Sports

Photo: McSpidey with driver Jim Morrill Jr. in the forefront.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Driver Jim Morrill Jr., trainer Jim Clouser Jr. and owner William Emmons teamed up to win both feature paces at Batavia Downs on a snowy and sloppy Saturday night (Dec. 5). 

In the $8,500 Open I Handicap pace, McSpidey coasted behind Tullow N (Dave McNeight III) through quarters of :28.4, :58.4 and 1:27.2 before leaving the pocket off the last turn and outpacing him to the wire in a quick :28.4 last quarter to win by 3/4 of a length in 1:56.2. 

It was the third straight win for McSpidey ($3.20) and his first Open I victory at Batavia Downs this year.

Then in the $7,500 Open II Handicap pace, Long Train Runnin left, took command and never looked back. After getting to the half in a tepid :58.2, Morrill hit the gas and opened up a three-length lead at three-quarters and extended it to five at the top of the stretch. From there he was wrapped up heading for home the easiest of winners in an identical time of 1:56.2. 

It was the second win in the last three starts and sixth win of the year for Long Train Runnin ($2.50) who has only missed one check in his last 10 starts. 

Morrill also won two more races on the card giving him a Grand Slam for the evening. Morrill is the meet’s leading dash win driver, currently with 97 wins. 

Another Grand Slam winner was trainer Gerry Sarama who scored four with Big Pocket Teen 1:59.1, $89.50), (Beachy Dream (1:58, $3.90), Sir Richie N (1:58.1, $3.00) and Love The Dragon (1:58.1, $5.60). Sarama has 60 wins this meet to lead all other trainers by a minimum of 30 wins. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 9) and will kick off the final week of the meet. Wednesday will feature a guaranteed pool of $3,000 for the Pick-5 wager.

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages will be available courtesy of Trackmaster on the Batavia Downs and USTA websites on Monday. 

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the Saturday (Dec. 12) program.

Post time for the first race Wednesday is 5 p.m.

Photo: Il Mago with driver Billy Davis Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

A field of Open trotters and Open filly and mare pacers went postward, each for $8,500 on Wednesday evening (Dec. 2) at Batavia Downs and two local favorites notched additional wins to their already impressive resumes. 

On the trot, Il Mago (Billy Davis Jr.) continued to dominate the diagonal-gaited gang after grabbing a quick lead and opening up a 2-1/2 length lead going to the quarter in :28.3. He then extended that lead to four lengths at the half and five at three-quarters. Turning for home, Il Mago was already wrapped-up and trotted unabated with 6-1/4 in hand stopping the clock in 1:56.4, which was only one-fifth of a second off his seasonal mark.

It was the 55^th career win, ninth win of the season and fourth win in a row for Il Mago ($4.60) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama.

(Above, Il Mago with driver Billy Davis Jr.)

The top distaff pacers saw the return of Il Mago (Billy Davis Jr.) after a seven week sabbatical and “Sissy” came to play on Wednesday. After taking command right off the gate, she tripped the timer in :28.1, :58.4 and 1:27.1 before a credible threat presented itself in the name of Lady Dudette (Kyle Cummings), who got close to the leader heading into the last turn. But close would be as far as it went as HP Sissy turned for home and held sway to the line where she won by 1/2 length in 1:56.3.

It was the seventh win of the year for HP Sissy ($6.50) and owner Finocchario’s Dream Stable. Jim McNeight trains the winner.

Bill Davis Jr. and Ray Fisher Jr. both had driving hat tricks on Wednesday while trainers Ryan Swift and Sabrina Shaw each registered two wins. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 5) with post time at 5 p.m.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs has announced there will be a guaranteed pool of $3,000 for the Pick-5 wager today (Dec. 2).

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages for races one through five are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the Batavia Downs and USTA websites or by clicking here.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the Saturday (Dec. 5) program.

Post time for the first race today is 5 p.m. 

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs has announced that it will be increasing all purses by 20 percent for the final week of racing of the 2020 meet. That would raise the top purse for all Opens from $8,500 to $10,200 all the way down to the bottom purse from $3,200 to $3,800. 

“It has been a very difficult season for everyone in this business and we are pleased to be raising the purses during the final days of racing to help the horsemen get a jump on their expenses heading into the downtime between meets.” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing.

“Despite all the challenges this year, we have been able to complete our meet without interruption and that is do to everyone involved working safely and carrying out all our safety guidelines. Hopefully the increased purses will help make the holidays a little better for all.”    

The final week of racing consists of Wednesday (Dec. 9) and Saturday (Dec. 12) with post time for both days at 5 p.m.

Photo, Black Is Back with driver Dave McNeight III.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After two consecutive third place finishes, Black Is Back returned to the winner’s circle after taking the $8,500 Open I Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday evening (Nov. 28). 

Tullow N (Ray Fisher Jr.) took command of the field and led them to the half in a pedestrian :58.1. Black Is Back (Dave McNeight III) came rolling up first-over from third in front of the stands and started a slow grind towards the leader. It took until the three-quarters to get near Tullow N but Black Is Back was now in full gear and wearing him down. At the top of the stretch Black Is Back swelled up, took the lead and kicked away to a 2-3/4 length victory in 1:55.4. 

It was the eighth win of the year for Black Is Back ($3.70) and it pushed his earnings to $46,025 for owners Curtis Edholm and Mihajlo Zdjelar Sr. Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr. trains the winner.

(Above, McSpidey with driver Jim Morrill Jr.)

In the $7,500 Open II Handicap pace, McSpidey (Jim Morrill Jr.) destroyed the filed by leading by as much as three lengths while cutting fractions of :27.4, :57.1 and 1:25.3 before turning for home and pacing away to an impressive 1-3/4 length win in 1:54.4. 

It was the second consecutive win in identical time for McSpidey ($3.80) and owner William Emmons. Jim Clouser Jr. is the trainer. 

Jim Morrill Jr. led all drivers with three wins on Saturday while trainers Gerry Sarama, Jim McNeight and Tammy Cummings all registered two wins apiece. 

There was a guaranteed $7,500 Pick-5 pool in the first race on Saturday that ended up at $12,783 and there was a winning combination on the wager. 8-1-4-1-1 returned $1,018.50 for a 50-cent bet. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 2) and there will be another guaranteed Pick-5 pool of $3,000 in the first race that day.

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages for the first five races will be available on the Batavia Downs and USTA websites Monday, courtesy of Trackmaster.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the Saturday (Dec. 5) program.

Post time for the first race Wednesday is 5 p.m.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

With no winner in the Pick-5 wager on Wednesday (Nov. 25) at Batavia Downs, there is a $2,392 carryover today (Nov. 28) and there is a guaranteed pool of $7,500 for the Pick-5 wager.

The pool, which is the largest guarantee of the meet, is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by clicking here. 

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on next Wednesday’s (Dec. 2) program. 

Post time for today's first race is 5 p.m. 

Below is an analysis of the Pick-5 races by Batavia Down's resident handicapper, "Hot Picks."

Race 1 -- You may be able to escape by just using two horses, No. 4 Journeyman and No. 8 Rainbow Romance N. Billy Davis chose to drive Journeyman over No. 5 Gimme The Pacifics, a horse he has been driving, so I’ll let his choice do my handicapping. The horse has simply faced better, so you could get brave and single Journeyman, since Rainbow Romance has post 8 and hasn’t hit the board this year, despite being in top barns (Scott DiDomenico and Gerry Sarama).

Race 2 -- Up until this last race, newcomer No. 2 Random Task A may have been a single. He’s still a must-use since Torcello-Sarama-Morrill have teamed up countless times to win with this type of shipper. No. 5 Mateo steps up off a terrific mile and is a big closing threat, even though he does lose regular pilot Drew Monti. If you can spread, maybe include No. 3 Sure Please and No. 4 Raylan Givens.

Race 3 -- Three to use here, No. 4 Ideal Chance (the Cummings barn has continuously won with newcomers from The Meadows), No. 6 Xenia’s Chip and No. 7 Love The Dragon. Since the No. 3 Pure Image is an unknown factor, a big budget could include, even if the TrackMaster rating numbers say he’s a tick below. And No. 2 Calvery Hill was facing infinitely better in the summer but hasn’t raced in three months. If you’re brave, single No. 4, whose TrackMaster ratings are superior.

Race 4 -- A narrow budget can maybe survive with just No. 4 Kings Treasure (the speed) and No. 3 Terror O (the closer). No. 1 Jude Hall rarely wins (1-for-23) but he was victorious the last time he drew the cones (albeit in a lower class on Halloween).

Race 5 -- There’s nothing worse than being alive to the final leg and getting knocked out. It’s conceivable to foresee a few different scenarios on how this race will be run, so several could be in play to win. Thus, spread if you can. No. 1 Carlos Danger and No. 6 Bugatti getting Billy Davis are obvious must-use types, No. 4 Jimmy C R has speed and is dropping and No. 7 Big Pocket Teen has Jim Morrill Jr. but a bad post.

Photo: Lougazi with driver Ray Fisher Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

They say it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish and Lougazi is the poster boy for that motto. And he proved it true once again on Wednesday night (Nov. 25) as he went from worst to first in the $8,500 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs in a driving rain over a sloppy track.  

Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) got away last by 15-1/2 lengths as Cordoba Hall (Billy Davis Jr.) and CR Blazin Beauty (Dave McNeight III) were in a speed duel on the point, smoking to the quarter in :27.3 and the half in :56.2. But as they headed up the backstretch for the second time, those two hit a wall and Southern Palms (Jim Morrill Jr.) came out of the three hole with Daylon Phantom (Dan Yetman) on his back and Lougazi travelling fast third-over behind him. Southern Palms took the lead but Lougazi was three-deep and flying and he drew alongside Southern Palms in the last turn. The two hit the stretch together but Lougazi said “goodbye” and trotted home in hand by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:58.1. 

It was the second win in the last four starts for Lougazi ($7.50) who is owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift. 

(Above, Lady Dudette with driver Kyle Cumming.)

The cofeatured $8,500 Open I pace for fillies and mares was scratched down to a field of five and Lady Dudette (Kyle Cumming) took no prisoners as she grabbed the lead at the quarter, parked out Tellawoman (Dave McNeight III) to the half and then refused to let anyone else to get close to her as she paced home under a line drive to win by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:56.2. 

Lady Dudette ($11.40) scored her eighth win of the year for owner Kyle Cummings and trainer Tammy Cummings. 

Billy Davis Jr. had the hot hand in the sulky Wednesday, scoring a Grand Slam on the card. He won with SR Radar (2:01, $5.20), Sunset Sid (1:57.3, $19), The Land Shark (2:01.2, $10.40) and Expensive Toy (1:58.3, $6.40). 12 different trainers accounted for the 12 winning horses on Wednesday. 

With no winner in the Pick-5 wager on Wednesday (Nov. 25) at Batavia Downs, there is a $2,392 carryover that will move to Saturday (Nov. 28) and it has been announced that there will be a guaranteed pool of $7,500 for the Pick-5 wager that day.

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are now available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by clicking here.  

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on next Wednesday’s (Dec. 2) program. 

Post time for the first race Saturday is 5 p.m.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs has announced there will be a guaranteed pool of $3,000 for the Pick-5 wager today (Nov. 25).

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the Batavia Downs and USTA websites or by clicking here. 

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the Saturday (Nov. 28) program.

Post time for the first race today is 5 p.m.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Horsemen racing at Batavia Downs should be aware of the following draw schedule change for the races on Saturday, Nov. 28.

The draw for Saturday (Nov. 28) will take place on Tuesday (Nov. 24) instead of on Wednesday (Nov. 25), with the entry box closing at 9 am. Driver choices and scratches must be received by the judges on Wednesday (Nov. 25) no later than 9:30 a.m.

Programs will be printed on Wednesday (Nov. 25) due to Thursday (Nov. 26) being the Thanksgiving holiday.

The draw schedule for the remaining five race days of 2020 is as follows:

Race Day                           Draw Day

Saturday (Nov. 28)        Tuesday (Nov. 24)

Wednesday (Dec. 2)     Friday (Nov. 27)

Saturday (Dec. 5)         Wednesday (Dec. 2)

Wednesday (Dec. 9)     Friday (Dec. 4)

Saturday (Dec. 12)       Wednesday (Dec. 9)

Photo: Long Train Runnin in the forefront, driven by Shawn McDonough.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Long Train Runnin showed a lot of heart and determination as he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the $8,500 Open I Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Nov. 21). 

Long Train Runnin (Shawn McDonough) got away third as Stratosphere (Drew Monti) took the scratch-shortened, single-file field to the half in :58. As they passed that station, Long Train Runnin was already out first-over and moving fast towards the leader as they proceeded into the clubhouse turn. 

Moving towards three-quarters, Stratosphere and Long Train Runnin were pacing side-by-side and had broken away from the pack by three lengths on the strength of a :27.3 third panel. As they were rounding the final bend, Stratosphere pulled clear and opened up a length advantage heading into the stretch. But the relentless urging of McDonough reinvigorated Long Train Runnin who found another gear and caught Stratosphere at the wire by a head in 1:54.2.

It was the fifth win of the year for Long Train Runnin ($6.10) who has now earned $32,552 this year for owner WIlliam Emmons. Jim Clouser Jr. does the training.

Emmons and Clouser teamed up again in the very next race to capture the $7,500 Open II Handicap with McSpidey (Jim Morrill Jr.) who went wire to wire by 2-¼ lengths in 1:54.4. It was also the fifth win for McSpidey ($2.40) who is now over $343,000 in lifetime bank. 

Shawn McDonough had a huge night at Batavia on Saturday, driving four winners and sending two for pictures that he trained. McDonough steered the aforementioned Long Train Runnin, Are You In (1:58.2, $22.40), Santana Beach (1:56, $25.80) and Nesh Cruiser (1:58.1, $27.40), who he also trained along with PL Lester (1:54.3, $10.20). 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 25) with post time at 5 p.m. and there will be a guaranteed pool of $3,000 for the Pick-5 on Wednesday. The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages for races one through five will be available on the USTA and Batavia Downs websites early next week.

Photo, Jim Morrill Jr. steers Love The Dragon to victory.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. hit another milestone in his illustrious career after he steered Love The Dragon ($3) to victory in the third race at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Nov. 21) to reach 7,500 wins lifetime. In his typical style, Morrill went right to the front, rated a perfect mile and was a wrapped-up winner in 1:58.3.

To date, Jim Morrill Jr. now has 40,273 starts with 7,500 wins, 6,220 seconds and 5,152 thirds with $108,289,933 in earnings. Morrill currently sits 13th in North America for UDR with a mark of .380. At the current Batavia Downs meet, Morrill is the leading driver with 86 wins, $426,956 in purse money and a UDR of .381.

Morrill made his first start driving for his father at Foxboro Park in 1984. The family's operation eventually moved to Rosecroft Raceway where Morrill started getting many catch drives and soon found himself in high demand. In 1990 Morrill went to New York and started driving for Ray Schnittker and George Anthony at Yonkers Raceway and with much success achieved there, decided that move would be long term. 

During his time competing at the New York/New Jersey circuit Morrill recalled his most memorable race as being the 2004 Meadowlands Pace where Holborn Hanover was a 58-1 upset winner in 1:49 to equal the stake mark.

After 15 years of driving at the highest level, Morrill left the metropolitan area in 2005 and relocated his family and business to western New York and since arriving has not only been at the very top of the driver colony on that circuit, but also an annual dominant force in the New York Sire Stakes.

In 2006 at Batavia Downs, Morrill set the all-time driving standard for the track with 177 wins and a UDR of .537 for one meet. 

The staff of Batavia Downs along with all the horsemen wish to congratulate Jim Morrill Jr. on this outstanding accomplishment. 

Photo: Il Mago with driver Jim Morrill Jr. pictured near the pylons.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

It’s the same old story, same old song and dance for Il Mago, who has been seemingly unbeatable of late at Batavia Downs. And there was no page turned as he took yet another $8,500 Open I Handicap trot in Genesee County on Wednesday night (Nov. 18) over an off track that saw snow flurries earlier in the day. 

Jim Morrill Jr. took his usual spot on the point with Il Mago off the gate and cut fractions of :28.2 and :57.2 without any early challenges. But past the half, Cr Blazin Beauty (Dave McNeight III) came calling and would accompany the leader all the way to the wire. 

Cr Blazin Beauty trotted toward Il Mago up the backside and around the final turn and by the top of the stretch, the leader was in her sights. As the finish drew near it was clear Il Mago needed the line as Cr Blazin Beauty had now trotted alongside. But the 11-year-old Il Mago knows how to close the deal and he did once again, winning by a neck in 1:57.3.

It was the third straight win and fifth in the last seven for Il Mago ($5.20) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama. 

The Morrill, Torcello and Sarama team collectively had the Hat Trick on Wednesday as Toothofthedragon (1:58, $4.20) and Concertina’s Image (1:58.4, $6.80) also registered wins. 

In the undercard $7,500 Open II pace for fillies and mares, Wonderful World (Billy Davis Jr.) tripped-out behind Yankee Secret (Dave McNeight III) until the stretch where she pulled and paced away to a 1-3/4 length win in 1:56.4. Wonderful World ($11.00) is owned by Mike Carrubba and her trainer, Sabrina Shaw.  

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 21) with post time at 5 p.m.