Photo of I Got The Looks courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery
A trifecta of $10,000 mid-level conditioned events topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 4) as the summer heat returned to Genesee County.
The initial two features were trots and the fastest of those was won by I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) who sat fourth to the half before coming first-over in turn three to draw near the leading Muskingum (Joe Chindano Jr.) at three-quarters. I Got The Looks made his way to the top at the head of the stretch and won, pulling away by 1-½ lengths in 1:58.3.
I Got The Looks ($12.20) got his second win of the year for owner Tronolone Racing and trainer Frank Mays.
The second trot was won by Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) who sat in the pocket while Photo Bomber (Dave McNeight III) and Create My Heart (Denny Bucerri) trotted side by side from the half to the top of the stretch. It was there that McNeight tipped Lunar Credit three-wide and looped them both on his way to a 1:59.2 victory.
Lunar Credit ($3.40) is owned by his driver and is trained by Jim McNeight.
Then came the pace, which was won by Undertaker (Joe Chindano Jr.) who similarly sat third behind the battling Friskie All Night (Ray Fisher Jr.) and Barry Hanover (Jim McNeight Jr.) until three-quarters when Chindano went three-wide around them both and bolted home by three lengths in 1:56.3.
It was the 54th lifetime win for Undertaker ($12.80) who is owned by Melvin Fink and trained by Chris Petrelli.
For the second day in a row, Dave McNeight III was the leading driver with a hat trick on his card.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 6) at 6:00 p.m.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Dave McNeight III, aka Triple Sticks, had a big night at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 2) as he scored a driving hat trick that included wins in both feature races.
The first came with Tiger Baron, who on the heels of an impressive victory last week at Batavia, moved up to the top class and scored again, winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace in a personal season’s best clocking.
Tiger Baron got away fourth as Casimir Richie P (Drew Monti) and Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) traded leads before the :27 quarter. Shortly after at the three-eighths, McNeight brought Tiger Baron first-over and started the long grind up the rim heading onto the second circuit. As they passed the five-eighths, Casimir Richie P was gapping behind Nox Vega Bluechip which allowed Tiger Baron to drop into the garden spot at three-quarters and draft behind the leader around the final bend. At the top of the stretch, Tiger Baron pulled again and paced past Nox Vegas Bluechip on his way to a three-quarter length win in 1:52.2.
It was the second straight win and third of the year for Tiger Baron ($4.40) and owner Courtney McNeight. Amanda Arrigenna trains the winner.
McNeight also won the secondary featured $12,500 upper-level conditioned pace with Gunslinger Hill, who got away second early and remained in the pocket third, as the frontrunning Shazam Blue Chip (Joe Chindano Jr.) battled the first-over Speedy Dominic A (Ray Fisher Jr.) from the half to the seven-eighths. It was there that Speedy Dominic A faded, giving a clear path for Gunslinger Hill to come off the pylons into the middle of the track and outpace Shazam Blue Chip to the wire by 2-¾ lengths in 1:53.4, matching his season’s best effort.
Gunslinger Hill ($23.20) got his seventh win of the year for owner Ron Viele and trainer Jennifer Giuliani.
The driver/trainer combinations of Drew Monti and Russell Bratt and Jim McNeight Jr. and Jim McNeight each scored two wins apiece.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Sept. 4) at 1:15 p.m. as the track will hold a special matinee card on Labor Day.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Gunslinger Hill courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Senior RB/DB Shaun Alexander - 9 Rushes, 50 Yards, one touchdown
Ronald Szpylman, Austin Pangrazio, and Gavin Armbrewster all also had rushing TDs (Gavin Armbrewster also had an interception).
Senior LB Ashton Bezon - 12 Tackles, 1 Sack
Senior DL Angelo Penna - 8 Tackles, 1 Sack
Senior DL Austin Pangrazio - 8 Tackles
"It was great to see this team come out of the gate and play a style of football that we felt they were capable of playing," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "They were physical, played well at the point of attack, and they executed at a level much greater than a typical group in a week zero game. We are very pleased with the victory, but this group is more excited that they can now dive into film and begin preparations for the next challenge that awaits them."
The New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old trotting fillies took center stage in split sets at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 1) for a total of $103,000 in what was the final visit for the top state-bred series for the year.
The first $51,500 division was won by Erin (E L Titan-Blurred) in a romp.
In a field that was scratch-shortened to only four horses, Jim Morrill Jr. pointed Erin down the road and dominated from start to finish. After quarters of :30.1, 1:00 and 1:29, Erin had opened up a nine-length lead heading into the last turn. At the top of the stretch, Morrill sat chilly as Erin was wrapped up and cruising unabated to the line to win in 2:00.3.
It was the first NYSS and lifetime win for Erin ($2.90) who is owned by Ann-Mari Daley, Donald Brenner, and Jared Daley. Dan Daley was the winning trainer of Erin, who was bred by Glengate Farms.
The second $51,500 division saw quite an upset as Sadbirdstillsing (Chapter Seven-Fade Into You) caught the previously undefeated Sister Mary Maude at the line to notch her second consecutive NYSS victory.
Jeannie’s Action (Dave McNeight III) took the early lead before Sadbirdstillsing (Tyler Buter) overtook her at the :30 flat quarter. As they spiraled out of turn two, Sister Mary Maude (Jordan Stratton) pulled first over from third and brought Seven Year Itch (Kevin Cummings) on her back. Sister Mary Maude cleared as Seven Year Itch drew alongside, leaving Sadbirdstillsing tucked away neatly in the pocket. Positions remained the same until the top of the stretch where Sadbirdstillsing found the passing lane and overtook Sister Mary Maude in deep stretch to win by 1-¼ lengths in 1:59.3.
Sadbirdstillsing ($9.40) is owned by Crawford Farms Racing and Pryde Stables and is trained by Tony Alagna. Crawford Farms was the winning breeder.
There were also two $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Barn CJ (Crazy Wow-Fractured Dream) in 1:59.1 and the second went to Barn Dreamer (Devious Man-HB All Our Dreams) in 2:01.1. Both horses were driven by Kevin Cummings, trained by Steve Pratt and owned by Steve and Nancy Pratt, Purple Haze Stable and Out In The Country Stable.
Kevin Cummings finished the night with a four-bagger in the sulky.
The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in the 12th race on Friday and paid out a substantial mutuel. The combination of 5-1-2-9-3 returned $12,568,80 for the 20-cent wager.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 2) at 6 p.m. Also please note that Batavia Downs will hold a special matinee card on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 4) with post time set at 1:15.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Sadbirdstillsing courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery
Max Monroe scores 4.7 seconds left in second half to win the game for Bulldawgs. Photo by Steve Ognibene
The 11th annual scrimmage between the Batavia Blue Devils vs. the Batavia Bulldawgs was another win for the mini-squad on Wednesday evening at VanDetta stadium.
The Bulldawgs opened the first drive with a 60-yard TD run by Logan Brooks. They led at the half 20-16.
Bluedevils took a brief lead after halftime, 24-20, then on its next possession, the Bulldawgs scored Parker Davis on a 60-yard TD run, regaining the lead 26-24.
With 3:44 left in the game, the Blue Devils scored and led by four, 30-26.
Then with 4.7 seconds left, Max Monroe scored to secure the Bulldawg's win, 34-30,
The Blue Devils, who over the past 11 years have won sectional titles and vied for a state championship, has yet to manage a victory against the much younger team.
Photo of Sister Mary Maude courtesy of Jessica Hallett.
The New York Sire Stakes will make its final 2023 visit to Batavia Downs on Friday (September 1) when two $51,500 divisions of 2-year-old trotting fillies will line up to vie for the $103,000 in purse money and the statistical leader in this category will be on hand to compete.
Sister Mary Maude (Crazy Wow-Perfect Mass) is the current points leader of this NYSS demographic and comes into this race on a five-race win streak, four of which were consecutive NYSS wins. She recently became a member of the Burke Brigade after they acquired her on July 3 and Sister Mary Maude has provided those connections with three wins already. She was scratched sick in her last engagement at Vernon Downs meaning she’s been off over two weeks. But with post one in a short field, Sister Mary Maude will look to extend her win total to six for trainer Ron Burke, who has Jordan Stratton in the bike for this week’s competition.
Looking to prevent that from happening is Sadbirdstillsing (Chapter Seven-Fade Into You) who did compete in the NYSS at Vernon and won in 1:56.3 to take a new lifetime mark. That was her first win of the year but it came on the heels of three very close second-place finishes, the last two being only by a head. With that maiden tag finally behind her, Sadbirdstillsing will try to start a streak of her own with Tyler Buter at the lines for trainer Tony Alagna.
The other group of girls finds Erin (E L Titan-Blurred) the track handicapper’s early choice although she’s winless to this point. She has five-lifetime starts, all in NYSS action, and has hit the board three times. Erin has good gate speed and with post one, should be able to control this race from the start. Jim Morrill Jr. will drive for trainer Dan Daley.
Crowbar Girl (Chapter Seven-Miss Trixton) has seven-lifetime starts and has tasted victory in her first and most recent outings. However in between she’s been unpredictable, to say the least. That said, she has the fastest lifetime mark of the group (1:57.1) as well as the highest earnings this year ($34,281) so she is definitely a player. Jordan Stratton will drive Crowbar Girl from post four for Ron Burke.
There are also two $20,000 NYSS Excelsior divisions on the program and those splits will be contested in races eight and nine. The NYSS main events are carded as races six and seven.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Miss Rockadali courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Jim Morrill Jr. had the hot hand in the bike on Wednesday as he won six times during the 13 race card. His biggest tally came with Miss Rockadali, who led at every station en route to victory in the $15,000 fillies and mares Open I Handicap at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (August 30).
Morrill left with Miss Rockadali and out-dueled Imprincessgemma A (Kevin Cummings) for the lead in the scratch-shortened field of six, establishing that position at the :27.3 quarter. After settling on the cones, Miss Rockadali slowed the second quarter down to:30.1 forcing Diamondtequilashot (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) into the outer flow, eventually going two and three wide moving towards three-quarters. Summer Slash eventually drew alongside Miss Rockadali in the turn and looked like she meant business. But her bid fell apart in the stretch where Miss Rockadali kept her lead to the wire while holding off Imprincessgemma A and a fast closing Bet I’m Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) to win in 1:55.1.
It was the seventh win of the year and 37th lifetime for Miss Rockadali ($3.20) whose lifetime earnings now total $305,655 for owners Team Italia Racing and Lisette Mota. It was one of three wins for trainer Russell Bratt on Wednesday.
Besides the already mentioned Miss Rockadali, Morrill also won with Charmbo Orbit (1:57.4, $10.00), A Black Diamond (1:56.2, $3.10), Triumphant’s Chip (2:00.2, $3.80), BJ Anthony (2:00.3, $15.40) and Skyway Venus (1:56.3, $5.60) to complete his six pack.
In the secondary featured $11,000 mid-level condition for distaff pacers, Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first-over at the half and started cutting into the lead of the front running Carbon Cider (Joe Chindano Jr.) up the backstretch. Center Attraction drew even with Carbon Cider at three-quarters, matched strides with her around the last turn, and then paced clear in deep stretch by 1-¼ lengths to win in 1:56.
Center Attraction ($3.20) is owned by her trainer Robert Anderson, in partnership with Pamela Schieber.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (September 1) at 6 p.m. there will be a $9,506 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 12th race.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Center Attraction courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Mike Sputore fell in love with the game of baseball when he was a young boy growing up on the southside of Batavia.
He excelled at the sport, starting as a member of the Ramblers, who were coached by his father, Paul, in the Batavia Minor League on the diamond at the corner of State and Denio Streets and continuing through two seasons as a pitcher and third baseman for the Genesee Community College Cougars.
Sputore’s baseball career didn’t end then, however. In a sense, it was just beginning. For the past 20 years, he has been a coach at various levels – including the past two years as the varsity head coach at Pembroke Central School.
This summer, when he heard that James Patric was stepping away from the job after two years at the helm, Sputore submitted his resume to Mike Bromley, director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for the Batavia City School District.
“In 2022, James had reached out to me about coaching the jayvee team at Batavia, but I was committed to Pembroke at that time,” said Sputore during an interview with The Batavian on Monday at Mancuso Bowling Center, where he is employed as the general manager. “When the position did come available, I applied and was interviewed by Mike and (physical education staff members) Brennan Briggs and Nick Burk.”
Apparently, Sputore, a 1999 BHS graduate, aced the interview and was offered the job.
“We had several applicants and Mike came through as the leading candidate,” Bromley said. “He had some great experiences as a coach at Notre Dame and the last couple years at Pembroke as the varsity coach. We know that he has a love for Batavia baseball, with his family deeply involved in baseball here for a long time.
“We think that he has some of the attributes that it would take to be the next varsity coach here in Batavia – a good work ethic, great with kids and loves baseball. Just a good fit.”
Sputore credits his dad, who was president of Batavia Minor League for many years, for introducing him to the sport.
“He was a big influence when I was young and now, I’m enjoying it more and more the older I get,” Sputore said. “It’s very satisfying to help others in reaching their goals.”
After progressing through the summer youth baseball programs in the city – Minor, Little and Junior-Senior leagues, Sputore was a three-year starter at Batavia High under coaches Pep Johnson and Rick Saunders – claiming a Section 5 title in 1998 and earning Monroe County Honorable Mention status as a pitcher and third baseman.
Interestingly, Sputore’s brother, Chris, also won a Section 5 championship as a Blue Devil in 1994.
Mike Sputore played American Legion ball, before enrolling at GCC. It was there that he started his coaching career, serving as an assistant in 2003.
From there, he joined the Notre Dame High baseball program, recruited by varsity coach Rick Mancuso to run the jayvee program. In 2006, he became the varsity assistant coach under Mike Rapone and stayed in that capacity for 11 more years.
From 2018 until last season, Sputore coached at Pembroke – helping to build its program while coaching at the modified and varsity levels.
“We were very young (at Pembroke), but we made progress,” Sputore said, noting that the team won five games over the past two seasons after not winning any the previous couple years. “Going to Batavia, I feel the program has been set up for success, thanks to James, and we hope to continue the tradition built by Pep and Rick.”
Sputore said his expectations for his players start with two words – hustle and effort.
“It takes zero talent to hustle and give your best effort at all times,” he said. “We’re looking for kids to be coachable and to be motivated to succeed.”
He said he hopes to get his players on the field for some practice in October and is planning some “winter workouts” with the drop-down batting cage at the high school’s auxiliary gym. He also is excited about the “Meet the Coach Night” on Sept. 12 at the high school for all of the program’s players and parents.
Ryan Mansell, a five-year ballplayer at Brockport State, has accepted a health teacher position at BCSD and has been hired as the baseball program assistant. Other coaches are Derrick Busch (junior varsity), Greg Mruczek (modified A) and Rich Wagner (modified B).
Sputore has a son, Benjamin, a senior at BHS, and a daughter, Brooklyn, an eighth grader at Oakfield-Alabama Central School. His wife, Jillion, is a teacher at John Kennedy Intermediate School.
Photo of Covered Bridge courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
A large trackside crowd was treated to a robust card of racing at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (August 26) that was headlined by the track’s signature event, the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace. A full field of eight top Open pacers went postward with Covered Bridge taking the winner’s share of the purse after a dominating finish.
Covered Bridge (Jordan Stratton) got away fifth as This Is The Plan (Joe Bongiorno) dashed off the gate and crossed over to the lead before the :27.2 quarter. Bongiorno then proceeded to back down the half to :56.3, forcing a first-over move by Idealsomemagic A (Tyler Buter) and Covered Bridge. With the field now in two rows, the top four positions remained unchanged to three-quarters and into the far turn where Idealsomemagic A took the lead from This Is The Plan and Covered Bridge tipped three-deep around Idealsomemagic A. At the top of the stretch, Covered Bridge drew even with Idealsomemagic A before bolting to the line on top by 1-¾ lengths under a line drive by Stratton in 1:52.
On the strength of his third straight win, Covered Bridge ($3.60) became the sports newest millionaire, with earnings now totalling $1,032,175 for owner Mark Ford. Jeff Gillis was the winning trainer.
The New York Sire Stakes were also on hand Saturday with three divisions featuring both genders of 3-year-old trotters.
The colts and geldings lined up first with one field of seven vying for $119,800 where Chapercraz (Crazy Wow-Chapress) was much the best.
Chapercraz (Joe Bongiorno) sat in third, tracking fast first half fractions of :27.4 and :55.4 set by Wild Bill Kelso (Jim Morrill Jr.). Wild Bill Kelso took a three length lead into the second circuit but Bongiorno moved quickly from third with Chapercraz and by three-quarters they were on top. Chaprcraz crossed over in the last turn while Bongiorno bounced relentlessly in the bike into deep stretch where Chapercraz hit the light on top by 3-¾ lengths in 1:54.
The winning time established a new lifetime mark for Chapercraz and was only one-fifth of a second shy of the Batavia Downs track record for 3-year-old trotting geldings.
With the win, Chapercraz ($10.00) boosted his 2023 earnings to $336,632 for owners Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and Phillip Collura. Ron Burke trains the Chapercraz who was bred by Purple Haze Stable.
The fillies went in two short fields and the first, valued at $57,000, was won by Usosweet Blue Chip (Devious Man-Twin B Kisses) who led from gate to wire.
Usosweet Blue Chip (Marcus Miller) out-trotted Midwind Success (Jordan Stratton) for the lead and set up shop on the point just past the five-eighths. From there she rattled off three identical:29.2 quarters while Midwind Success and Five Fish Species (Mark Macdonald) attempted to keep up. Those efforts fell short and Usosweet Blue Chip turned for home and pulled away by 3-½ lengths to win as Miller sat chilly in 1:56.4.
Usosweet Blue Chip ($5.00) is owned by the Erv Miller Stable and Douglas Overheiser and is trained by Erv Miller. Blue Chip Bloodstock bred Usosweet Blue Chip.
The second set of trotting fillies were in pursuit of $58,100 and Royal Filly (Chapter Seven-Swinging Royalty) was absolutely peerless on this night.
Jean’s Action (Kevin Cummings) advanced to the front by the eighth pole and led for a handful of pylons before Royal Filly (Tyler Buter) made a power move to the point and this lead was for good. Royal Filly stepped off quarters of :29.2, :58.3 and 1:27.1 while extending her lead from two to six to seven lengths at each station. With no one even remotely near her in the last turn, Royal Filly turned for home and completed her tour of the facility on top by 10-½ lengths in 1:56.2.
Royal Filly ($2.20) is owned by Crawford Farms Racing, trained by Tony Alagna and was bred by Jonas Schlabach.
There were also four $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Kennebago (E L Titan-First Class Act) in 1:58.1 for driver Joe Bongiorno, trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi. The second went to Serendipity (Chapter Seven-Vida De Vie) in 1:58.1 for driver Marcus Miller, trainer George Ducharme and owners William Donovan, Jim Winske, Stephen Michaels and Joe Sbrocco. The third was won by Metro Matty (Met’s Hall-Order By Matilda) in 1:59.2 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer John Butenschoen and owner Bay Pond Racing Stable. And the fourth was won by Seven Over (Chapter Seven-Overpowering Lindy) for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Per Engblom and owners VIP Internet Stable, Rich Preziotti, Heritage Standardbreds and Timothy Drag.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 30) at 6 p.m. there will be a $8,813 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Mugshots Bro courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
The trotters were on full display under the Friday night (August 25) lights at Batavia Downs but the spotlight fell directly on driver Jim Morrill Jr., who choreographed the journeys of the winners of the top two events.
In the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot, Morrill put Makadushin N Cheez on the point and then sat chilly for the next eight furlongs. Makadushin N Cheez put up easy fractions of :28.4, :58.2 and 1:26.4 before taking his 3-½ length lead into the last turn. Morrill stayed reclined behind Makadushin N Cheez as Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) tried to employ his patented late rally in the stretch. But there would be no change in the order this week as Makadushin N Cheez just cruised across the line in 1:56.
It was the 23rd lifetime win in only the 67th lifetime start for the high percentage Makadushin N Cheez ($5.30) who is owned by Joe D’ Agostino, Molly D’Agostino, Phillip Kadushin and David Dewhurst, who also trains the winner.
In the undercard $13,000 Open II trot, Morrill took no prisoners with Mugshots Bro, who grabbed an early lead and maintained a 1-½ length lead to three-quarters. CR Blazin Beauty (Dave McNeight III) and Good Boy (Ray Fisher Jr.) tried their best to catch the leader around the last turn, but when Mugshots Bro hit the top of the stretch, he bolted home to a 3-¾ length victory in a seasonal best 1:57.1.
Mugshots Bro ($3.90) is owned by Herman Niedhammer and Herman Niedhammer Jr. and is trained by Rose Russo.
Morrill ended the night with a total of three wins on the strength of his natural hat trick in races eight, nine and ten, but Dave McNeight III led all reinsmen with a grand slam. Also, trainers Rose Russo and Lee Dahn both scored doubles.
The biggest win mutuel of the year so far occurred in race four when Coco Hall (Jim McNeight Jr.) out-trotted the heavily favored Crews Hilltopper (Jim Morrill Jr.) to the line by a head in 1:59.3 and paid $129.00 to win.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (August 26) at 6 p.m. there will be a $7,322 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race.
Also on Saturday, Batavia Downs will host its richest card of racing this summer when a total of $467,400 in purses will be up for grabs. The card features both colt and filly divisions of New York Sire Stake and Excelsior 3-year-old trotters with total purses of $294,900 and the $75,000 Kane Memorial Invitational Pace, which is Batavia Downs signature race.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Makadushin N Cheez courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
The richest night of harness racing all summer will be held at Batavia Downs on Saturday (August 26) when total purses of $467,400 will be in play for participants of the heavily stake-laden card. Post time for the first of 15 races is at 6 p.m.
The New York Sire Stakes will be back in Genesee County, this time featuring both colt and gelding and filly divisions of 3-year-old trotters. Those three races alone are worth $234,900 and coupled with three $20,000 divisions of NYSS Excelsior events, total $294,900 in purses for the state-bred trotters.
Also on the card is Batavia Downs’ signature event, the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace which has attracted some of the best Open pacers currently racing in North America.
The feature races start with one division of NYSS 3-year-old male trotters going to post for a jackpot of $119,800 and includes two top trotters from their division going postward.
Kierkegaard K (Chapter Seven-Gone Baby Gone) has four wins this year including two NYSS events and an elimination of the MGM Yonkers Trot. But he also won the Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon Downs in 1:50.3. That mark has him tied as the fastest 3-year-old trotter of either gender to this point of 2023 with Hambletonian winner Tactical Approach and Hambletonian Oaks winner Heaven Hanover. As if that line on his resume isn’t enough, with his earnings of $209,351, Kierkegaard K is also the 11th highest earner in North America among all 3-year-old trotters. After making a break in his Hambletonian elimination at the end of July, Kierkegaard K came back with a NYSS win and a third-place finish in the Beal Memorial at Mohegan Sun Pocono last week, bringing him into this race off two solid efforts and looking like the one to beat.
Kierkegaard K starts from post three with Mark Macdonald in the bike for trainer Ake Svanstedt.
Chapercraz (Crazy Wow-Chaperess) has also had a big year with three wins, including two NYSS outings. But the gelding was only a little over two lengths away from having three more wins and all in very big races. Chapercraz finished second by a head in the MGM Yonkers Trot elimination, second by three-quarters of a length in that final and second by 1-1/4 lengths in the Zweig Trot at Vernon. But all those seconds still paid well and as a result, Chapercraz is currently the seventh richest 3-year-old trotter in North America. After not missing the board in eight consecutive starts, Chapercraz got stung last week at Saratoga, parked four-deep into turn one before getting the lead past the :27.1 quarter. But he never saw the pylons until the three-eighths and that took its toll at the end of the mile and gave him his first out since May.
Chapercraz looks to rebound from post four with Joe Bongiorno in the bike for trainer Ron Burke.
Next are two NYSS divisions for 3-year-old trotting fillies. The first group goes for $57,000 and none of the five fillies have won a NYSS event this year.
Five Fish Species (Chapter Seven-Stylemaker) comes into this race on a tear, winning three out of her last four starts including two Excelsior races. She is making her first NYSS start here for trainer Megan Scran who has Mark Macdonald in the bike from post three.
Usosweet Blue Chip (Devious Man-Twin B Kisses) finished second in the NYSS at Yonkers last week, has one Excelsior win earlier this year and is the highest 2023 earner of this group. Marcus Miller will drive from post two for his father, trainer Erv Miller.
On The House (Chapter Seven-On Your Tab) has drawn terribly in her last three NYSS events but still was able to grab two checks. Prior to that she was a willing winner from post one in an overnight at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Here she drew post four for trainer Ake Svanstedt who has Jim Morrill Jr. In the sulky.
The second division is a six horse affair going for $58,100 and Royal Filly (Chapter Seven-Swinging Royalty) looks to get the most attention from the bettors.
Royal Filly is a four-time winner this year, including a victory in the Empire Breeders Classic and three NYSS races, two of which came in her last three starts. Her $190,697 in earnings has her the fifth richest and her mark of 1:52 has her the eighth fastest 3-year-old trotting filly in North America to this point. Royal Filly has drawn post one and trainer Tony Alagna has Tyler Buter back in the bike for this outing.
Woolco (Chapter Seven-Upside Hanover) is also a four-time winner and they were at both NYSS and Excelsior levels. And aside from one unfortunate break, Woolco has been first or second six out of her seven starts this year. Leaving from post six, trainer Bob Krivelin has Jim Morrill Jr. at the lines for the second time this year. The first outing with Morrill was a win.
Canterbury Hanover (Chapter Seven-Charmed Life) is another consistent performer with a win, second and third in her last three starts and all in NYSS action. She is the second-highest earner among this group and is poised to make a strong statement. It will be a homecoming of sorts for trainer/driver Jeff Gregory who started his career at Batavia Downs. Canterbury Hanover drew post four.
Finally, the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace has drawn what appears to be, the toughest overall field in the 17-year history of the race.
Covered Bridge ships in fresh off a win in the 64th Gold Cup and Saucer Pace at Red Shores in Charlottetown, PEI last week. After winning his elimination in 1:51.2 by four lengths, Covered Bridge came back in the final from post nine and won the final in 1:50.3 after being parked out four-deep at three-quarters. Covered Bridge also took a seasonal mark of 1:49.4 at Yonkers in June. His 13 wins this year have earned him $390,985 and he is likely to become a millionaire by the end of business on Saturday night as he is only $5,325 shy of that mark now.
Jordan Stratton will be at the lines again for owner/trainer Mark Ford and will start from post five.
Rocknroll Runa A (Rock N Roll Heaven-She’s A Runa) has excelled on half-mile tracks since landing in North America and you needn’t look any further back than his last three starts for proof as he has been dominant in the Open at Yonkers. He also finished second in consecutive weeks at Plainridge Park while chasing two track records in those races. His extreme tactical speed and middle-of-the-pack draw makes him very dangerous in here.
Jason Bartlett will drive Rocknroll Runa A from post six for trainer Larry Stalbaum.
The field of eight also features millionaires This Is The Plan ($3,082,603) and None Bettor A ($1,145,227), 12-time 2023 winner Idealsomemagic A and last week’s Batavia Downs Open winner and recent import, Mirragon A.
The Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace is named in honor of the former chairman of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTB) and his vision for a defunct racetrack. In 1998 Robert Kane saw the opportunity for WROTB to keep harness racing alive in Western New York and convinced the group to purchase the shuttered Batavia Downs. He then worked diligently for four years to obtain a racing license from the state of New York in order to re-open the track in 2002.
With the improvement of the live racing product, multiple expansions of the gaming floor, and the addition of the top-rated hotel in the years since the acquisition, what once was an empty building is now the pre-eminent attraction in all of Genesee County and that is due to the vision of Robert J. Kane.
Families are encouraged to bring the kids early on Saturday to have their picture taken with one of the Budweiser Clydesdales, who will be on hand from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a track-side meet and greet. Also, there will be a Kane Memorial T-Shirt giveaway that night. You must be a Players Club member and swipe your card (starting at 4:30 p.m.) to receive a slip redeemable after the seventh race.
Photo of Covered Bridge courtesy of Gail Macdonald.
Photo of Kierkegaard K courtesy of Photowon.
Photo of Rocknroll Runa A courtesy of Jessica Hallett.
Batavia Muckdogs Manager Joey Martinez during a 2023 baseball game at Dwyer Stadium. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press release:
The Batavia Muckdogs have agreed to terms with current Manager and coach Joey “Skip” Martinez for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Skip Martinez took over in 2021, the first season CAN-USA Sports took over ownership of the Muckdogs. The Florida native and former Detroit Tigers draft pick has come to know Batavia as a second home these past few years.
Since taking over, Martinez has led the Dogs to the playoffs in two of his first three seasons. The Muckdogs won the West Division in 2022 and fell just 1 game short of winning the PGCBL Championship that season. Under Martinez, the Muckdogs claimed the #1 seed in the regular season in both 2022 and 2023.
"Joey has done a great job for us here in Batavia, and we are pleased to have him back," said Muckdogs Owner Robbie Nichols.
“I am very happy to be back to my second home and continue to be part of the Nichols family and our Muckdogs Mafia, I hope to be here amongst family for a long time. Thank you for the continued support for our organization, We will be back, and we will be better,” said Martinez.
Season tickets are on sale as low as $99 for the 2024 season. If you are interested in tickets, sponsoring the Muckdogs, or hosting a group event next year at Dwyer Stadium, call 585-524-2260. For the latest news throughout the offseason, check out their website at www.canusamuckdogs.com. The Muckdogs will be hosting the Battle of the Badges this Saturday at 6 p.m. at Dwyer Stadium and will be hosting Muckdogs Trick or Treat on Saturday, October 21st 3 to 6 p.m.
The last time she was at Batavia Downs in 2021, Racine Bell set the track record of 1:51.3 for aged pacing mares after destroying her competition by eight full-lengths. On Wednesday night (August 23), the million-dollar mare returned to the Downs and won again in the $15,000 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace.
Anne Bonney N (Cory Kreiser) took an early lead while Racine Bell (Kevin Cummings) rolled three-wide at the eighth pole on her way to the front at the :27.1 quarter. After crossing over, Cummings settled Racine Bell down and backed off the middle half to a tepid :58.4 as Oaxacan Dream N (Matty Athearn) and Waitforever N (Jim Morrill Jr.) were one out and one back in the breeze. Waitforever N made a three-wide move in turn three and found herself only a length behind the leader as they made their way around the final bend. But that was as close as she'd get as Racine Bell maintained that margin all the way to the line under Cummings urging to win in 1:55.1.
It was the 33rd lifetime win in only 89 lifetime starts for Racine Bell ($3.40) and owners Chris Lawton and Dale Lawton. David Dewhurst was the winning trainer.
Besides Racine Bell, Kevin Cummings also won with Tullow N (1:57.1, $2.60), Confidence Man (1:57.1, $9.40), Louie The Lilac (1:55.1, $4.30),
and Pepin Coolie (2:01.2, $4.90) to round out his five bagger on Wednesday.
Earlier in the $13,000 fillies and mares Open II Handicap, Diamondtequilashot (Jim Morrill Jr.) sat the pocket behind American Jazz (Denny Bucerri) through quarters of :28, :57.1 and 1:26 while Bet I’m Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) and Mcdelicacy (Kevin Cummings) pushed the issue on the outside from the half to the top of the stretch. It was there that Diamondtequilashot found the passing lane and paced by them all to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:56.
Diamondtequilashot ($2.60) got her 49th lifetime win and third of the year for owner Rick Senger and trainer Bill Rhoades.
Jim Morrill Jr. also won with TImeless Virgin (1:58.1, $2.50), Kandy Sweet (1:58.4, $2.20), and Mildrix (1:56.2, $3.00) to complete his grand slam.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 25) at 6 p.m. there will be a $6,582 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
On Saturday (Aug. 26), Batavia Downs will host the richest card of racing in 2023 when a total of $450,600 in purses will be up for grabs. The program features both colt and filly divisions of New York Sire Stake and Excelsior 3-year-old trotters with total purses of $305,100 and the $75,000 Kane Memorial Invitational Pace, which is Batavia Downs signature race.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Diamondtequilashot courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery
Batavia Downs was the fourth different track that the recently landed Australian import Mirragon A has competed over since starting his North American career in June, but it didn’t dissuade this Aussie from winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace on Saturday night (August 19).
Despite being assigned the outside in the field of six, Jim Morrill Jr. wasted no time pushing Mirragon A off the gate and to the lead, a position he controlled at the :27.2 quarter. With the field in single file, Mirragon A took the group to the half in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:24.2 without any challenges to that point. But trouble was coming and his name was The Longest Yard (Kevin Cummings), who had pulled from fifth at the five-eighths and was making up ground very quickly heading into the final turn. As they entered the stretch, Mirragon A was in control by 1-¼ lengths and The Longest Yard was still over three lengths behind, but he persevered and kept closing the gap as the wire drew near. Not giving into the pressure, Mirragon A maintained his lead while holding off The Longest Yard and a late-charging Stranger Things (Shawn McDonough) to win by one-quarter length in 1:53.
It was the fourth win in only seven North American starts for Mirragon A ($13.00) who is owned by his trainer Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner and John Manning.
Morrill ended the night with a driving grand slam after also winning with Rock N Blue (1:55.3, $2.30), Reggiano (1:56.3, $4.20), and Just A Wrangler (1:57, $3.20).
The $13,000 Open II pace provided the biggest upset of the day when the overlooked Sporty Deal took full advantage of a class drop to score his sixth win of the year and reward his backers with a premium payout.
Sporty Deal (Keith Kash Jr.) was almost 10 lengths off at the quarter while Passe-Grille Beach (Ray Fisher Jr.) skated unabated through quarters of :27.1, :55.3, and 1:24.4. It was at that last station where Kash tipped Sporty Deal three-wide from sixth, circled the field and took the lead just as they hit the turn. Kash high-lined Sporty Deal and tried to put some real estate between themselves and the competition and it worked. Sporty Deal hit the stretch and paced away to a convincing 1:54.1 victory, which was a new seasonal mark.
L’Emmur Stable owns Sporty Deal ($43.20) who is trained by his driver, Kash.
Kash had a training/driving double as he also won with Starsnstripes GB (1:55.4, $7.10).
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 23) at 6 p.m. there will be a $5,601 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Taking advantage of a perfect trip, Johnny Boy brushed late to capture the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (August 18).
Kevin Cummings settled Johnny Boy in behind the headstrong Con Air Hall (Jim Morrill Jr.) who got to the quarter in :28.2. Con Air Hall then slowed the half to :58.2, forcing Mr. Contestant (Keith Kash Jr.) to advance first-over from fourth at that station. As the race trotted past three-quarters, Mr. Contestant’s bid fell apart and it appeared to be down to the top two trotters. Coming off the turn, Con Air Hall was in the middle of the track while Johnny Boy slipped into the passing lane in full stride. But from far back, Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) was trotting up a storm and joined the leaders for the stretch run. Johnny Boy took the lead just before the line before Lougazi could reach and won by one-half length in 1:57.4.
It was the sixth win of the year for Johnny Boy ($17.00) for owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith was the winning trainer.
Johnny Boy was one of four wins for Cummings on Friday night.
Earlier, the $12,500 Open II trot went to J-s Hopscotch who led the entire race and then hung in the final strides.
J-S Hopscotch (Kyle Cummings) left from post one and controlled the clock from there. With Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) sitting on his back, J-S Hopscotch set fractions of :29.2, 1:00.3 and 1:29.3 with only a mild bid from I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) during the third quarter. By the time the race got halfway through the last turn, J-S Hopscotch and Mugshots Bro had separated from the field. J-S Hopscotch was still in front but Mugshots Bro was closing fast and drew alongside him in deep stretch. With both drivers fully engaged in their urging, J-S Hopscotch and Mugshots Bro hit the wire simultaneously, leaving it to the camera to reveal that J-S Hopscotch closed the deal by a nose in 1:58.4.
J-S Hopscotch ($3.30) got his seventh win of the year for owner Rags To Riches of Pa and trainer Tammy Cummings. It was also the second win of the night for Kyle Cummings.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (August 19) at 6 p.m. there will be a $4,816 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of J-S Hopscotch courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
The 3-year-old filly pacing division of the $114,000 New York Sire Stakes put on quite a performance at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (August 16) and the star of the show was Rec Time (Huntsville-Ms. Malicious) who stalked a torrid early pace before setting a new track record in victory.
In the first $57,000 division, Rec Time (Jason Bartlett) got away third as Vivians Dream (Jim Morrill Jr.) seated Southwind Bella (Jack Pelling) at the :26 flat quarter before rolling to the half in a blistering :53.3. The field was in single file and somewhat gapped as they motored up the backside where Southwind Bella pulled the pocket once again approaching three-quarters. That allowed Rec Time room to advance along the pylons, putting the top three in tight quarters rounding the last turn. Vivian’s Dream held sway to the head of the stretch, but that’s where Rec Time found the passing lane and bolted to the lead and a 2-½ length win in 1:52.3.
The time was a new track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies and supplanted the 12-year-old standard of 1:52.4 set by New Album in NYSS action back in 2011.
It was the fifth win of the year for Rec Time ($20.20) who is owned by D Racing Stable and Jason Osullivan. Deborah Daguet trains Rec Time who was bred by Fair Winds Farm, Mark Mullen, and Steve Jones.
Then in the second $57,000 split, Earthwindfire (American Ideal-Road Bet) remained undefeated in 2023 after winning her seventh consecutive race in a hard-fought battle.
Jack Pelling wanted the front with Earthwindfire, but Marcus Miller made him earn it as Turn On The Charm parked the pair in :27.1 before releasing them to cross over. Earthwindfire finally skimmed the cones in the turn and carried the girls to the half in a geared-down :56.1 half. With no imminent threats looming, Pelling continued to grab leather and put up another pedestrian :30.1 panel before Rock My Socks (Jason Bartlett) moved first from fourth and drew alongside the leader before the turn. Positions remained unchanged until the top of the stretch where Earthwindfire was flanked by Turn On The Charm to her left and Rock My Socks to her right. However, Earthwindfire kept looking forward and closed out the mile with a 1:54.1 score by a neck.
With the win, Earthwindfire ($3.20) boosted her 2023 earnings to $215,416 for owners Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stable, and Tulip Racing. Brett Pelling is the winning trainer of Earthwindfire who was bred by Stephen Dey III.
There were also two $20,000 Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Sweet Cheyanne (Huntsville-Ever After) in 1:55.1 for driver Marcus Miller, trainer Erv Miller and owner Douglas Overheiser. And the second went to Light And Tight (American Ideal-Don’t Point At) in 1:55.1 for driver Kevin Cummings, trainer Nifty Norman and owners Pinske Stable and Hoese.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (August 18) with post time 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 Earthwindfire courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Pavilion Central Schools Athletic Director Matt Roth addressing the Pavilion Board of Education on Monday evening. Photo by Howard Owens.
Serving as a high school sports coach takes a lot more than understanding where to put the Xs and Os if school districts are to abide by New York State regulations, a Matt Roth, athletic director in Pavilion, laid out for the Pavilion Board of Education on Monday night.
Non-teacher coaches have a multi-year program of classes they need to take and that total cost to the coach can exceed $700.
"This is for any coach who is board-approved," Roth said. "They have to have all of these classes. They can't just show up and help out anymore."
For the non-teacher coach, there are nine steps that must be completed at the time of application. It's about a two-month process to get the initial temporary coaching license, Roth said.
"When I came here two years ago, I kind of went through this with everybody, but I just wanted to give everybody a refresher on it," Roth told the board at the start of his report.
The candidate must submit evidence of an acceptable first aid and CPR course completion along with completion of a child abuse identification worship, a school violence and prevention and intervention worship, and training in dealing with harassment, bullying, cyber-bullying and discrimination in schools. The would-be couch must also submit fingerprints and be cleared through a database check.
Then they are eligible to coach for one or two years on a temporary license. They must pay a $50 fee for each sport they wish to coach.
In years three, four, and five, they must complete a fundamentals of coaching course, along with courses on contusions, protecting students from abuse, and a course on student cardiac arrest.
In the next level, they must complete courses in student mental health and suicide prevention, heat illness prevention, first aid for coaches, and a sport-specific course.
If the non-teacher coach is still going in year six, then the coach needs to apply for a professional coaching license.
At that point, the coach must complete course in bullying and hazing, strength and conditioning, teaching and modeling behavior, engaging effectively with parents, and sportsmanship.
The courses are offered online by the National Federation of High School Sports, and most are free, but some have fees ranging from $25 to $50.
The professional coach must reapply for a license every three years, which involves refresher courses in first aid and CPR, along with a positive evaluation from the athletic director.
"The teacher coaching requirements, they are a little bit easier because they've already taken some of the coursework," Roth said. "A teacher only needs to have first aid and CPR to get started in their first three years, and then they are supposed to complete the same courses that nonteacher coaches have at two years and complete levels one, two and three within five years of starting."
Photo of Earthwindfire courtesy of Jessica Hallett.
When the New York Sire Stakes roll into Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 16), the undefeated Earthwindfire will be on hand to try and keep her perfect record intact as she lines up in one of two, five-horse, $57,000 divisions of 3-year-old pacing fillies slated to go that night.
Earthwindfire (American Ideal-Road Bet) has rattled off six straight wins to start her year, including four NYSS events. The other two came in Grand Circuit action at Yonkers Raceway where she won an elimination and the final of the Park MGM filly pace. Those wins have made Earthwindfire the fourth richest filly in North America this year ($186,916) behind only Sylvia Hanover, Ucandoit Blue Chip and Twin B Joe Fresh, and she is less than $3,000 from vaulting into second place on that list. A five-time victor and runner up in the NYSS final as a 2-year-old last season, Earthwindfire has been winning at will in 2023 and is positioned to continue on that path here and add to her already gaudy lifetime earnings of $508,400.
Jack Pelling will drive from post four for trainer Brett Pelling.
Standing in her way from another score on Wednesday will be Turn On The Charm, who is also having a breakout year of her own.
Turn On The Charm (Huntsville-Charming Hill) is the current points leader (217) among the NYSS sophomore distaff pacers this year and has won four out of her five NYSS starts. She too competed in the Park MGM filly pace and finished a very respectable third in the final. In her last start at Yonkers, Turn On The Charm overcame a very slow start where she got away last, spotting the field 20 lengths at the half. But she rallied to finish fifth and was beaten only 3-¾ lengths. With a post one draw in this race, Turn On The Charm should get a perfect trip behind the assumed frontrunner Earthwindfire, and be in the perfect spot to strike late.
Trainer Bruce Clarke has Marcus Miller in the bike once again.
Team Pelling also has the filly to beat in the other division and her name is Southwind Bella.
Southwind Bella (Huntsville-Southwind Solara) was lightly raced at two, but won three of four starts in NYSS Excel A action in 2022. This year she stepped up to the top level and has won two NYSS races while not finished off the board in the rest. Although her lifetime mark is 1:50.2 at Harrah’s Philadelphia, her last outing at Yonkers was an impressive gate to wire, 3-½ length victory in 1:53.1, which was her best clocking ever over a half mile track. She comes into this race as one of only two fillies in this field to win a NYSS race this year.
Team Pelling sends out Southwind Bella from post one.
The other 2023 NYSS winner in the race is Vivians Dream (American Ideal-Sports Chic) who was a state series star at two who won six legs. So far this year she has won only one of those races and it was her very first start of the year. Since then, Vivians Dream has been racing well and is currently fourth for earnings and points among this group, but she has not been able to find the winner’s circle again since May. She finished second to Southwind Bella Last week at Yonkers and looks to be the main rival again this week.
Jim Morrill Jr. picks up the lines for this start for trainer Kevin Lare.
There are also two $20,000 NYSS Excelsior divisions on the program and those splits will be contested in races six and seven. The NYSS main events are carded as races eight and 10.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page
Jim Kelly welcomes golfers to the annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic at Terry Hills in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
After Jim Kelly, the Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer and host of the annual tournament at Terry Hills that bears his name, the celebrity who invariably gets the most attention upon his arrival year after year is sports broadcasting legend Chris Berman.
On Monday, after local businessman Russ Romano introduced him, Berman took extra time to talk with Griffin Della Penna, a Batavia High School graduate now working on his Master's degree in broadcasting and digital media at Syracuse University.
Della Penna said Berman was his earliest inspiration.
"I’ll never forget watching Sportscenter for the first time with my dad when I was six years old, and Chris Berman was on the screen," Della Penna told The Batavian. "I loved his passion and how you could tell that he genuinely loved his job. Since that day, I’ve admired him, and he ignited a dream of being in his shoes someday."
It was Della Penna's first time meeting Berman, though he had hoped to meet him last year.
"For years, I’ve known that he’s been to the tournament and spent time in Western New York, but our paths never crossed," Della Penna said. "I worked the tournament last year and was bummed to know that he wasn’t going to be in attendance. To be able to meet one of my heroes today is something that I’ll never forget. While people are coming up to him telling him where to go for registration or to sign autographs, he politely told them to wait because he wanted to learn more about me and my broadcasting journey! That was the best feeling in the world when he asked me about my time at Canisius and how my program at Syracuse has been so far. He asked how much I love this profession, and he had a huge grin when I told him, 'this isn’t work to me because I’m so passionate about it.' He told me how he had that same mentality with his first job at a small market in Rhode Island and carried that into his big break at ESPN. At the end of our conversation, I told him how much it meant to me to talk to me, and he said, 'I look forward to hearing you when you make it big, Griffin.'”
Berman, along with the other sports stars and celebrities in attendance, was at Terry Hills for the annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic, which is a fundraiser for the Kelly for Kids Foundation. The foundation provides grants to assist disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York.
Griffin Della Penna poses with ESPN sports broadcasting legend Chris Berman. Photo by Howard Owens.
Chris Berman speaking with Griffin Della Penna. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Thurman Thomas arriving at Terry Hills. Photo by Howard Owens.
Former Pro Bowler receiver Gerald McNeil at the autograph table. Photo by Howard Owens.
Kato Kaelin, with his wife Shengyi Xue, waits to step up to the autograph table behind Scott Norwood and Willie "Hutch" Jones. Jones is a former NBA player born in Buffalo who now runs the Willie Hutch Jones Sports and Education Program, a non-profit in Buffalo. Norwood is a former Bills kicker. Xue is a model and actress. And Kaelin, is, well, Kato Kaelin. Photo by Howard Owens.
Johnny Damon, former star centerfielder with the Oakland As, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees, at the autograph table. Russ Romano on the left. Photo by Howard Owens.
Johnny Damon with WBTA's Nici Johnson. Photo by Howard Owens.
A stout Saturday night (August 12) card at Batavia Downs was highlighted by a pair of $15,000 Open Handicap races that were divided by gait, and the winner of each needed a season’s best effort to get the job done.
In the top trot, Lougazi started slow but finished fast to take the winner’s share of the purse.
Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) got away sixth while Johnny Boy (Kevin Cummings) wrestled with Dewanslittlelorie (Joe Chindano Jr.) for a good portion of the mile. While Mr. Contestant (Keith Kash Jr.) watched the mayhem from the pocket, Lougazi and Dewanslittlelorie matched strides through quarters of :27.4, :57 and 1:26.1 with no one cutting any slack. At that three-quarter mark, Lougazi was out and rolling fourth, while also going three-deep around the fading Dewanslittlelorie. As they made their way around the last turn Johnny Boy continued to trot in command, but his lead was diminishing as they reached the top of the stretch. Johnny Boy had Mr. Contestant closed along the pylons, but Lougazi was also trotting up a storm in the middle of the track and blew past them both to win by one-half length in 1:56.4.
It was the 55th lifetime win for Lougazi ($6.10) who is owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift.
Fisher led all drivers on Saturday with three wins while Swift was the top trainer after claiming two victories of her own.
Then in the premier pace, Villiam got his second straight win after a hard-fought battle.
Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) tucked away fourth as Sporty Deal (Keith Kash Jr.) parked out Soul Assassin (Jim Morrill Jr.) right off the bat. In a heated duel, Sporty Deal and Assassin went at it in :28, :56.3 and 1:25.1 before Villiam went three-deep around them, and The Longest Yard (Kevin Cummings) went four-wide around Villiam. While pacing through the fourth bend, Villiam, and The Longest Yard overtook the top two positions and broke away from the pack before Villiam gave The Longest Yard the slip at the top of the stretch. Then under a highly animated drive by Chindao, Villiam paced away to a 1-½ length victory in 1:53.3.
Villiam ($17.40) got his sixth win of the year for owner Anthony Evgenikos. Chindano also trains the winner.
Chindano had two driving wins during the proceedings on Saturday along with Jim McNeight Jr. and Jim Morrill Jr.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 16) at 6 p.m. there will be a $3,385 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race. Also on Wednesday, two divisions of the New York Sire Stake 3-year-old filly pacers will be on hand to compete for a total purse of $114,000.
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.
