Press release:
The Le Roy Knights topped the Perry Yellowjackets 2-0 in the final of the Dansville Season Kickoff Tournament. Both of Le Roy's goals came during the first half.
Perry played a much better second half led by strong performances from Cameron Campbell on defense and Michael John Grover on offense. Thad Grierson made 11 saves in net. Perry continues non-league play away against Byron-Bergen/Elba on Tuesday, September 5 at 6:30 pm.
Several high school football mergers have hit the area over the past several years. But, remaining as one of the few holdouts, Le Roy has been holding on to a tradition they’ve built over many years and is anticipating a return to glory sooner rather than later.
Season Outlook
Following a 3-4 finish a season ago, Le Roy is looking to a new cast of characters in order to restore this program as a championship contender. Equipped with 13 seniors, the Knights should have little trouble equaling their opponents experience level each week during the regular season.
What remains to be seen in LR is whether or not this new crop of seniors has what it takes to lead their team on a Section V Playoff run.
It’s tough for me to nail down exactly what to expect from this group, but with Week 1 just one day away – judgement day is coming.
The Knights will benefit from a much-lighter schedule than they had in 2016, with Livonia remaining as the one true Titan on their 2017 slate. The other six games sitting in front of Le Roy are all winnable – giving them a chance to put their best foot forward during the regular season.
As is the case with many local teams.
The merger between the LCAA and GRAA has made things much simpler for the teams in the surrounding regions, making this season one of the most-highly anticipated campaigns in recent memory.
Key Matchups
Week 3 – Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen
The Knights and Raiders endured an overtime battle for the ages last season, with the Raiders turning out the victor. Will this year be different?
Week 4 – Avon
Avon is historically tough and will likely present a difficult challenge for Le Roy in the middle of their schedule.
Week 5 – Notre Dame
An old-time rivalry returns to the fold in 2017.
Week 6 – Livonia
Livonia has finished within the top-4 in Section V Class B for several seasons in a row. This is going to be a tough matchup for Le Roy.
Key Players
Bryce Bordonaro (OL/DL)
Bryce is a strong force inside for the Le Roy offensive line, and also serves as one of the team’s leaders.
Tyler Rider (OL/DL)
Tyler is another big man in the middle for the Knights, and another team leader.
Luke Stella (RB/LB)
Luke will play a major role in the team’s success this season as a well-sized running back and linebacker.
Cole Biggins (WR/DB)
Cole has flown under the radar in the past, but his performance this season might be too much to ignore for future opponents.
Gaven Cassidy (WR/DB)
Gaven provides the Le Roy offense with solid athleticism along the outside of an offense which features a sophomore quarterback.
Coach’s Quote
“We expect to be competitive in every game we play this season,” said Le Roy Head Coach Brian Herdlein. “Our team speed should be a strength for us this season.
"Our newcomers with the help of the returning players are filling the positions open from graduation last season nicely. We hope to be more of a factor in the postseason this year.”
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba is in its second season as a merged program and has a load of senior leadership, which they hope will carry them to a resurgent season in 2017.
Season Outlook
Although I have placed O-A/E at the bottom of my Preseason Power Rankings, the potential of this team to rise in the ranks, and finish the season in contention – is strong. They finished 1-7 a year ago and anticipate a better finish this year.
OA/E not only returns their starting quarterback, but also have numerous names coming back along the line of scrimmage, and a strong stable of backs – who served as backups last season. This year, it will be the O-A/E skill players’ time to shine and lead their team out of the depths of despair.
It can take a few years for a newly merged program to come together and reach their full potential. This year, in my mind, will serve as a stepping stone toward that end.
Key Matchups
Week 2 – Notre Dame
The Irish are an old-time rival of both Oakfield and Elba. Both sides will get up for this game.
Week 5 – Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen
Byron-Bergen was previously merged with Elba before the Lancers began their relationship with Oakfield. Does any bad blood remain between the two sides?
Week 6 – Holley
Another winnable game for O-A/E.
Key Players
Colton Dillon (QB)
Colton is going into his second year under center for O-A/E, but has been learning a new system as he prepares for Week 1. He will be important for this team if they hope to achieve success.
Gage Dieterle (RB/LB)
Gage has been given a more important role this season as the team’s starting RB.
John Igoe (OL/DL)
John will help anchor a senior-laden line.
Cam Smith (OL/DL)
Cam will also help anchor the defensive and offensive trenches for O-A/E.
Coach’s Quote
“The O-A/E Football Team looks to make vast improvements in their second year of the new merger,” said Head Coach Mike Cintorino. “With new systems being installed on both sides of the ball and significant buy in from the athletes, the program looks to once again compete for a league title and find their way back to sectionals.
"Although this is a very young team, many of the players have varsity experience and will look to utilize that throughout the season. Now being part of the Livingston-Genesee Region Conference will provide a good test for the O-A/E Football team while holding on to the many rivarlies of the old Genesee Region.”
Last season, the Irish suffered their first losing campaign in 11 years, and return in 2017 hoping for more out of their new leadership class.
Season Outlook
It’s no secret that ND Football took a major step back last season, and it would be incredibly disappointing for fans of the Fighting Irish to be forced to watch their team go through yet another dismal campaign. For, the ND Faithful is not used to watching its football team struggle through Divisional and even non-Divisional matchups.
In 2017, however, the Irish are hoping to ‘Wake Up the Echoes’ and restore the winning tradition of ND Football.
They feature a returning starting quarterback but welcome a load of talent coming up from the JV squad, which leaves this new-look squad with the expectation of making progress and climbing the ladder – beginning with the first step on Opening Night vs Canisteo-Greenwood.
Aside from C-G, all of ND’s 2017 opponents are from the newly-merged LCAA/GRAA League, with Le Roy serving as the only other non-Divisional matchup on their schedule. This merger has been a win for all involved, including the Irish who I believe will benefit from a more-familiar slate.
Key Matchups
Week 2 – Oakfield-Alabama/Elba
Notre Dame is ranked above O-A/E in my Preseason Power Rankings. If they hope to gain any traction within their Division, they must win this game.
Week 4 – Holley
The Irish will be out for revenge in this game.
Week 5 – Le Roy
This old-school rivalry comes back in 2017 with each side matching up well with one another.
Key Players
Brendin Klotzbach (QB/LB)
Brendin returns to lead the Irish offense during his senior season. He has the athleticism and arm strength to get the job done.
Eddy Skalny (OL/DL)
Eddy will provide leadership for a young ND offensive line.
Coach’s Quote
“This group of young men have been working very hard,” said Notre Dame Head Coach Rick Mancuso. ”And with the leadership of the senior class, we have progressed a little quicker than we anticipated.
"We have a good mix of seasoned players, plus talented newcomers. After enduring the programs first losing season last year in the last 11 years, this team has shown the work ethic it will take to get back on the competitive path.”
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Only 11 New York bred 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers will visit America’s oldest lighted harness track this year to compete for the $106,000 in purses available in the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS), but the quality over-rides the quantity that will race at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 1).
The first $53,500 six-horse division goes in race three and features the undefeated Hitman Hill and Casual Cool.
Hitman Hill (American Ideal-Fox Valley Shaker) got a late start this year but he has made the most of his outings, winning three out of three so far this season. Starting and winning in the Excelsior A level, Hitman Hill moved up to the NYSS quickly and torched a lifetime best 1:50.4 over a sloppy track at Vernon Downs in only his second lifetime start. He has since won at Yonkers in 1:53.2 and very much looks like a speed horse to be reckoned with.
Hitman Hill has drawn post one for trainer Chris Oakes and the western New York native has assigned Brett Miller line duty for the night. The track odds maker has him pegged at 6-5.
Casual Cool (American Ideal-Sight To See) is almost perfect this year, winning four out of five starts; all in NYSS action. The horse has raced well on both big and small tracks and over wet and dry surfaces. His lifetime best came at Vernon Downs as well, where he won handily in 1:52.2 with a wicked :26.3 final quarter. He is also the highest money earner in this race with $80,303 already in the bank.
Trainer Linda Toscano has put the Downs leading driver Drew Monti in the bike behind Casual Cool for this outing and they will depart from post three at 3-1.
In the second $52,500 five-horse split that is carded as race four features three horses that are firing on all cylinders right now.
Paprike Blue Chip (Roll With Joe-Bliss N Vinegar) has won two out of four NYSS events including tying his lifetime best effort of 1:54.2 at Yonkers Raceway last week. The gelding has not missed the board in five starts, boasts the highest earnings of this group ($68,048) and doesn’t seem to mind who drives him.
This week Jim Morrill Jr., who won with him at Saratoga Raceway on August 8, is back in the bike for trainer John Butenschoen and they will start the race from post three at 8-5.
Jersey Jim (Artiscape-Jersey Pearl) has overcome an early season breaking problem and blossomed into a fleet-footed flyer. After taking his mark of 1:54.1 at Saratoga, Jersey Jim finished second off a trip at Vernon Downs in 1:50.4 behind Hitman Hill, pacing his mile in 1:51.3. Last week at Yonkers he overcame a slow start from post seven to close quickly and finish third and this short field plays right into his closing style.
Jersey Jim gets his regular driver Jim Devaux again and they will leave from post five at 9-5 for trainer Perry Simser.
My Delight (Betterthancheddar-Kg Delight) hasn’t won since breaking his maiden in an overnight event in July, but he also hasn’t missed the board in any of his NYSS starts either. He’s shown the ability to leave but seems just as content to travel off a trip. He figures to get a good journey here and will be in a close stalking position to make a play at the end of the mile.
Trainer Homer Hochstetler has called upon Bret Miller to steer this week and they have drawn post two and are the early third choice at 5-2.
There are also two $15,000 Excelsior A series events on the program that will go as races six and seven.
Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.
Classy Lane Rose, driven by Drew Monti, pulls ahead.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Classy Lane Rose has been a shrinking violet with the Batavia Downs winner’s circle this meet having not won in four starts here. But the mare was in full bloom on Wednesday (Aug. 30) as she went gate to wire in convincing style to win the $9,500 Fillies and Mares Open pace.
Classy Lane Rose (Drew Monti) left with the gate and the field willingly settled in post-position order behind her. After letting her intentions be known, she then tempered her speed to the half, backing it down to :58 flat. No one made a move until the three-eighths pole when Susie’s Delight (Ray Fisher Jr.) came first-up and brought Kruella (Shawn McDonough) along with her.
Monti kept the challengers at bay, speeding up the third panel to :28.1 and from there the race was won. Despite horses fanning four-wide around the final turn, Classy Lane Rose was in full stride and paced home in a crisp :27.4 to win by a length.
Now with $60,300 in the bank on the strength of six wins this year, Classy Lane Rose ($3.30) is owned by Carl Monti and trained by Darrin Monti.
The co-feature $8,000 distaff Open II field was shortened to five starters after two late scratches and as a result, Mean Pauline (Shawn McDonough) got a perfect pocket trip behind the point-mare Hot Patootie (Larry Stalbaum) and then shot through the lightning lane to win by a length in 1:55.2.
It was the fifth win of the year for Mean Pauline ($11.80) and owner Harry Wortzman. McDonough also trains the winner.
Drivers Drew Monti, Larry Stalbaum and Ray Fisher Jr. all had two wins on the card. Trainer Kim Asher also scored two victories on Wednesday evening.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 1) with post time at 6 p.m. Friday’s card features the $106,000 NYSS for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.
Pembroke Football has had a rough go of things in recent years, but 2017 could be the season where we see them finally break out. With a familiar face making the move to Dragons’ head coach, and many experienced athletes returning to the roster, Pembroke is working toward a level of success which hasn’t been seen from this program in quite some time.
Season Outlook
Former head coach, and 2016 assistant Justin Loeber has returned to the helm of the Dragons’ program and has also welcomed back another former Pembroke head coach, and Greater Buffalo Sports HOFer, Dick Diminuco as offensive coordinator. The rapport between these two has already been built – dating back to Diminuco’s time spent as HC – and it is Loeber’s belief that their working relationship will translate to a smooth transition on the field.
In addition to two familiar faces on the sidelines, Pembroke returns a QB who has previously run Diminuco’s offense, and return a RB who led the GR in rushing yards a season ago. A young offensive line may provide a bit of growing pains for this offense to begin the year, but expect their experience in the backfield to carry them through October – and into the Section V postseason.
I believe in this team this year, more-so than I ever have before. Their Divisional schedule has remained the same, and their non-Divisional games are both winnable. If the Dragons can take care of business, they should prove me right in 2017.
Key Matchups
Week 1 – York/Pavilion
The Golden Knights are a big, strong team who will test the Dragons’ young offensive line immediately to begin the season.
Week 2 – Alexander
The Trojans won the GR League Title last season, and will be a tough out once again in 2017.
Week 5 – Geneseo
I have heard good things about Geneseo during the preseason. This will be another non-Divisional test for the Dragons.
Week 6 – Attica
Attica is my preseason pick to win the Division, giving this game in Week 6 the potential to be a very big game for Pembroke.
Key Players
Reid Miano (QB/DB)
Reid returns for his third season under center for the Dragons, and leads an offense which has plenty of experienced talent behind him.
Zach von Kramer (RB/DB)
Zach returns as the GR League’s leading rusher, and will be out to defend his rushing title in 2017.
Damion Ramirez (OL/LB)
Damion is the most-experienced of the Pembroke lineman, and will have to do his best to bring the younger guys along throughout the year.
Brandon Kowalski (WR/DB)
Brandon is a steady contributor for Pembroke on both sides of the ball. His stats may not show it, but he is a vital piece to this team this season.
Jarrod Carrow (TE/DL)
Jarrod is another returning athlete for the Dragons who is due for a breakout year.
Coach’s Quote
“What I learned my first (stint as head coach), was that I was so unprepared to take the job,” began second-time Pembroke HC Justin Loeber a few weeks ago. “Coach Diminuco came in, I had two years to work with him, and he showed me how to really practice, and get the most out of our kids. I feel much more-prepared my second-time around.”
Things are finally looking up for Pembroke Football. Stay tuned for what could be a big year.
Alexander won their first-ever Section V Football Title last season, but enter 2017 needing several new faces to fill roles left empty by the graduation of the Class of 2016. The tradition of Championship-level success was solidified last year for the Trojans, and it will be up to this group to carry the torch forward into the future.
Season Outlook
The Trojans face a steep challenge right out of the gate, as 2016 state-ranked Bolivar-Richburg will host the Trojans -- who have few easy matchups this season. However, I believe what they return at running back and on defense should be enough to carry them to another big year. Currently, they sit as the #4 team in my HS Football Power Rankings, just behind longtime rival Attica.
While I expect Alexander to finish within the Top 2 or 3 in their Division, come Sectional time they will have to prove themselves to be a Title contender once again. Absent from this group are many of the leaders of the Trojans' 2016 Championship team, and new voices must fill the void in order to get this team to remain as a Class D Titan.
Lucky for them, it's as steady as she goes when it comes to their head coach, as Tim Sawyer is back for yet another season in the Green and Gold. He has done a solid job surrounding himself with good people and has produced a winner in Alexander. His leadership should allow for a seamless transition into 2017.
Key Matchups
Week 1 -- Bolivar-Richburg
Bolivar-Richburg was a strong team a season ago, and will likely be a tough out in 2017 as well. Alexander opens with a tough matchup on the road.
Week 2 -- Pembroke
The Dragons could surprise this year as they have the 2016 GR League leading rusher returning to their backfield, accompanied by a three-year varsity QB. This alone should provide Pembroke with a chance to overcome the Trojans in Week 4.
Week 4 -- Attica
Attica is my preseason pick to win the Division Title. If Alexander can knock off the Blue Devils for the second-straight season, it will likely be the Trojans who instead hoist the trophy at season's end.
Key Players
Jake Jasen Jr. (C/MLB)
Jake is a second-year varsity starter and is the anchor of the Trojans' young offensive line. He is also a solid run defender on defense.
Erik Scharlau (DE/TE)
Erik recorded 7 sacks last season at defensive end, and will also serve as a big target at tight end, as the Trojans have a young QB this season entering his first year under center.
Chris McClinic (RB/DB)
Chris ran for over 500 yards last season as a sophomore behind a senior RB, but this year things will open up for him to extend his presence in the backfield for the Trojans.
Job Smith (LB/FB)
Job is a tremendously physical player who his coaches expect will provide great leadership on both sides of the ball.
Mitch Gordon (LB/FB)
Mitch led Alexander in tackles a season ago and will be big out of the backfield for his team this season as well.
Coach's Quote
"As a coach, I am excited about the challenge this season," said Alexander HC Tim Sawyer upon our discussion last week. "I am pleased with the development and the work ethic of the players in our program. I believe if we all do our jobs to the best of our abilities, we will have a chance to win every week. I am fortunate to have a tremendous coaching staff at both the JV and Varsity level."
Alexander has a reputation to uphold as a Section V contender. Can they keep the ball rolling?
Stay tuned.
The Batavia Blue Devils hosted the Batavia Bull Dawgs at Van Detta Stadium on Monday night for its annual Blue Devils Experience.
That's when the young players get a chance to gather for a pre-game prep-talk in the Blue Devils' locker room, run through the tunnel onto Woodward Field, warm up with the varsity squad and then play a game against the defending Section V champions.
Batavia opens its season at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse on Sunday. For ticket information, click here.
The run which the Batavia Football team has put together throughout the past three seasons has been nothing short of historic. After years of dormancy, the Blue Devils are now coming off of three-straight Section V Class B Titles, and are the favorite to win their fourth in a row in 2017.
Season Outlook
In an attempt to ramp-up their regular season schedule, Batavia has gone outside of the box and scheduled teams which they hope will provide them with a steeper challenge than their 2016 slate -- in order to better prepare themselves for the postseason, where they've fallen just short of the State Final Four in each of their three Championship seasons.
However, upon researching each of their 2017 opponents, it seems as if the Blue Devils effort to do so may be all for naught - as they are likely to be favored to win many, if not all 7 of their regular season games.
Although they come into this year sporting a new quarterback under center, the experience which they possess at almost every other position on the field will help ease any growing pains their signal caller may experience. In addition, Batavia head coach Brennan Briggs has proven himself to be one of the top-coaches throughout Section V, and his ability to game plan, and make halftime adjustments has been what has put his team over the edge since his first year at the helm.
When it's all said and done, I truly believe we will see Batavia win their fourth-straight Sectional Title. They remain as the best team in their classification, and from my perspective, it will take a miracle of sorts to knock them off as Champion. However, the real question is -- can this team get to the Carrier Dome for the State Final Four?
Time will tell.
Key Matchups
Week 2 -- Aquinas
Aquinas isn't necessarily the team who is a favorite to win a State Title every year, and enter 2017 under new leadership. With that being said, I expect the Lil' Irish to be one of the stronger teams on Batavia's schedule this year - and could push the Blue Devils to the brink of defeat.
Week 5 -- Bishop Kearney
Also entering the season under a new head coach, the Kings lost a bunch from their 2016 Class C Championship squad. However, they do have an experienced quarterback under center and the new HC which they have brought in has a reputation for success.
Week 6 -- Wilson
Wilson has given Batavia the most trouble of any of their opponents in recent seasons - most recently pushing them in what finished as a 12-6 victory for the Blue Devils last season. This year, I expect they will give the Devils another tough game.
Key Players
Ray Leach (RB/LB)
Ray finished as a first-team All-State selection last season and may be the best player in Section V this season. He will be tough for any opponent to stop this season.
Butch Ray (OL/DL)
Butch was also a first-team All-State selection in 2016 and is the definition of an unstoppable force on the line of scrimmage. He, like Leach, is one of the top-players in Section V this season.
Chandler Baker (QB)
Chandler comes equipped with elite arm strength and could provide the Devils' passing game with a boost this season. In addition, his athleticism is top-tier which makes him a dual threat in this offense.
Coach's Quote
"We have a very young team this season," began Batavia HC Brennan Briggs upon our preseason discussion. "We should get better as the season progresses and the younger members become more comfortable with their role."
"It is always tough to replace your QB as well as other key members of a football team," continued Briggs. "But the 2017 football team is looking to put their stamp on the Batavia Football program. We have a lot of guys in new positions, but they are coming along. The goal is to go 1-0, and get better every day. We have some very difficult games along the journey, but our hope is it will prepare us for a solid post-season run."
Alex Brasky is Editor and Publisher of Batavia's Best.
Photo of Tito and driver Andy Miller.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Two divisions of New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings vying for $107,000 in purse money highlighted the Sunday afternoon (Aug. 27) card at Batavia Downs and a live crowd of 3,500 was on hand to watch the proceedings.
In the first $53,500 division, Tito (Andy Miller) left from post one and took an undisputed lead right off the gate. After going a moderate 1:01.3 to the half, the heavily favored My Lindy Winner (Jim Morrill Jr.) came first-up and delivered some moderate pressure to the front-runner. But Tito was up to the task and buzzed home in a quick :56.4 back-half to win easily by two-lengths in 1:58.2.
It was the first career win for Tito (7.20) and thus the time was a new lifetime mark. The time was also only one-fifth of a second off the track record for 2-year-old trotting colts.
Tito, who is by Muscle Mass out of Stonebridge Encore (Angus Hall), is owned by Anthony Lombardi, George Golemes and Louis Willinger and is trained by Erv Miller.
(Photo of Clive Bigsby with driver Chris Lems.)
In the second $53,500 split, Clive Bigsby (Chris Lems) used the exact same game plan. After taking the lead from post one, Lems backed off the fractions to 1:01.2 while three horses broke behind him. He continued to grab leather up the backside with no challengers in sight and gave Clive Bigsby his head for the last quarter where he trotted home in :28.4 to an easy three-length win in 1:59.1.
The win puts him in a first place tie in points (200) with Fourth Dimension as the top horse in his NYSS division. Fourth Dimension did not enter this week’s NYSS race.
Clive Bigsby ($3.10) now has five wins in seven starts this year and an impressive bank of $93,562. The progeny of Muscle Mass out of Northern Flare (Angus Hall) is owned by the Winters Racing Stable and George Ducharme, who also trains the colt.
There were also two $15,000 divisions of the Excelsior series on the card.
The first group was bested by Dewey Hava Winner (Deweycheatumnhowe-Kosher Winner) who scored a half-length decision in 2:00.4 for trainer/driver Ray Schnittker. Dewey Hava Winner ($4.10) is owned by Eric Taddeo.
The second set went to If Not Why Not (Muscle Mass-Amazing Grace) after a good late brush off a pocket-trip in 2:01.1 for Phil Fluet. If Not Why Not ($10) is owned by Michael Polansky and is trained by Dave Spagnola.
Press release:
Ruby, a 3-year-old dachshund making her first lifetime start, defeated nine other wiener dogs on Sunday (Aug. 27) en route to winning the 2017 Batavia Downs Dachshund Dash, sponsored by Genesee Feeds of Batavia.
History has shown that a dog racing for the first time normally doesn’t perform as well as dogs that have raced in previous years. But that wasn’t the case on Sunday when Ruby, who is owned by Patrick Gorman, of Buffalo, served notice with an electrifying heat victory believed to be the fastest win ever at Batavia.
In the final she took the lead soon after the start and cruised to victory.
“She stays fit by swimming,” said her owner Gorman. “She loves to fetch so that’s why we entered her.”
For her efforts her owner takes home $135 in Batavia Downs Gaming Free Play and two clubhouse buffet tickets.
Finishing second was Maximus for owner Carrie Marseglia while Martin for owner Christine Baker was third.
Getting the biggest roar of the crowd was former champion, also named Rudy. Now a 14-year-old, the legendary Dachshund who was unbeatable in 2005 and 2006 made the final but was unplaced.
“It was a remarkable afternoon,” Director of Marketing Ryan Hasenauer said. “Every year Family Fun day gets bigger and better and we look forward to doing it all again next year.”
With New York Sire Stakes, Family fun Day and the Wiener dog races, local racing fans and families came out in force on a perfect summer afternoon. Track officials estimated the live crowd to be 3,500.
Batavia High School cheerleaders have been conducting a car wash today on West Main Street, at Ziebert's next to Beverly's Florist. The car wash continues until 3 p.m.
Reader submitted photo and info.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
A big day of racing is on tap at Batavia Downs on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 27) and the featured events are two $53,000 divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings. With perfect weather forecast and speedy competition scheduled to appear, the track record for this division is almost certain to go down.
The first $53,500 division is in race one and has My Lindy Winner (Credit Winner-My Lady Lindy) slated as the 6-5 favorite.
My Lindy Winner has made only two starts in his lifetime and they couldn’t have been more opposite. His first in July at Monticello Raceway was over before it began as he made a break at the gate. His second 11 days ago at Saratoga Raceway was historic.
Getting away fourth from post two, My Lindy Winner (Jim Morrill Jr.) stayed put most of the mile before tipping three-wide at the top of the stretch. From there he trotted past the front-running Purpose Blue Chip (Dan Daley) and first-over Clive Bigsby (Jason Bartlett) to win by almost two-lengths in 1:56.4.
The time was a lifetime mark for My Lindy Winner but it was also a new track record at Saratoga Raceway for age, gender and gait and also made it the fastest trotting mile for a 2-year-old trotting colt on a half-mile track in North America this year.
My Lindy Winner has drawn post three, has Jim Morrill Jr. back in the bike and looks to be another solid contender from the Tracy Brainard stable.
Challenging the favorite will be The Veteran (Muscle Mass-Tequila Slammer) who also raced at Saratoga his last start. In an earlier division of the NYSS, The Veteran got away third and tracked closely the whole mile as the top NYSS point-earner for this group, Fourth Dimension (Brian Sears) went gate to wire in 1:57; which for a short time was the new track record. The Veteran finished third and also trotted below the former Spa mark.
With two wins in four starts this year, The Veteran has one NYSS win to his credit and $29,645 in his bank account as a result. He will leave from post two for trainer George Ducharme who has assigned Chris Lems line-duty this week. He is 2-1 morning line.
In the second $53,500 split that is carded as race four, Clive Bigsby (Muscle Mass-Northern Flare) tries for his fifth win of the year and gets the nod as the odd-makers choice.
Clive Bigsby finished second last week at Saratoga to My Lindy Winner’s record effort after leaving for position and then coming first-over at the half. From there he was parked the rest of the mile and provided live cover for the eventual winner. He still finished second after a very gutty effort.
For the year, Clive Bigsby has four wins out of six starts and has $66,812 in earnings. He is also the second leading NYSS point-earner this year in his division behind Fourth Dimension. He has drawn post one for trainer George Ducharme and is listed at 8-5. Chris Lems will be in the bike.
Also looking formidable in the race is Rich Uncle (Credit Winner-Royal Assets) who made an unfortunate break last week. Racing in a NYSS division at Saratoga, Rich Uncle left sharply off the gate and took a bad step in the first turn just as he was getting ready to drop in third. Prior to that he put in a stellar effort at Yonkers where he finished third in a 1:57 mile and the start before that, a NYSS win at Monticello where he was used twice during the mile.
Rich Uncle is trained by Ron Burke who has Jim Morrill Jr. up to drive. The pair will leave from post six and have been tabbed at 3-1 morning line.
The track record for 2-year-old trotting colts at Batavia Downs is 1:58.1, which oddly enough was the same time of the former track record at Saratoga Raceway.
Post time for the first race on Sunday is 1:15 p.m.
Photo of Barn Winner with driver Kevin Cummings.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
After spending most of his summer racing the New York fair circuit, Barn Winner made a rare night time pari-mutuel appearance and went home victorious in the $10,000 Open Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Aug. 25).
It seemed way too easy. Barn Winner (Kevin Cummings) left from post one and yielded the lead to Lutetium (John Cummings Jr.) in the first turn and from there he just had to sit and wait. Lutetium took the group through fractions of :28.1, :57.4 and 1:27 before he started showing signs of fatigue.
At the top of the far turn, Cummings pulled Barn Winner and he trotted right on by the leader and just kept on going. BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) came flying late outside and Corleone Hall (Drew Monti) found room up the passing lane, but Barn Winner held them at bay and won by a length in 1:57.1.
It was the eighth win in 17 starts this year for Barn Winner ($7.80) and it provided him with a new lifetime mark as well. Now boasting earnings of $30,980 for 2017, Barn Winner is owned by Steve and Nancy Pratt and is trained by Steve Pratt.
In the co-featured $8,000 Open II trot, Egosnattitudes (Larry Stalbaum) came from sixth and made a bold three-wide move at three-quarters to sweep the field and catch the front-running Nobel Legend (Ray Fisher Jr.) by a neck to win in 1:56.4. Egosnattitudes ($13.00) is owned by Graham Grace Stables LLC and is trained by Kim Asher.
Kevin Cummings and Larry Stalbaum both had driving hat tricks on Friday while Drew Monti captured two races of his own. Joe Skowyra had a training triple with Angelo Nappo garnerning two training wins as well.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs tonight (Aug. 26) with the first race post set at 6 p.m.
Photo of Barn Winner with driver Kevin Cummings.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
After spending most of his summer racing the New York fair circuit, Barn Winner made a rare night time pari-mutuel appearance and went home victorious in the $10,000 Open Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Aug. 25).
It seemed way too easy. Barn Winner (Kevin Cummings) left from post one and yielded the lead to Lutetium (John Cummings Jr.) in the first turn and from there he just had to sit and wait. Lutetium took the group through fractions of :28.1, :57.4 and 1:27 before he started showing signs of fatigue.
At the top of the far turn, Cummings pulled Barn Winner and he trotted right on by the leader and just kept on going. BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) came flying late outside and Corleone Hall (Drew Monti) found room up the passing lane, but Barn Winner held them at bay and won by a length in 1:57.1.
It was the eighth win in 17 starts this year for Barn Winner ($7.80) and it provided him with a new lifetime mark as well. Now boasting earnings of $30,980 for 2017, Barn Winner is owned by Steve and Nancy Pratt and is trained by Steve Pratt.
In the co-featured $8,000 Open II trot, Egosnattitudes (Larry Stalbaum) came from sixth and made a bold three-wide move at three-quarters to sweep the field and catch the front-running Nobel Legend (Ray Fisher Jr.) by a neck to win in 1:56.4. Egosnattitudes ($13.00) is owned by Graham Grace Stables LLC and is trained by Kim Asher.
Kevin Cummings and Larry Stalbaum both had driving hat tricks on Friday while Drew Monti captured two races of his own. Joe Skowyra had a training triple with Angelo Nappo garnerning two training wins as well.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs tonight (Aug. 26) with the first race post set at 6 p.m.
The Batavia Green Team won the championship of a special four-week summer league that just completed the short season.
Jamarion Richardson, first row, Landon Santini; Preston Tobolski, Mac Wormley, Cooper Hamilton, Kyle Porter, Brady Mazur; Gavin Lawlis, Connor Scott, Alex Johnson, Alex DiFilippo; Assistant Coach Dave Scott, Head Coach Brenden von Kramer, Assistant Coach Tom Porter, Assistant Coach Chris Ball.
Not pictured, Nolan Ball and Kylan Ball.
Photo and info submitted by Tricia DiFilippo.
(Photo of a previous contender by Paul White.)
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
On Sunday (Aug. 27) Batavia Downs will once again present the very popular Family Fun Day and Wiener Dog races. It’s daylong of fun for the entire family and every year it fills the Downs with thousands of kids, parents and grandparents.
There is a full schedule of free fun for the kids including pony rides sponsored by Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Batavia, Pringles the Clown, Jason the Juggler, Mr. Scribbles and booths set up on the apron that will include Leroy Airbrush, face painting and sand art. These events run from 2 to 4 p.m.
One-dollar food items that include hot dogs, soda and sno-cones will be available from noon until the last live harness race on the apron.
Then following the live harness racing action at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Wiener dogs hit the track for the “Dachshund Dash” sponsored by Genesee Feeds of Batavia. Ten heats with eight dogs per heat will line up before the championship field of 10 is decided.
All dogs entered will be rewarded with $10 of gaming Free-play from Batavia Downs Gaming and a “doggie bag” full of gifts courtesy of Genesee Feeds. Each heat winner will receive an additional $25 in gaming Free-play. And then the winning dog and two runners-up will earn their owners Clubhouse buffets and gaming Free Play packages valued up to $200.
All the dogs must enter the tent “paddock” to register which will be set up by the valet parking entrance near the clubhouse turn. No dogs will be allowed through the main entrance of the track.
“Family Fun Day always brings in our biggest crowd of the year and it’s definitely a red-letter day on our calendar,” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing. “Everyone, especially our marketing department, looks forward to having all the dogs getting ready for their respective races, and all the families here to watch and take advantage of the fun on the apron. It’s a great community day that we love to host every year.”
Besides all the excitement in the grandstand, there is also a full card of exciting harness racing action on the track that features the $107,000 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings. The two divisions go as races one and four and post time for the first live harness race is 1:15 p.m.
Photo of Sportsmuffler with driver Jim Morrill Jr. in the forefront.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Sportsmuffler has not missed the board in the weekly distaff pacing feature since the start of the meet and Wednesday (Aug. 23) was no exception as she scored her second win in the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open pace at Batavia Downs.
Voltina (Kevin Cummings) and Exotic Beach (Larry Stalbaum) slugged it out for the lead through the first quarter mile with Voltina gaining the advantage at that station in :27.2. With Exotic Beach’s nose right on Cummings helmet and the rest of the field strung-out behind her, Voltina rolled to the half in :56.1 with no one looking to pull.
At the three-eighths pole Sarah Cola (Drew Monti) came first-up and advanced towards the leader with Sportsmuffler (Jim Morrill Jr.) on her tail. Cummings popped the plugs on Voltina as Sarah Cola sidled her and the two paced as one around the far turn. At the head of the stretch Sarah Cola took the lead as Voltina faded, but Sportsmuffler tipped three-deep around her and started driving down the lane. With heavy urging from Monti, Sarah Cola gave all she could but Sportsmuffler shuffled right on by to win by a length in 1:55.3.
It was the seventh win in 30 starts this year for Sportsmuffler ($5.10) and it raised her 2017 earnings to $38,244 for the Lav Racing Stable Inc. The 5-year-old daughter of Sportsmaster is trained by Steve Kiblin.
In the co-featured $8,000 Fillies and Mares Open II pace, Squeeze This (Jim Morrill Jr.) made quick and easy work of the field going from gate to wire while the competition scrambled behind her, winning by a length in 1:56.1. It was the fourth win of the year for Squeeze This ($5.10) but her first of the current Batavia meet. The winner is owned by Garth Bechtel and is trained by Jim Graham.
Jim Morrill Jr. did his best to tighten up the driving derby at the Downs by winning five races on the card Wednesday. He scored with Sportsmuffler (1:55.3, $5.10), Alexa’s Hope (1:58, $3.50), Squeeze This (1:56.1, $5.10), Roll With Sparky (1:57.3, $2.70) and Mystical Danica (1:58, $4.10).
Drew Monti also had a driving double while trainers Steve Kiblin scored three wins and Jim Graham captured two.
When the lights went down after Wednesday’s card, Drew Monti holds the dash driving lead for the meet with 33 wins, Ray Fisher Jr. is second with 29 and Jim Morrill Jr. is third with 25.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 25) with post time for the first race set a 6 p.m.
Copyright © 2008-2022 The Batavian. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
