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Lefties lead the way with 700 series in Mancuso Bowling Center league

By Mike Pettinella

Several bowlers cracked the 700 mark in league bowling action around the Genesee Region last week -- including four left-handers who led the way in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday night league at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

Southpaws Rich Wagner (289--787), Brian Green (276--733), Jason Gallo (258--719) and Tom Baker (257--717) topped the list of high scores in the 14-team, five-person league.

Others hitting the 700 mark were Curtis Foss and Robbie Hanks at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, and Caycee Landers, Jeff Parton and Frank Jarkiewicz at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

For the list of high rollers, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Lady Trojans will battle the Elba Hornets in volleyball Oct. 10 for breast cancer charity

By Billie Owens

Photo: Alexander High School JV and Varsity Volleyball players are looking forward to an Oct.10th fundraiser game to benefit Breast Cancer Network of Western New York.                 

Submitted photo and press release:

The Alexander Volleyball Booster Club is hosting its seventh annual fundraising game on Wednesday, Oct. 10, when the Lady Trojans take on the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Hornets.

The fun begins at 5 p.m. with the JV game, followed by the Varsity game at 6:30 p.m. Alexander Central School is located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander.

The event features theme baskets, a pizza and bake sale and a serving contest for a chance to win prizes donated by area businesses and volleyball families.

Fundraiser co-chairs Colette Yax and Laura Marzolf announce the charity selected to receive proceeds from the 2018 event is the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York.

“This is an organization that supports, educates and advocates for people with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors,” Marzolf said.

“A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating for an individual and their loved ones,” Yax said. “We are happy to support an organization committed to helping people through this difficult time.”

In addition to the theme baskets and serving contests, co-chair Marzolf said a special prize is being raffled off at the event.

“We have a Sabres ticket package for two 200–level seats, including a parking pass for the October 30th game against the Calgary Flames,” Marzoff said.

Community members wishing to donate to the Alexander event may contact Colette Yax at 716-400-3628 or Laura Marzolf at 585-322-3748.

Millionaire Lucan Hanover jogs in Batavia feature

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Lucan Hanover (John Cummings Jr.) made it three in a row at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 29) after winning the $10,500 Open handicap pace in impressive style. 

As was the case the past two weeks, Cummings put Lucan Hanover on the point right off the gate and was never headed from there. Posting fast fractions of :27.3, :56.3 and 1:24.2, Lucan Hanover turned for home and paced away with a two-length margin of victory in 1:52.2.

"Lucan did it all himself; he's all class," said Cummings after the race. 

It was the 35th lifetime win for Lucan Hanover ($9.70) who now has over $1.14 million on his card. He is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Jack Rice and Pine Hill Racing LTD and is trained by Maria Rice. 

In the $9,000 Open II pace, Heaven Rocks (Drew Monti) got a perfect two-hole trip behind China Dream (John Cummings Jr.) from the start of the race until the top of the stretch when the leader bore out and Heaven Rocks shot through the void to win in 1:54.1, which was a new seasonal mark. 

Owned by Tessa Roland and trained by JD Perrin, Heaven Rocks ($12) registered his sixth win of the year.

The Downs leading driver Drew Monti and trainer JD Perrin teamed up for a Grand Slam on Saturday. Besides Heaven Rocks, the tag-team of Monti and Perrin also shuttled across Four Diamond (1:55.3, $5.70), Hands Off Frank (1:55.2, $2.40) and Hardts Or Bettor (1:54.2, $3.60). 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 3) at 5 p.m.

Batavia remains undefeated with 49-6 win over Attica on Van Detta celebration evening

By Steve Ognibene

Van Detta Stadium -- home for football, track and field, soccer and other sporting events -- has shared many memories in the last 90 years in Batavia.

The Batavia Blue Devils won their first game against Medina 31-0 on this day in 1928. Batavia faced Attica last night for its Homecoming game and won 49-6. The stadium, field, and track will get a complete makeover starting in the next couple weeks as construction will begin and be completed by August 2019. 

Batavia game highlights: Ray Leach scored four touchdowns on 13 carries for 280 yards. Ethan Biscaro was seven for eight, passing 137 yards.  Taiyo Iburi-Bethel had three catches for 79 yards. Josh Barber had 11 tackles.

Homecoming classes were announced at halftime. The 2019 Senior Class won Spirit Week with back-to-back consecutive Homecoming year wins. Senior Kristin Gloskowski was named Queen and Griffin Dellapenna was named King. Moments after being announced, Griffin then passed his crown hat to classmate Thomas Ognibene during the royalty announcements. 

The Batavia Varsity cheerleaders performed their routine followed by the pep band; then fans and alumni took to Woodward Field to honor its legacy. Carlyle M Johnson, 91, played football for Batavia High School and is pictured below with alumni.

Some history was read by announcer Paul Spiotta: “In 1927, the site of this field was given to Batavia City School District by Ernest L. Woodward and his wife, founder of Jell-O in Le Roy, through a friendship of Andrew J. McWaine, of Batavia. who was the publisher and owner of the Batavia Daily News.

"On Sept. 29 1928, the first Batavia football game was played and Batavia defeated Medina 31-1. In 1938, the current stadium was built. In 1974, the current stadium was named in honor of a special man, teacher, patriot, coach and friend, for the complete development of young people, a humanitarian who has left his mark on many men, Daniel A. Van Detta."

To view or purchase photos go here: https://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p403809773

BZ Glide goes back-to-back in Batavia top trot

By Billie Owens

Photo of BZ Glide with driver Mike Caprio.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

BZ Glide waved bye-bye to the field as he passed them all going from worst to first in the $10,500 Open Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday afternoon (Sept. 28). 

BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) got away last off the gate while Chelseas Chance (Billy Davis Jr.) smoked early fractions of :27 and :57. At that station, Southern Palms (Kevin Cummings) pulled first up with Call My Broker (Drew Monti) on his back and they tried to advance on the leader past the five eighths. But Southern Palms bid failed and Call My Broker was forced to go wide around him. 

At that point BZ Glide was locked in tight last behind horses fanning three deep at the three-quarters and things were looking bleak. But as the race progressed through the turn, Southern Palms finally faded to last allowing BZ Glide a spot to get off the pegs. Then a good five lengths off the leader and forced to tip three-wide himself, Caprio unleashed BZ Glide and with a couple of rocks and a couple of knocks the big horse responded heartily and rolled by everyone to win in 1:57. 

It was the second straight top-class trot victory at Batavia Downs for BZ Glide ($5.20) who now has seven wins on the year and $56,343 earned for owner Caprio stable LLC and trainer Alana Caprio. 

In the $8,000 Open II trot, Bold Dresser (Shawn McDonough) was never headed going gate to wire in 1:58.3 to score his fifth victory of the year. Harry Wortzman owns Bold Dresser ($3.70) who is trained by his driver, Shawn McDonough. 

Drew Monti led all drivers on the night with three wins while Shawn McDonough and Ray Fisher Jr. each garnered a pair. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 29) with post time at 6 o'clock.

Alexander wins for Homecoming crowd

By Howard B. Owens

The Alexander Trojans, now 5-0, kept their perfect season going Friday night with a 36-14 win over Bishop Timon on Homecoming night.

Dylan Busch was 3-5, 68 yards passing with two TDs. Chris McClinic ran for 202 yards on 17 carries and two TDs. He also had three receptions for 68 yards and two TDs. Terrez Smith had eight carries for 84 yards and a TD. Tyrone Woods had five tackles and an interception.

Also Friday night:

  • York/Pavilion beat Cuba-Rushford 44-14
  • Letchworth/Warsaw beat Le Roy 35-7
  • Caledonia Mumford/Byron-Bergen beat Avon 20-14

Photos by Rick Franclemont. Click here for more photos from the game.

Emmitt Smith, former and current Buffalo football players to appear at Downs' sports collectors' expo

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia Downs has announced the lineup for the upcoming Legends and Stars collectors' expo to be held on Oct. 27th and 28th.

Former Dallas football player, three time Super Bowl champion, NFL Hall of Famer, and all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith will appear on Sunday. Also appearing Sunday will be former Buffalo football players including: Bruce Smith, Andre Reed, Marv Levy, Darryl Talley, Billy Shaw, Kurt Shultz, Antowain Smith, Mark Maddox and John Davis.

“We are extremely pleased to be welcoming back the Legends and Stars Collectors Expo,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president at Batavia Downs. “Bringing athletes of the past and present to Batavia Downs so that people can meet their sports heroes is something we and our customers look forward to each year.”

Current Buffalo football player Kelvin Benjamin will appear on Saturday as will former Buffalo hockey stars Matthew Barnaby and Pat Lafontaine.

“Legends and Stars are pleased to be returning to Batavia Downs for our Fall Sports Expo,” said Legends and Stars staff member Chris Sabatello. “With a robust lineup of autograph guests and sold-out Paddock Room filled with high quality sports memorabilia dealers, we expect this show to be a first-class experience for fans and collectors alike.”

Rounding out the show’s football stars include Ken Anderson, former Cincinnati Bengal, Mark Duper and Mark Clayton, former Miami Dolphin standouts and former Patriots teammates Irving Fryar and Steve Grogan -- all on Saturday.

Baseball fans may seek out Yankees great Ron Guidry, White Sox standout Jack McDowell and former Pirate Andy Van Slyke, all appearing on Saturday.

Appearing both days is actor Dwier Brown, who cinema fans may recognize as John Kinsella from the movie "Field of Dreams."

The show takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Cost is $8 for admission (Kids 12 and under are free) and all attendees 18 years of age or older receive $7 in Free Play. Each paid admission includes one free autograph to a designated guest.

Specific information on which athletes are appearing on what days, the times they will be appearing and cost of signatures can be found at legendsandstars.net

About Batavia Downs/WROTB

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 29 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a Standardbred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated more than $215 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities.

Schedule of events at Van Detta Stadium tonight

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

Tonight at Van Detta Stadium, Batavia will play Attica in the last football game before construction starts next week on the new stadium. 

List of scheduled events:

  • 7 p.m. -- Football senior players will be recognized.
  • At halftime, Homecoming winners will be announced.
  • The Batavia High School Varsity cheerleaders will perform.
  • The pep band will play to lead alumni on the field.
  • Announcer Paul Spiotta will read a speech from the school district.

Machin Marley circled the wagons in Batavia feature

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

When the going got tough, Machin Marley got going and won the $9,000 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (Sept. 26). 

Machin Marley (Drew Monti) hit the pylons last while Little Joke (Billy Davis Jr.) fired off the wings to take the early lead. But Little Joke would soon submit to a takeover coup by Sportsmuffler (John Cummings Jr.) who came hard midway up the backstretch. The field stayed in single file past the half in a tepid :30 second quarter before Kaitlyn Rae (Ray Fisher Jr.) pulled first over at the five-eighths. 

The top two tangled to the three-quarters in 1:26.1 with neither getting an advantage. Then in the turn, Badlands Delight (Kevin Cummings) tipped three-deep and Machin Marley went four-wide from last and had almost five lengths to make up. With the whole field racing literally side-by-side in the lane, Machin Marley flew down the center of the track and collared them all at the wire to win in 1:55.2. 

It was the sixth win in 30 starts this year for Machin Marley ($15.20) who now has earned $39,381 for owners Thatsideofthefence and John Mungillo, who also does the training. 

In the $8,000 Open II pace for fillies and mares, Aritzia Hanover (Billy Davis Jr.) got away mid-pack before pulling first-over to out-muscle Rockin Kasbah (Kevin Cummings) through the second lap and win by a length in 1:57.1. Aritzia Hanover ($4.40) is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Pine Hill Racing. Maria Rice trains the winner. 

Drew Monti and Billy Davis Jr. both had driving triples on Wednesday. Monti is the current dash driving leader for the meet with 64 wins. Davis is third with 48 wins behind Kevin Cummings who sits in second with 60. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 28) with post time set for 6 p.m.

Three inductees selected for 2018 OACS Alumni Hall of Fame

By Billie Owens

The Oakfield-Alabama Central School Alumni Hall of Fame has three new inductees this year: Mark Boyce ('76), David Reed ('97), and Brett Willmott ('91). They will be feted at an awards dinner later this year.

Here are their then-and-now pictures, provided by OACS, and biographies, written by former English teacher and football Coach Bill Bostwick.

Mark Boyce -- Class of '76

Life at the forefront of development in the digital business world highlights Mark Boyce’s selection to the Hall.

While earning a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University, Mark found time to participate in the all-male a cappella group the Colgate 13, singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XIII and performing at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.

Earning his MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Mark began his career by helping to start the Personal Computing Division at IBM.

This was followed by formulating strategy that helped Anixter International become a global leader in Network and Security Solutions, Electrical and Electronic Solutions, and Utility Power Solutions.

Following his time at Anixter, Mark founded his own Internet company, shepherding yesmail.com’s successful IPO and acquisition.

He currently serves as president and CEO of Scribe Inc., a leading healthcare solution provider.

In this position, Mark helps Scribe assist more than 50,000 healthcare professionals navigate the difficult world of health care records.

In addition to his business duties, Mark serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Dean College in Franklin, Mass., and works behind the scenes to aid multiple charities.

Mark’s life and career exemplify the OACS motto, "Learn Today for Tomorrow."

 

 

David Reed -- Class of '97

A life of serving others has provided David Reed’s path to the Hall of Fame.

A master's degree graduate of SUNY College at Fredonia, Dave began his teaching career at Lincoln Charter School in Lincolnton, N.C., in 2005.

In 2012 he moved on to Kings Mountain Intermediate School.

Despite his youth, Dave garnered the local Teacher of the Year Award in 2014, following that up with earning that distinction in 2016 for the entire county.

This opened the door to attendance at the highly selective Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta.

Dave also initiated the nationally recognized All-Pro Dads program in Kings Mountain, taking the  enrollment from 30 participants in its first year to more than 200.

Dave also gives to his community by participating in the Carolina Panthers’ Black and Blue Crew entertainment squad and the Charlotte Hornets’ Swarm Squad.

Dave embodies the motto, "I touch the future, I teach."

 

 

 

Brett Willmott -- Class of '91

Speed, strength and endurance are the linchpins of Brett Willmott’s run to the Hall.

Brett graduated from SUNY College at Plattsburgh where he participated in cross-country and track, captaining the latter squad in his senior campaign.

He began his college coaching career at his alma mater in 1996, serving as assistant cross-country and track coach and mentoring the1998 NCAA Division III hurdles champion.

During his three-year tenure, Plattsburgh athletes set a total of 48 school records while garnering multiple conference championships.

Brett became head cross-country/track and field/strength and conditioning coach at SUNY College at New Paltz in 1999.

During his four-year stint at New Paltz Brett coached multiple SUNYAC champions, 14 SUNYAC All-Academic selections and eight Academic All-Americas.

His success continued after returning to Plattsburgh in the same position in 2003. At this time he added strength and conditioning duties with the U.S. Olympic Skeleton team based in Lake Placid.

The year 2007 saw a move to Division I University of Vermont with continued individual and team success.

Brett has recently undertaken the enhancement of cross-country and track at SUNY College at Oneonta.

These achievements have been augmented by multiple instances of community outreach in the form of strength and conditioning clinics for young people.

Brett’s life reflects the values of service and education fostered during his years at OACS.

Marlins extend affiliate agreement with Muckdogs for two years

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs and Miami Marlins have announced a two-year extension to their Player Development Contract (PDC). The previous agreement expired following the 2018 season. With this affiliation extension, Miami Marlins Prospects will continue their development in Batavia through the 2020 season.

“After an improved season on the field, we are excited for the future of the Miami Marlins and are looking forward to continuing our relationship with the extension of our Player Development Contract for the next two seasons,” said Batavia’s Dave Chase. “As we continue our affiliation with the Marlins, we’re focused on further enhancing the ballpark and creating a first-class experience for Marlins prospects and our loyal fans." 

The Miami Marlins and Batavia Muckdogs original affiliation agreement began in the 2013 season. In the six seasons since arriving in Batavia, there have been 12 former Muckdogs to make their Major League debut.

“This extension allows our future Major Leaguers to continue their development in Batavia against top-level competition in the New York-Penn League,” said Miami Marlins Director of Player Development Dick Scott.

Drew Monti wins six at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

(Photo of driver Drew Monti courtesy of Paul White)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

It was another big Saturday night (Sept. 22) for driver Drew Monti as he captured six wins on the card, including four straight from races two through five, to vault himself back into the lead for the dash driving title at Batavia Downs. 

Monti got his picture taken with Glory Jean (1:57.1, $7.20), Foreign Officer (1:54.4, $5.50), Four Diamonds (1:55.4, $5.80), Hands Off Frank (1:54, $6.80), Hardts Or Bettor (1:55.4, $2.90) and Barry’s Shelby (1:55, $8.40). 

The six wins now give him 61 for the meet, one more than Kevin Cummings (60) who also had a driving double on Saturday. 

Four of Monti’s wins (Foreign Officer, Four Diamonds, Hands Off Frank and Hardts Or Bettor) were behind horses trained by JD Perrin. And much like Monti,  Perrin pushed himself into the dash win training lead now with 26 victories after Saturday, four ahead of James Clouser Jr. who has 22. 

Clouser and Perrin are the top two Universal Trainer Rating (UTR) trainers among all those in North America with less than 500 starts this year. Clouser has a UTR of .472 and Perrin is right behind him with a .417. 

The feature race on the card was an $8,500 Open III pace that was won by Barry Hanover (Shawn McDonough). Barry Hanover got away second behind Southwind Torque (John Cummings Jr.) who led the race until the three-quarters when McDonough pulled, took the lead and paced away to an impressive three-length victory in a new lifetime mark of 1:53. 

Barry Hanover ($4.40) is owned by John Sixt and trained by Judy Blaun. 

Racing Under Saddle (RUS) New York had an exhibition race on Saturday with a purse of $3,000 that proved to be one of the best on the card to watch. 

Rider Sietski Dijkhof from the Netherlands was making her first North American RUS start and this girl came to play. Dijkhof rode No Recess from post five in the field of six and got away second behind last year’s Batavia RUS winner, Funny Photo (Sophie Engerran) and sat there until the half in 1:01.4. There Dijkhof pulled No Recess and went right after Funny Photo. 

The two horses trotted side by side, stride for stride up the backside and into the far turn when Funny Photo got a half-length advantage. But when they spun into the stretch, Dijkhof asked for more from No Recess and he responded by passing Funny Photo to win by a length in 2:02.1. 

The time was a new lifetime RUS mark for No Recess and a new RUS track record at Batavia Downs, replacing the 2:03.4 mark set by Admirable Hanover in 2016. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 26) with post time at 5 p.m.

Fans flocked to Batavia Downs on Friday to see Foiled Again on his Farewell Tour

By Billie Owens

Foiled Again, the richest Standardbred of all time, with driver Jim Morrill Jr. and a fan at Batavia Downs Friday night; photo courtesy of Kevin Oklobzija.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

It was a dark and stormy night in Genesee County as storms blew through the area on Friday night (Sept. 21). But that didn’t deter the multitude of fans of Foiled Again from turning out to witness the richest Standardbred of all time compete at Batavia Downs one last time. 

Prior to the eighth race, everyone in attendance gathered at the fence in anticipation of seeing one of the greatest pacers in the history of the sport.

Foiled Again was in a $10,000 Open II pace that saw him start from post seven and get away fifth, where he would stay until the race approached the three-quarter pole. That's where driver Jim Morrill Jr. pulled him and tried to advance toward the leader. Although Foiled Again raced gamely pacing homes in :28.2 over an off-track, he came up two-lengths short of the win, finishing fourth in 1:53.4. 

After the race, Foiled Again was brought back to the winner’s circle where he stood like a rock star with his caretaker Jordan Miller and his driver Jim Morrill Jr. to greet the hundreds of racing enthusiasts who ran down from all points of the grandstand and clubhouse to see him up close and take his picture. There is no doubt that Facebook accounts all over Western New York will be rife with images of Foiled Again for the foreseeable future. 

Batavia Downs Gaming is very appreciative of Burke Racing, the Weaver Bruscemi partnership, the JJK Stables and trainer Ron Burke for including it as a stop on the Foiled Again Farewell Tour.

Bartlett, Miller dominate in NYSS consolations at Batavia

By Billie Owens

By TIm Bojarski, for Batavia Downs:

The $320,000 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) consolation races were contested in eight divisions at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 21) with Jason Bartlett and Marcus Miller getting the lion’s share of the eight contests. Bartlett won three and finished third two more times while Miller won two and finished second four times.   

Despite a heavy downpour early in the card, the track set up quickly and two lifetime and two seasonal marks were set during the evening in the NYSS races.

Here is a race by race recap of the consolation events.

2-year-old filly pace

Winner -- Topville Angelina (American Ideal-A Fiesty Affair) 1:57.2

Owners -- Erv Miller Stable, Michael Anderson and George Golemes

Trainer -- Erv Miller

Breeder -- Robert Hamather

(non-betting)

Topville Angelina (Marcus Miller) travelled second the entire mile behind Sun Viser (Billy Davis Jr.) through even fractions until the top of the stretch when Miller tipped her and she quickly paced by the leader down the lane to win by three lengths in 1:57.2.

2-year-old filly trot

Winner -- Sweet Chapter (Chapter Seven-Mom’s A Sweetie Pie) 2:01.2

Owners -- Hutt Racing Stable, Blake MacIntosh, Glenn Bechtel and the Mortgage Boys Stable

Trainer -- Blake MacIntosh

Breeder -- Winbak Farm

Mutuel -- $3.20

Sweet Chapter (Jim Morrill Jr.) went right to the front and dictated the entire race. Contending with a heavy downpour during the mile, Sweet Chapter trotted to the three-quarters in 1:30.1 without a challenge before Hot Chapter (Marcus Miller) started an attack on the outside. Hot Chapter trotted hard down the lane in the middle of the track but Sweet Chapter had enough left to hang on and win in 2:01.2.

2-year-old colt and gelding pace

Winner -- KJ Leo (Art Major-Winsmith Jess) 1:54.4

Owners -- Brenda Messenger, Philip Shapiro and Scott Woogen

Trainer -- Gary Messenger

Breeders -- Brenda Messenger, Philip Shapiro and Scott Woogen

Mutuel -- $24.40

Cub Fan (Marcus Miller) was a strong leaver and set the pace once he settled ahead of KJ Leo (Billy Davis Jr.) who would get the perfect trip. After getting to the half in :57.1, Jet Rock (Kevin Cummings) pulled first up and pushed the issue with Cub Fan all the way to the top of the stretch. At that point he faded and KJ Leo popped the pocket and paced down the lane stride for stride with Cub Fan. When they hit the wire they were a neck apart with KJ Leo getting the better of the photo in 1:54.4, which was a new lifetime mark.

2-year-old colt and gelding trot

Winner -- JNR Express (Coway Hall-Yankee T L C) 1:59.3

Owners -- James De Armond and Russell Young

Trainer -- Jessica Okusko

Breeder -- Donald La Page

Mutuel -- $9

JNR Express (Kevin Cummings) took no prisoners as he left and led at every station. After trotting well in hand through a 1:29.2 three quarters, JNR Express took a two-length lead into a stretch and held off a late surge by Brady Bunch (Marcus Miller) and Whimzical Chapter (Dan Daley) to win in 1:59.3, which was a new lifetime mark.

(Above: Solitary with driver Jason Bartlett.)

3-year-old filly pace

Winner -- Solitary (American Ideal-Lonesome Day) 1:54.4

Owners -- William Daggett Jr., Lawrence Vukovic and the J L Benson Stable

Trainer -- Nick Surick

Breeder -- Docs Farm

Mutuel -- $3.30

Pelican Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) grabbed the lead by the quarter and took the race to the half in :57. An outer flow began to advance and by the three quarters horses were three deep heading into the turn with Solitary (Jason Bartlett) locked in fifth with no racing room. Believe In Me (Drew Monti) who was second on the outside bore out and gave Solitary and opening to get out and get out she did. Bartlett gave the filly her head and she shifted gears and paced away from the field to win by three lengths in 1:54.4, which was a new seasonal mark.

“The race didn’t unfold as I expected and I had to make my way out of traffic in the last turn. But When I got her free it was over,” said Bartlett after the race.

(Above: I'm the Muscle with driver Jason Bartlett.)

3-year-old colt and gelding trot

Winner -- I’m The Muscle (Muscle Mass-Lady Bling) 1:57.4

Owner -- Rheau Viau

Trainer -- Rene Allard

Breeder -- Blair and Erna Corbell

Mutuel -- $2.30

In a race shortened by two scratches, I’m The Muscle (Jason Bartlett) wanted nothing but the front and didn’t waste any time getting there. He trotted unchallenged on top by two open lengths in :29.3, :59.3 and 1:29.1 before rounding the last turn and flying home in a quick :28.3 to win in 1:57.4.

“He has been getting better and better each week and last week he was closing on Six Pack Late. He’s a real nice horse,” said Bartlett in the winner’s circle.

3-year-old filly trot

Winner -- Supergirl RIley (Muscle Mass-Crown Laurel) 1:57

Owners -- Paymaq Racing, George Golemes and Harvey Eisman

Trainer -- Erv Miller

Breeder -- Brittany Farms

Mutuel -- $2.10

Marcus Miller took advantage of the continuing front end bias and put the 1-9 favorite Supergirl RIley right on the point as the field followed in single file. With the rest of the group gapping behind, the pocket-sitting Golden Muscle (Drew Monti) pulled at three-quarters to take her shot. But halfway through the turn, Golden Muscle broke and Supergirl RIley found herself all alone trotting down the stretch a wrapped-up winner by three in 1:57.

“She’s just an unbelievable horse. She does everything right and she won easy tonight,” said driver Marcus Miller after the race.

(Above: Ideal Feeling with driver Jason Bartlett.)

3-year-old colt and gelding pace

Winner -- Ideal Feeling (American Ideal-Feelinglikeastar) 1:52.4

Owner -- Rick Berks

Trainer -- Mike Deters

Breeder -- Winbak Farm

Mutuel -- $3.10

Ideal Feeling (Jason Bartlett) seated third off the gate but then came quick past the eighth pole to grab the lead. Rolling handily past the half and to three-quarters in 1:24.1 without any opposition, Ideal Feeling watched as Lyons Steel (Kevin Cummings) left his cover and made his bid for the win. As the race moved down the lane, Lyons Steel continued to gain ground but Bartlett kept Ideal Feeling to task and he won by a half length in 1:52.4 to take his third consecutive win.

Before the races began, Batavia Downs held a press conference with regional media outlets to formally announce the track being awarded the 2019 NYSS Night of Champions.

The Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding and Development Fund awarded the $1.8 million finals to Batavia Downs because of its excellent facilities and their ability to promote the race and offer an exciting fan experience.

Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel expressed his excitement looking forward to next year: “We are very excited for Batavia Downs Gaming to host the $1.8 million finals if the New York SIre Stakes with the long history this facility has with harness racing. We have made so many improvements to the track and can’t wait to host everyone that weekend and showcase our new hotel and beautiful clubhouse.”

Kelly Young, executive director of the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding and Development Fund said: “2019 will be the 30th edition of the Night of Champions and we look forward to bringing it to Western New York and Batavia Downs. We’re really excited to watch this race track do what it does best; that is promoting harness racing and bringing fans in to watch the best horses the state has to offer.”

The date of the finals will be announced once the actual racing schedule is finalized.

Leach scores four TDs to lead Batavia to win in Windsor

By Howard B. Owens


The Batavia Blue Devils continued their dominance of opponents this season, this time with a 41-26 win over Windsor.

Ray Leach ran for 230 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries and added 97 more yards and a TD on four receptions, for 327 all-purpose yards.

Ethan Biscaro was 10-11 passing for 140 yards and two TDs.

Taiyo Iburi-Bethel had a 71-yard touchdown run.

Josh Barber had nine tackles, including a sack. Alex Rood and Ethan Biscaro each had eight tackles and a sack and Biscaro added an interception.

Also on Friday night, Alexander beat Bolivar-Richburg 52-0 and Pembroke lost to Perry/Mt. Morris 30-8.

UPDATE Saturday, Sept.22: Officials corrected the stats for Ethan Biscaro; the story originally stated he had a perfect 10-10 passing. The figure was revised today to 10-11.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Le Roy tops Cal-Mum/BB, 15-7

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy overcame its own mistakes and capitalized on the mistakes of the Red Raiders in a 15-7 win over their archrivals Friday night.

The Oatkan Nights limited Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen to 146 total yards on offense and snagged four interceptions, which helped negate Le Roy's own turnovers and opportunities squashed by penalties.

Kyler LaCarte rushed for 59 yards and a TD on 23 carries. Jake Hill gained 29 yards on nine carries, and Cineque Robinson scored a TD on three yards. Jake Hill was 12-16 passing for 97 yards. Reece Tresco caught four passes for 34 yards and Cody Lytle caught three for 43.

Anthony Leitten had six tackles and Bobby Locke had five tackles. Lytle had two interceptions. Tresco and Robinson (top photo) pulled down the other two interceptions.

For the Red Raiders, Bryce Yockel gained 106 yards.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Grand send off planned for Van Detta at homecoming, final home game

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

There have been many Batavia High School homecoming games played in the Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field, but plans for the homecoming football game against Attica on Friday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m., will make this one particularly memorable.

“We wanted to honor the legacy of the stadium as well as thank the community for their support of the 2020 Vision Capital Project,” said Batavia City School District (BCSD) Superintendent of Schools Christopher J. Dailey.

The District-wide capital project includes a transformation of the current stadium and grounds and features increased track and field lanes; the replacement of grass with a synthetic field; a new press box, bleachers, and score board; and expanded parking. Construction is expected to begin next month and be completed by August 2019.

First, however, with recognition and gratitude in mind, District Athletic Director Mike Bromley proposed and the District quickly approved an expansion of the traditional Homecoming festivities.

First, all fans will be admitted for free and, due to the anticipated overflow crowd that is expected, a bus shuttle will be available at approximately 10-minute intervals from the main bus loop in front of Batavia High School from 6:30-7:30 p.m., then again returning fans to BHS at the conclusion of the game. At half-time, in addition to the traditional Homecoming Court announcements, there will be a brief ceremony to acknowledge the distinguished past while looking forward to an illustrious future.

Bromley, issuing a special invitation, said,  “Anyone who has performed at Van Detta Stadium through the years -- including but not limited to students and staff who have been involved in football, soccer, track and field, lacrosse, cheerleading, and pep band -- are invited to be part of the celebration and step out on the field one more time when we call all former participants down from the bleachers for the half-time ceremony.”

“We always look forward to Batavia Homecoming, and this year we are also looking forward to honoring the outstanding history of athleticism, school and community spirit, sportsmanship, and, of course, wins, at the Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field,” Superintendent Dailey said.

“We anticipate many more years of the same once the stadium is renovated, and can hardly wait to start building those memories!”

$320,000 NYSS consolations at Batavia on Friday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The horses that missed the cut for the $1.8 million up for grabs in the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) Night of Champions finals will convene at Batavia Downs on Friday evening (Sept. 21) to compete for the $320,000 in purse money available in the NYSS consolation races.

There are eight divisions that will go for $40,000 each and the first is non-betting with a 5:20 p.m. post time. Then NYSS events are carded in race one, two, three, five, six seven and 10. Post time for the first betting race is 6 p.m.

Supergirl Riley (Muscle Mass-Crown Laurel) is the early 6-5 favorite in the 3-year-old filly trot and comes in as the highest money earner competing in any of the consolations tonight with $221,589 on her card. 

Supergirl Riley appears to be at the top of her game after winning the $180,000 Zweig Memorial at Vernon Downs in a lifetime best 1:54.3 over a sloppy track. She then matched that mark last week, winning a $50,000 Kentucky Sire Stake race at the Red Mile. And not to be overlooked was her start at Yonkers Raceway in the Hudson Trot final where she finished second by a nose in 1:53.1 to Plunge Blue Chip. 

Supergirl Riley is one of six entries for trainer Erv Miller in these consolations and Marcus Miller will be in the bike as usual. 

I’m The Muscle (Muscle Mass-Lady Bling) headlines the 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings and a quick look at the form explains why he’s 8-5 morning line. 

After joining the Rene Allard Stable in July, I’m The Muscle rattled off five straight wins, the last of which was a four-length romp in 1:55.2 at Batavia Downs in the rain. In his last start at Yonkers he finished third behind Yonkers Trot winner Six Pack and the top point-getter for this division Helpisontheway. This race would have to be considered class relief after that start and he should take advantage of that with Jason Bartlett up for the ride once again.  

The 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers should be a very interesting race as all eight of the starters competed at Batavia Downs two weeks ago in the final leg of their division this year. 

Ideal Feeling (American Ideal-Feelinglikeastar) won his split by six lengths in 1:52 after toying with the field the whole mile. He has since won again in an overnight at Tioga Downs in 1:52.2 by three lengths. He has faced Courtly Choice twice this year and knows what it takes to be the best. Jason Bartlett is back up and drew post three at 2-1 for trainer Mike Deters. 

Topville Olympian (American Ideal-Our Sophia) went off the heavy favorite here last time and started out the mile with a quick :55.3 half. But he faltered late and his failure to get any points knocked him out of the NYSS final and into this consolation. If he regains the form he had in the $500,000 Messenger final at Yonkers and most of the races before that, he will be a major player in this race. Trainer Chris Oakes has Tyler Buter up and they are rated as 3-1 morning line. 

Mach N Cheese (Betterthancheddar-Mach You And Me) was a winner in his Batavia outing, taking a 1:53.4 lifetime mark in the process. Jersey Jim (Artiscape-Jersey Pearl) scratched from that Batavia Start but has since finished third at Saratoga in an overnight in 1:51.3 and Cheese Melt (Betterthancheddar-B So Lucky) comes in off a tightener at Harrah’s Philly where he ran away in 1:51.1, which was a new lifetime mark. 

The early Pick-5 wager (which runs from race one through race five) includes four of the NYSS consolation events and has a guaranteed pool of $3,000 for Friday. It is part of the USTA Strategic Wagering pool and race pages can be downloaded for free from Trackmaster and the USTA through this link. (http://handicapping.ustrotting.com)
 
The Batavia Downs early Pick-5 on Friday is also the USTA Play of the Day on the Harness Racing Fan Zone.

Millionaire Foiled Again to race at Batavia Downs on Friday

By Billie Owens

Photo of Foiled Again, courtesy of Paul White. The horse will be driven by Jim Morrill Jr. on Friday at Batavia Downs.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The richest standardbred in the history of the sport of harness racing, the $7.59 million winner Foiled Again will be competing at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 21) as part of his farewell tour as he heads toward retirement at the end of the year. 

Foiled Again has won a remarkable 103 races lifetime and comes into Batavia on a three-race win streak. He most recently won at the Greenville Fair in Ohio, the Windsor Fair in Maine and at Freehold Raceway in New Jersey. This past week he made an appearance at the Little Brown Jug in Delaware, Ohio, where he trained a mile in front of the crowd on Jugette Day in preparation for his race at Batavia. 

The 14-year-old Foiled Again will compete in race eight at Batavia Downs which is an Open II event going for $10,000. The estimated post time for that race is 9 p.m. He is owned by Burke Racing, the Weaver Bruscemi partnership, and JJK Stables, is trained by Ron Burke and will be driven on Friday by Jim Morrill Jr. 

Foiled Again has raced at Batavia Downs six times since 2009, winning five and finishing second once. His last appearance at Batavia was in October of last year when he won in 1:52.2 by two lengths. 

Foiled Again is one of only two horses in history to receive three consecutive USHWA Dan Patch Awards for best older male pacer. In 2011 at the age of 7, Foiled Again was named Pacer of the Year and is the oldest horse ever to receive that honor.

In 2013, at the age of 9, he won the Breeders Crown Open Pace to become the oldest horse to win a Breeders Crown event. In addition to that victory, Foiled Again was the also the winner of innumerable stakes, including the Canadian Pacing Derby, Ben Franklin Pace, TVG Free For All Series Championship, George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series, Bobby Quillen Memorial, and Molson Pace.

Roll With Faith wins again; Fisher wins five at Batavia

By Billie Owens

Roll With Faith with driver Kevin Cummings winning on Wednesday afternoon.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

For the third week in a row and the fourth time in the last five outings, Roll With Faith dominated the Downs damsels by winning the $9,500 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace at Batavia on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 19). 

Roll With Faith (Kevin Cummings) watched from last while Little Joke (Billy Davis Jr.) took the lead and led the group to the quarter in :28.1. But Cumming's passive status ended before the three-eighths pole when he pulled Roll With Faith and started the long trek up the outside. 

Roll With Faith caught up with Little Joke up the backside in the midst of a speedy :27.4 third panel and the two began to battle from there. The pair went stride for stride around the last turn and into the stretch when both Davis and Cummings really started to work their mounts. They continued to shadow each other until halfway down the stretch when Roll With Faith got stout and pulled away to a length victory in 1:54.1. 

Roll With Faith ($7.30) has earned $60,309 this year on the strength of her now 11 wins for owners Finish Line Investors, Lawrence Willer and John Mungillo, who also trains the mare.    

In the $8,000 fillies and mares Open II pace, Classy Lane Rose (Drew Monti) also got away last and stayed there until the three-quarters when Monti drove up the middle of the pack and then found room in the last turn where he swung three deep and flew past everyone to win in 1:56. 

It was the fourth win of 2018 for Classy Lane Rose ($23.80) who is owned by Carl Monti. Darrin Monti trains the winner. 

Ray Fisher Jr. was the leading reinsman at Batavia Downs on Wednesday, winning five races on the card. He scored with Odysseus (1:54.3, $2.70), Fox Valley Lena (1:55.4, $7.10), No Talking (1:56.1, $14), Ali De Vie (1:58.4, $8.90) and Lake Shark (1:57, $9.40). 

After Wednesday’s races, Fisher sits in fourth place for the meet in the dash driving title competition with 28 wins. He trails Kevin Cummings and Drew Monti who are tied for first with 55 wins each and Billy Davis Jr. who is a solid third with 42 victories of his own. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 21) when eight divisions of the $320,000 New York Sire Stake (NYSS) consolation races will be held. Also the richest standardbred of all time, Foiled Again will be racing in his seventh and final appearance at the Downs as he makes his way toward retirement at the end of the year. Post time for the first non-betting NYSS event is 5:20 p.m. Post time for the first betting race on the card is 6 p.m.

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