 8.55, 8. Ashlyn Reynolds (Genesee): 6.9, 9. Lei St. Clair (Genesee): 6.45, 11. Samantha Copani (Genesee): 6.25, 12. Emma Cooper (Genesee): 5.9
The next meet is Saturday, Sept. 30, at Rush-Henrietta Gymnastics at 5:30 p.m.
Monroe handed Batavia a second straight loss on Friday night at Van Detta Stadium, and at 40-0, it's the largest deficit suffered by the Blue Devils in more than a decade.
No stats are available for the game.
Batavia will play charter school Vertus next Friday at home at 7 p.m.
Photo of Louie The Lilac courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Press Release:
Louie The Lilac has been smelling like a rose at the current Batavia Downs meet and her success continued on Wednesday night (Sept. 20) after she extended her winning streak to five in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares.
Kevin Cummings pushed away the gate with Louie The Lilac and opened up a two-length advantage at the :28.3 quarter and it only got worse for the competition from there. Louie The Lilac opened up 3-½ lengths at the half and extended her lead to four as she passed three-quarters in 1:26, with the field following loosely behind her. As the race rounded the far turn, Casie’s Believer (Joe Chindano Jr.) made her way to second from mid-pack but had two lengths yet to make up. However that wasn’t going to happen on this night as Louie The Lilac cruised home first under a line drive from Cummings in 1:55.1.
It was the seventh win this year for Louie The Lilac ($2.60) and owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith trains the winner.
Dave McNeight III had a grand slam on Wednesday, winning with Dancing Lisa (1:55.2, $8.70), Chipper Daisy (1:57.3, $4.20), Bngs Express (1:58.2, $29.60) and Ashlee’s Delight (1:55.4, $17.40).
The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in the 13th race. The combination of 9-5-2-1-7 returned $6,404.90 for a 20-cent wager.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 22) at 6 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.
Tim Bojarski, longtime writer, columnist, and racing publicist for Batavia Downs racetrack, has been elected to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame as a Communicator by the members of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA).
Bojarski began his contact with harness racing communications in 1986 at Batavia Downs by writing horsemen profiles and authoring a tip sheet. Since then the Akron, resident has written feature articles for renowned racing magazines Horseman And Fair World, Trot Magazine, and most notably Hoof Beats Magazine, where he is in his 23rd year of feature writing for the award-winning magazine of the United States Trotting Association.
Besides his current position with Batavia Downs, the busy Bojarski is also employed as a publicist by Plainridge Park near Boston, Massachusetts, the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Sire Stakes, the New York Sire Stakes, and the Goshen Standardbred Sales.
Bojarski served two years as the National President of USHWA (2016 to 2017) and has been the president of the Upstate New York Chapter of USHWA since 2008. He was named USHWAN of the Year in 2007 and received the 2017 Clyde Hirt Memorial Media Award for excellence in harness racing reporting from Harness Horsemen International.
Also being inducted as a Communicator is the late Dave Brower, who worked for many years at the Meadowlands Racetrack and covered every major race in the sport, trainer Jim Campbell, owner/breeder David McDuffee, and driver Ed Lohmeyer (in the Veteran category) who will all be entering the Hall for their racing achievements.
Bojarski will be honored in two upcoming ceremonies. He will receive his first formal recognition at the Dan Patch Awards Banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment, on Feb. 25, 2024, at the Rosen Centre Resort in Orlando, Fla. The second event will be the formal induction to the Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York on July 7, 2024.
Acknowledging that "it took a while" to get there, Bergen resident Jeff Parton nonetheless now can say that he's a member of bowling's 300 club.
The 66-year-old right-hander rolled his first United States Bowling Congress-certified 300 game last week -- capping a 705 series with 12 straight strikes on opening night of the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.
Competing on lanes 1-2, Parton started with a 180 game, before switching to the MOTIV Venom Shock in game two. That was the right ball change as he proceeded to post 225 and 300.
His previous high games were 299 and 298.
Parton, a retiree, is a regular member of the Wednesday and Thursday leagues at Rose Garden Bowl.
In other action, Tom Baker of Pavilion is off to a hot start in the Toyota of Batavia 4-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center, posting 706 and 769 in weeks one and two.
For a list of high scores from the Genesee Region USBC, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.
Photo of The Longest Yard courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Since coming to Batavia Downs in July, The Longest Yard has not finished worse than second in five starts, and on Saturday (Sept. 16) he grabbed his third $15,000 Open I Handicap pace win and did it in handy fashion.
Mirragon A (Ray Fisher Jr.) was headstrong off the gate and amassed a two-length lead at the quarter in :27.1 while Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Stop Action (Jim Mcneight Jr.) were struggling to keep pace and The Longest Yard (Kevin Cummings) was a distant sixth at this point. The field continued to be strung out to the half where Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) pulled first-over and The Longest Yard tagged along behind him.
Mid-way up the backstretch, Villiam succumbed to the pace as Mirragon A hit three-quarters in 1:23.3, so The Longest Yard tipped three-high and around the fading horse as he headed into the last turn and had five lengths to make up with time running out. The Longest Yard passed the pocket-sitting Nox Vegas Bluechip, took dead aim at Mirragon A and was getting closer with every stride. Four pylons into the stretch, The Longest Yard took the lead and then strode away to a two-length win in 1:52.2, which was his fastest win time at Batavia this meet.
It was the fourth win of the year for the fleet-footed The Longest Yard ($2.40) which is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith. The Longest Yard was one of three wins for Cummings on the night and also one of two for Smith.
In the undercard $12,500 upper-level conditioned pace, Fake Out (Jim Morrill Jr.) got away fourth as Bet Eightthirtyone (Kevin Cummings) strolled to the half in a mere :58. As the race passed the five-eighths, Morrill tipped Fake Out and started to roll up the rim towards the leader. Just as they entered the final bend, Fake Out drew even with Bet Eightthirtyone and the two battled to the top of the stretch. There, Fake Out dug in and bolted to a 1-½ length victory in 1:54.1, which tied his seasonal best.
It was the fourth win in the last five starts for Fake Out ($8.30) who is owned and trained by Lee Dahn.
Jim Morrill Jr. dominated the driving colony on Saturday by posting four winners during the proceedings.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 20) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $4,332 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.
The Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer team beat Attica 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.
An all-around strong performance by Batavia was highlighted with goals by Rylan Bohn, assisted by Finn Halpin, and a penalty kick converted by Hunter Mileham, as well as an own goal by Attica.
The relentless defensive line and goalkeeper Ben Stone all contributed to the shutout.
Batavia’s record improved to 3 wins and one loss on the season.
A beautiful day and a beautiful field to play on, but not the outcome Notre Dame hoped for when they arrived at Genesee Community College on Saturday for a regular season game against Canisteo-Greenwood.
The Irish lost 25-14.
Jay Antinore was 12-20 passing for 134 yards and two TDs.
Also on Saturday The OAE Aggies sustained a rare loss on Saturday, losing to Avon 13-6.
QB Gavin Armbrewster was 4-9 passing for 113 yards and a TD. He had 12 carries for 37 yards. Avery Waterson rushed for 68 yards. Shaun Alexander had 33 yards on eight carries and a 55-yard receiving TD.
On defense, Ashton Bezon had 11 tackles and a sack. Austin Pangrazio had eight tackles and an interception.
"Avon played a much cleaner game than us today," said Coach Tyler Winter. "When you have multiple uncharacteristic mistakes, it’s tough to rally against teams like them. This will serve as a good learning experience for us down the road, as we still have not scratched the surface of our potential. Plenty of ball left."
Local trotting favorite Lougazi had an easy time of it in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 15) and chalked up his 56th lifetime win as a result.
Ray Fisher Jr. got away fourth with Lougazi in the scratch-shortened field of five, while Credit List (Kevin Cummings) took the quintet to the quarter in :28.2. As the race passed the stands the first time, Fisher pulled Lougazi who then advanced to second before entering turn three. Heading up the backstretch, Credit List was under heavy pressure from Lougazi, who was trotting comfortably in the breeze. The pair matched strides around the last turn but when they straightened out for home, Lougazi simply trotted away under Fisher wraps while turning back a late challenge from the early breaking, yet fast-closing Makadushin N Cheez (Jim McNeight Jr.) to win by 1-¼ lengths in 1:57.3.
On the strength of his sixth win of the year, Lougazi ($4.40) is now just shy of one-half million in lifetime earnings, showing $493,866 on his card for owner Mary Warriner. Ryan Swift is the winning trainer.
In the $13,000 Open II Handicap, I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) got away fifth as Magic MVP (Joe Chindano Jr.) blasted off the gate and to the quarter in :28.1. As they approached the half, Yetman was already out and rolling with I Got The Looks and drew alongside the leader by three-quarters. After racing in tandem around the last turn, I Got The Looks put away Magic MVP at the top of the stretch and then held off Con Air Hall (Jim Morrill Jr.) by one-quarter length in 1:58, which was a new seasonal mark.
I Got The Looks ($15.80) is owned by Tronolone Racing and trained by Frank Mays.
Kevin Cummings and Jim Morrill Jr. both had driving triples while Sam Smith and Shawn McDonough each had two training wins.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 16) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $3,719 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
Photo of I Got The Looks courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
LeRoy scores just before halftime to lead 20-8. Photo by Steve Ognibene
The Le Roy Oatkan Knights improved to 3-0 on the season with a 36-16 win over Lyons/Sodus on Friday at Hartwood Park.
Tony Piazza rushed for 152 yards on 20 carries and a TD. Tommy Condidorio was 5-10 passing for 110 yards and a TD. Jackson Fix had four receptions for 86 yards. He also rushed for a pair of touchdowns. Holden Sullivan had two sacks and four tackles.
Also on Friday:
Batavia lost to Honeoye Falls/Lima, 21-14. Bronx Buchholz 11-24 passing for 139 yards, one TD and one interception. Mekhi Fortes had 16 carries for 155 yards and a touchdown. He had six tackles on defense. Cole Grazioplene five catches for 54 yards and a TD.
Attica/Alexander beat East Rochester/Gandada, 21-18.
Eight $55,000 divisions went postward in the $440,000 New York Sire Stake Excelsior finals that were held at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Sept. 13) and several streaking horses were victorious again and had the support of the betting public.
The 2-year-old trotting filly Dozen (Chapter Seven-Sequin) drafted third for Tyler Buter behind the entry of Barn Dreamer (Jason Bartlett) and Barn CJ (Kevin Cummings) from the start to three-quarters where Buter tipped her and trotted towards the front. At the top of the stretch, Dozen was in full flight and bolted home to a 3-¼ length win in 1:58.2.
It was the fifth straight win for Dozen ($2.80) who is owned by Diamond Creek Racing and trained by Marcus Melander. Diamond Creek Farm bred Dozen.
Then the 2-year-old pacing colt Pop It (Huntsville-Pop The Tags) left hard from post one for Mark Macdonald and led the entire race. While leading by 1-½ lengths, Pop It cut quarters of :28.1, :58.1 and 1:27.4 before turning for home and holding off the pocket-sitting Spectacular Plus (Jason Bartlett) to win by one-half length in 1:56.
That was the fourth straight win for Pop It ($2.70) and owners Schnittker Arnold, Country Club Acres, Joe Sbrocco and Ted Gewertz. Ray Schnittker trains Pop It who was bred by Kathryn Weed and Kenneth Weed.
From the sophomore class, 3-year-old pacing filly Rec Time (Huntsville-Ms Malicious) and Jason Bartlett left for position from post five and dropped in second behind Light And Tight (Jordan Stratton), then and followed that one for seven-eighths of the mile while Sweet Cheyenne (Marcus Miller) applied pressure to the leader from the outside. At the top of the stretch, the passing lane opened and Rec Time paced away down the lane to a two length win in 1:55.1, with a sharp :27.3 final panel.
Rec Time ($3.90), who set Batavia Downs track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies earlier this year, won her sixth race in only eight 2023 outings for owners D Racing Stable and Jason Osullivan. Deborah Daguet trains the filly bred by Fair Winds Farm, Mark Mullen and Steve Jones.
And then 3-year-old trotting filly Serendipity (Chapter Seven-Vida De Vie) got away fourth for Marcus Miller while Five Fish Species (Mark Macdonald) led the field. Woolco (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled first-over at the half and Miller followed with Serendipity. Halfway through the last turn, Serendipity went three-wide and then under a line drive, pulled away to a 1-¾ length victory in 1:57.1.
It was the ninth win of the year for Serendipity ($6.00) and owners W Donovan, Jim Winske, Stephen Michaels and Joe Sbrocco. George Ducharme trains Serendipity who was bred by Joie De Vie Farm.
Jason Barltett won three Excelsior finals while Tyler Buter won two.
Here is a look at the rest of the stake winning performances:
2-year-old pacing fillies
Ideal Skies (American Ideal-No Clouds Bluechip)
Driver – Alek Chartrand
Owner – United Process Control Co.
Trainer – Alek Chartrand
Breeder – Barbara Berger, Richard Carney, Farrell Carney
Time – 1:56.4
Mutuel – $6.40
2-year-old trotting colts and geldings
Sir Pinocchio (Met’s Hall-Lady Cromwell)
Driver – Jason Bartlett
Owner – Carolyn Atherton
Trainer – Ed Hart
Breeder – Carolyn Atherton
Time – 1:59
Mutuel – $21.40
3-year-old pacing colts and geldings
Boston Bound (Boston Red Rocks-Ashleyswayrhighway)
Driver – Jim Morrill Jr.
Owner – Rick Berks, Peter Blood
Trainer – Mike Deters
Breeder – Winbak Farms
Time – 1:55.3
Mutuel – $6.60
3-year-old trotting colts and geldings
Seven Sins (Chapter Seven-Isolde)
Driver – Tyler Buter
Owner – Pollack Racing
Trainer – Jeff Cullipher
Breeder – Crawford Farms
Time – 1:57.3
Mutuel – $7.40
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 15) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $2,142 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in 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.
The Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer team won its second game of the season on Tuesday evening against Greece Odyssey, 6-3.
It was an outstanding effort by all players in a contentious game, said Head Coach Graham Halpin.
Rylan Bohn (#9) had four goals, and Owen Halpin (#11) had two goals and oneassist. Finn Halpin (#2) recorded two assists. There were also assists by Patrick Suozzi (#5), Will Fulton (#24), and Devin Hughes (#20).
Ben Stone (#19) made many excellent saves in goal while the defensive line worked tirelessly to contain Odyssey's attack.
A loaded 15-race card has been drawn for Wednesday night at Batavia Downs and it features the $440,000 New York Sire Stake Excelsior finals. A total of 64 state-bred Standardbreds will start in eight $55,000 Excelsior divisions and combined with seven overnight events valued at $71,500, the total purses up for grabs that night total $511,500.
All of the 3-year-old events are full of very talented horses, many of which have competed on the New York Sire Stake circuit at some point over the summer. Most from this group have already raced at Batavia this year, but none put on a more memorable performance than the pacing filly Rec Time (Huntsville-Ms Malicious).
When trainer Deborah Daguet sent Rec Time behind the gate in a $57,000 NYSS leg at Batavia on August 16, she was overlooked by the betting public at 9-1. But she turned some heads when she moved from third in the stretch to win by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:52.3 and set a new Batavia track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies. It was her first NYSS start of the year after having won four Excelsior races with two seconds in six starts. She has not raced since that start, but Rec Time has been freshened up and qualified back in preparation for this event, going 1:55.2 at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs.
Looking to set records of her own is Mark Ford’s High Fashion Star (Huntsville-High Fashion Model) who is the highest money earner in the field with $102,964 deposited on the strength of her five wins and four seconds this year. Beside the Excelsior series, High Fashion Star has also competed in the Lynch Memorial at Pocono and Empire Breeders Classic at Tioga Downs. She too just qualified at The Meadowlands in a very impressive 1:53.4 going gate to wire.
The “Glamour Division” of second year male pacers is another evenly seeded field.
Storm The Court (Huntsville-Soft Wind Hanover) has bounced between the NYSS and Excelsior races all summer for trained Mark Silva, winning once at the top level and three times in the latter. He went gate to wire in his outing at Batavia on August 8 in an impressive 3-1/4 length, 1:54.1 victory and has since paced in 1:51.4 at Tioga, getting beat only a head after cutting the mile again. He is one to watch.
That Dog Will Hunt (Huntsville-Mikayla Rose) was the one who beat Storm The Court in 1:51.4 at Tioga after benefiting from a perfect trip. However he made a uncharacteristic break at Yonkers in his last start in an overnight race and was placed as a result. It would appear the break was an anomaly and that trainer Jennifer Bongiorno will have That Dog Will Hunt ready to be a major contender here.
Stephen Crevani’s Bullville Stephano (Artiscape-Bullvillestephanie) already has a lifetime mark of 1:49 at Pocono earlier this year and just got beat a neck in 1:50.3 in an overnight there two weeks ago. He has two Excelsior wins this year including a 1:54.4 walk in the park at Batavia on August 8. There is no question that Bullville Stephano has the speed and versatility to win this race.
The 3-year-old trotting fillies are led by Woolco (Chapter Seven-Upside Hanover) who spent the better part of the summer competing in the NYSS where she won once and finished second as well and actually finished eighth in the points standings to qualify for the $225,000 NYSS finals that were held at Yonkers on Saturday (Sept. 9). However trainer Bob Krivelin opted to enter the Excelsior final instead as her three wins there saw her finish fifth in those standings.
Ron Burke had Destiny’s Darling (Chapter Seven-Moonlight Cocktail) racing in NYSS events her last three starts where she finished second and third to that top division’s leader, Royal Filly. However the bulk of her starts were in the Excelsior series over the summer and that’s where she qualified for the final. She does appear to have a class advantage as a result of her recent outings.
Serendipity (Chapter Seven-Vida De Vie) is a George Ducharme trainee who is an eight-time winner this year that includes her last start at Batavia. Serendipity hasn’t missed the board since June, hasn’t missed a check all year and should be considered a serious contender.
Looking at the second year trotting males, David Dewhurst’s City Of Hope (Met’s Hall-Doin The City) is possibly the hardest working 3-year-old in to go as he already has 23 starts this year with a very impressive 11 wins as a result. After sweeping a three race series at Saratoga, City Of Hope went on to win three Excelsior legs and bankroll $110,294 so far this year. He has been known to make an occasional break, but when he’s on his game, he is dangerous.
Looking at his rivals, trainer Ron Burke has Kennebago (E L Titan-First Class Act) coming into this final off two consecutive wins, both of which were on the front end. And Seven Over (Chapter Seven-Overpowering Lindy) is a four-time winner this year for trainer Per Engblom, the last of which was at Batavia. His 1:54 mark at Vernon is the fastest of this bunch and he did compete in the NYSS earlier this year.
Whereas the 2-year-old pacing division for both genders seems to be very evenly matched races that should provide excellent betting opportunities, the first-year trotters appear to have several horses who stand out in both races.
The 2-year-old filly trotters will have to contend with a strong entry from the Batavia-based stable of trainer Steve Pratt and the pair just happened to finish first and second for points and earnings in this division of the Excelsior series this year. Barn CJ (Crazy Wow-Fractured Dream) has won six of seven Excelsior starts with one second and earnings of $65,000. Barn Dreamer (Devious Man-HB All Our Dreams) has won four of six Excelsior starts with two seconds and earnings of $50,000. And both trotters won their last outing and that was at Batavia Downs.
The main competition and biggest challenge for the Pratt entry is Marcus Melander’s Dozen (Chapter Seven-Sequin) who comes into this final on a four race win streak, all in Excelsior action that earned the filly $44,638. Her last win was at Vernon Downs where she took a lifetime mark of 1:55.4 and the one start she did not win was a third place finish in a NYSS start at Saratoga. It’s also interesting to note that every time Dozen faced both Barn CJ and Barn Dreamer, she won.
The 2-year-old male trotters should put on quite a show with four horses peeking at the right time.
John Stark Jr.’s Tobern (Crazy Wow-Bertaux) won five in a row over the summer, including one NYSS start and an 18-length romp at Batavia on August 4. He’s the top money earner in this field with $98,650 and has been the picture of consistency all year, never missing the board in seven outings.
Dan Daley’s Fringed (Crazy Wow-Jinx Muscles) suffered through breaks and terrible draws all summer and although he seems to have gotten over his bad manners, his poor posts have continued. However, despite starting from the six and eight hole in his last two outings, he won both times convincingly and beat Tobern in both of those races.
Then there is the entry (coupled by ownership) of Woweress (Crazy Wow-Chaperess) and Barn Credit (Credit Winner-Nothing But Nice) who are both more than capable of winning. Woweress is trained by George Ducharme and in six starts has two wins including one 7-3/4 length jog in 1:58.2 at Batavia. Barn Credit is another Pratt trotter who, although somewhat camera shy with only one win, has hit the board five out of six times this year.
Post Time for the first race on Wednesday is at 6 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.
Both teams scored all their points in the first half.
Jay Antinore was 7-19 passing for 111 yards with one TD reception. Gabe Castro gained 49 yards on the ground on 14 carries. Jaden Sherwood scored a TD on four receptions for 73 yards.
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba dominated York/Pavilion on Saturday for a 41-6 win in football.
Bodie Hyde ran 17 times for 219 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, he had eight tackles.
Shaun Alexander rushed for 42 yards on five carries and scored a TD.
Avery Watterson rushed 10 times for 102 yards and scored a TD. He had an interception on defense.
Gavin Armbrewter tossed a 15-yard pass to Carson Warner for a score.
Junior RB Jack Cianfrini - 5 Rushes, 65 Yards
On defense:
Ashton Bezon - nine tackles, four for a loss
Angelo Penna - seven tackles, two for a loss
Austin Pangrazio - six tackles, two for a loss
"Total team effort on all three sides of the ball from our squad today," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "We were thankful York/Pavilion presented moments of adversity throughout the game, as we are still looking to see what we are going to do as a team when those moments happen."
