Photo of Oaxacan Dream N courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Driver Joe Chindano Jr. put on a driving clinic at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 11) night by winning six races on the card.
Chindano scored with NY Hardcore (1:56.3, $5.50), Tidal Shark (1:55.4, $3.60), Pepin Coolie (2:01.2, $4.70), LA Always A Martini (1:56.2, $5.00), Pop The Bubbly (1:56.1, $3.60) and Beddenburg (1:56.3, $4.70). He also had a second and third out of his 13 drives.
The one race Chindano didn’t win was the $13,500 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap pace. That went to Oaxacan Dream N, who returned to Batavia after a successful month-long hiatus at Tioga Downs.
Dave McNeight III rushed Oaxacan Dream N off the gate and took a lead she would not relinquish. After getting to the half unchallenged in :58.1 with only Ball Diamond (Ray Fisher Jr.) tracking close from the pocket, Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first-over, but stalled shortly after making the move. That left It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) who followed Center Attraction to tip three-wide and draw alongside Oaxacan Dream N at three-quarters. The two mares paced in close proximity, but Oaxacan Dream N held the advantage from the top of the stretch to the line where she won by a half length in 1:55.
It was the eighth win of the year for Oaxacan Dream N ($5.30) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags and trained by Maria Rice.
Another terrific trio on Wednesday was driver Kevin Cummings, trainer Sam Smith, and owner Mike Torcello, who combined for a hat trick. They won with Stay Safe (1:57.3, $2.50), Pray The Rosary (1:58.3, $4.20) and Louie The Lilac (1:56.1, $11.40).
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 13) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,892 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
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.
Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Make a Difference (M.A.D) Rescue with a check for $4,200 to help support their efforts in rescuing abandoned street dogs in Puerto Rico.
Unclaimed Funds, alongside donations and the sale of bottle openers, helped raise the money.
“We are appreciative to Cindy DeCarlo and the whole team at Batavia Downs, “said Jennifer Stilwell, President of M.A.D. “These funds are so important for us to continue our work of rescuing and rehabilitating the street dogs of Puerto Rico. With these funds, we can continue to find them their forever homes here in Western New York and Beyond.
“There are lots of animal lovers, both here amongst our staff and our guests, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs. “As a dog owner myself, I know the joy a dog can bring to a family. We are happy to help Jennifer and her team in their efforts to make life better for these dogs as they find new owners.”
Photo of Dougadougadew courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Driver Kyle Cummings had an outstanding night at the lines at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 7) night after winning four races on the card, including the $13,500 Open trot.
Cummings got away third with Dougadougadew as Great Unknown (Dave McNeight III) cut the mile with Biscoe (Joe Chindano Jr.) hung in the breeze second, through quarters of :28.1, :57.3 and 1:27.1. At that last station, Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) tipped three-deep and Double Class (John Cummings Jr.) went four wide around him, leaving Dougadougadew shuffled and locked-in fifth as they approached the stretch. When they straightened for home, Biscoe had taken the lead, but Dougadougadew snuck into the passing lane and brushed past him late to win by a neck in 1:57.4.
It was the seventh victory of the year for Dougadougadew ($6.40) who is owned by Doug and Tyra Ackley and trained by Tammy Cummings.
Cummings completed his grand slam with Knocking Around (1:57.2, $5.10), Davey Day Trader (1:57, $7.70) and Twentysevenbelow (1:56.2, $22.00). Cummings also had three seconds and three thirds from his 13 starts, giving him a stellar .513 UDR for the evening.
Later in the $13,500 Open Handicap pace, Lip Reader A (Drew Monti) settled fourth on the pylons as Admiral Hanover (Dave McNeight III) set the pace. After getting to the half in :56.3, Livonjaxandqueens (Kyle Cummings) started the outer-flow and Lip Reader A followed a close second with cover. When they got to three-quarters, Livonjaxandqueens took the lead and Lip Reader A moved into second before taking the lead himself as they came out of the turn. From there, Lip Reader A bolted home under a confident line-drive to win by 1-½ lengths in 1:54.2.
It was the eighth win of the year for Lip Reader A ($3.90) and owners Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice trains the winner.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 11) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $833 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.
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 Lip Reader A courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
After benefitting from a perfect trip, Credarena slipped through late to capture the $10,000 featured trot at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (September 4) night in a clocking that equaled his career best.
Kenobi (Jim Morrill Jr.) was cutting the air on the point while Credarena (Dave McNeight III) sat in the garden spot from the start. After Kenobi reached the half in a modest :59, Sonny’s Moni (Drew Monti) pulled first-over in the breeze from fourth and pushed the issue to three-quarters in 1:28.1. But Kenobi turned back that challenge and entered the lane as a clear leader. That was until Credarena ducked into the passing lane and bolted to the line, passing Kenobi just before the wire where he won in 1:57.2, tying his lifetime mark.
It was the fifth win of the year for Credarena ($29.20) who is owned by Marissa Russo and trained by David Russo.
In the ninth race, Morgans All In and Sea Of Love BC went down shortly after the start in the first turn, unseating drivers Jim Morrill Jr. and Jim McNeight Jr. As a result, the race was declared a “no contest” and refunds were made. Both drivers were alert. Morrill was checked at the track and McNeight was sent to the hospital for further evaluation. Both horses appeared to be okay after the incident.
Dave McNeight III had another huge night winning four more races, this after a six win breakout this past Saturday (Aug. 31). This catapulted Triple Sticks to the top for dash wins this meet, now with a total of 34 wins.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 7) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $590 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
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 It's Corona Time courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Indiana-campaigned but locally owned, It's Corona Time made her western New York debut one to remember as she mare-handled the competition while winning the $13,500 Open Handicap distaff pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Monday (Sept. 2) afternoon.
Leads changed a number of times after the start as It's Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Arco N (Dave McNeight III) swapped the front. After they passed the :27.4 quarter, It's Corona Time finally settled on the point and really got down to business.
It's Corona Time paced to the half in :56.4 with a two-length lead that she extended to four by three-quarters. She continued to pull away around the last turn and was separated from the field by 5-½ lengths when they hit the straight. Heading down the lane, Chindano was in full recline as It's Corona Time bolted home wrapped-up and stopped the clock in 1:54.2.
A 4-year-old daughter of the former Batavia Downs all-time pacing track record holder Aracache Hanover, It's Corona Time ($2.30) is owned by Bill Switala and James Martin (who also bred the mare) and trained by Maggie Chindano.
Joe Chindano Jr. ended the day with three driving wins.
In the undercard $11,500 upper-level conditioned pace for fillies and mares, despite being overlooked by the betting public after being off over a month, Dance Ticket (Kyle Swift) made quick and easy work of her seven foes after taking the lead and setting unchallenged fractions of :28.4, :59.1 and 1:28. Dance Ticket then rounded the last turn and darted for the line on top by 2-½ lengths in 1:57.2.
It was the third win in the last five starts and fifth win of the year for Dance Ticket ($20.80) who is owned by 716 Standardbreds and trained by Courtney Wright.
Dave McNeight III also had a driving hat trick on Monday while 11 different trainers each scored one win apiece.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 4) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,306 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race.
Photo of Topville Somebeach courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Just one week ago, Dave McNeight III had a brilliant night at Batavia Downs as he won five races on the card. On Saturday (Aug. 31), McNeight one-upped himself at The Downs as he won six races during the program and now sits a solid second for dash wins this meet.
“Triple Sticks” won with The Downtown Bus (1:55, $4.00), Lana’s Desire (1:55.2, $16.20), Daylight Rush (1:55.1, $9.10), American Rascal (1:55.2, $41.20), Remember The Beach (1:56.1, $6.80) and My Mind Is Made Up (1:55.2, $2.90).
Mcneight now has 27 wins and is second to Jim Morrill Jr. who tops the leaderboard with 31 wins after Saturday’s action. Also as a result of his big night, McNeight is now only four wins away from 1,700 lifetime.
Two races McNeight didn’t win on Saturday were the pair of $13,500 Opens that were both taken by gate to wire winners who each reached double-digit wins for the year.
Saratoga Raceway regular Topville Somebeach, traveled west on the 90 to compete at Batavia and didn’t have to worry about paying the toll to get home after he won the $13,500 Open Handicap pacing feature in the fastest overnight clocking of the season.
Jim Morrill Jr. sent the front-loving Topville Somebeach right to the point and rated a moderate half in :57.1. As they made their way into the clubhouse turn, Melanion N (Drew Monti) was rolling up the outside and got as far as the pocket-sitting Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) at the 1:24.3 three-quarters. Topville Somebeach took his 1-½ length lead into the final bend as Melanion N and Villiam continued to track from behind, but both had work to do. The chase continued into the stretch where Villiam got the closest before the line, but came up a half length short as Topville Somebeach won in 1:52.3.
It was the fifth win in a row and tenth of the year for Topville Somebeach ($6.70) who is owned by Stephen Picarazzi, Darryel Bullard and Bret Derue, who also trains the winner.
Then in the $13,500 Open Handicap trot, Power And Grace showed her speed and class and she dominated the field of seven male rivals.
Drew Monti put Power And Grace on the lead and then put the field to sleep with a :59.1 half. As the race made its way around the turn three, Monti hit the gas and Power And Grace started to pull away up the backstretch, opening up a 2-½ length lead at three-quarters. She continued to gap the field rounding the final bend and had a four length lead at the top of the stretch. Power And Grace turned for home all by herself and cruised to the line under no urging whatsoever to win in 1:56.3.
It was also the tenth win of the year for Power And Grace ($5.50), as well as her 66th career victory. Hartel Maintenance and Lormer McClure, Brett Macdonald and Reg Higgs own Power And Grace who is trained by Ronald Macdonald.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs with a special Labor Day matinee on Monday (Aug. 31) with post time at 1:15 p.m.
Photo of Lana’s Desire courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Photo of Keeper Of Secrets courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
A pair of $10,000 conditioned trots topped the card at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 30) night and both winners were heavily backed at the windows.
In the first split, Keeper Of Secrets (Kyle Cummings) sat third behind the front-running BJ’s Smitty (Drew Monti) to the half in 1:00.1, where he made a first-over move heading into turn three. Keeper Of Secrets gained a narrow lead on the outside over BJ’s Smitty at three-quarters, who then fought back to the front at the top of the stretch. But when they turned for home, Keeper Of Secrets got back in gear and cleared the field by 1-¼ lengths to win in 1:59.
It was the second win in the last three starts for Keeper Of Secrets ($4.80) for owner Lawrence Barnett and trainer James Rothfuss.
Kyle Cummings ended the night with three driving wins.
Then in the second division, Curry Hanover (Kevin Cummings) took the lead from post one and was pressured on the outside by Jacked (Dave McNeight III) through quarters of :28.2, :57 and 1:27. As they trotted into the last turn, Jacked dropped out, leaving a clear path for the pocket-sitting Four Wheelin (Drew Monti) to make a dash. Four Wheelin closed all the way to the wire, but Curry Hanover was tough and hung on by a neck in 1:58.1.
It was the fifth win of the year for Curry Hanover ($4.70) who is owned by Franklin Meier and trained by Angelo Nappo.
Joe Chindano Jr. also scored a driving hat trick while trainers Marc Shuttleworth and Chris Petrelli each registered two wins apiece.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 31) at 6 p.m. and there are two carryovers of note. The Pick-5 in the first race has a $706 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race will see the pool start with $1,154 on Saturday.
Photo of Curry Hanover courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, through National Grid’s Electric Vehicle Make-Ready Program, has installed 16 Level 2 EV charging plugs to be used by those who visit one of Western New York’s top entertainment destinations.
For the project, National Grid’s program provided $96,000 in EV incentives that covered around 78% of infrastructure-related construction costs, including the cost of labor and materials. Altogether, 16 Level 2 plugs were installed in two parking lots: Twelve are in the main lot, with the remaining four in the VIP/valet parking lot. Beyond the newly installed plugs, this project investment also provided Batavia Downs with funding to increase the existing electricity infrastructure to accommodate future EV charging as driver demand increases and additional plugs are needed.
Batavia Downs officials say that they are available for use by guests at the facility who may be visiting for any number of events and promotions being held onsite.
“Initial meetings were held last year with National Grid to discuss the potential for such a project, “said Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel President & CEO, Henry Wojtaszek. “Construction, which began on the EV chargers earlier this year, was completed over the summer. Buffalo-based electric vehicle charging station contractor PPR Energy Solutions installed the plugs. With more demand for these types of amenities, we plan on doing promotions and hotel deals that may be attractive for guests who own electric vehicles.”
“With more drivers choosing electric, this project provides both guests and residents an increasingly sought-after amenity as National Grid collaborates with customers like Batavia Downs to pioneer New York’s clean transportation future,” said Whitney Skeans, National Grid’s EV Make-Ready Program Manager, who added that the charging stations can be found by EV drivers on popular plug-finding apps. “We’re always grateful for opportunities to work with companies like Batavia Downs, leading the charge in their commitments to economic viability, convenience and value for the EV drivers of today and for years to come.”
The project also received funding from NYSERDA’s Charge Ready 2.0 program, which provides Level 2 charging station hardware rebates that further reduce the overall cost of projects for workplaces, public facilities, and multi-unit dwellings across New York State.
More about National Grid’s Make-Ready Program
National Grid’s Upstate New York EV Make-Ready Program helps business customers fund up to 100% of project costs related to installing electricity infrastructure. Recent projects such as the installation of EV charging stations at Aquarium of Niagara and in the Village of Ellicottville demonstrate the collaborative nature of how National Grid works with customers toward shared, clean energy goals. The company plans to invest more than $150 million in Make-Ready incentives to install 9,000 plugs across Upstate New York – including 3,000 across Western New York – by the end of 2025.
These projects also align with New York State’s climate action initiatives that call for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality and zero-emission vehicle regulations by 2035. New York State provided additional support to meet these goals in November when it announced additional infrastructure funding to accelerate electric vehicle adoption and stimulate $4 billion in EV charging infrastructure investments.
Photo of My Debt Collector courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Record breaking, total domination is the only way to describe the performance put on by My Debt Collector (Chapter Seven-Magic Presto) at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 28) night who was absolutely peerless while winning the $102,500 New York Sire Stake for 2-year-old trotting fillies.
My Debt Collector’s time of 1:56.4 gave her a new lifetime record, set a new Batavia Downs track record for 2-year-old trotting fillies, and established a National season’s mark for 2-year-old trotting fillies over a half-mile track. The previous mark of 1:58 was set by Chapvious in NYSS action at Yonkers Raceway on June 25.
Driver Jim Morrill Jr. sent My Debt Collector right to the front and extended his lead with every stride after that. My Debt Collector hit the quarter in :28.4 up by 2-¾ lengths, flew by the half in :57.4 leading by six, and extended that bulge to nine lengths as she passed three-quarters in 1:27 flat. With the other four fillies clearly no match, Morrill had My Debt Collector wrapped up and cruising as she hit the line in front by seven in 1:56.4.
It was the second straight win and third victory of the season – all in NYSS races – for My Debt Collector ($2.40) and increased her 2024 bankroll to $185,259, which now makes her the second richest 2-year-old trotting filly in North America behind only Canadian trotting standout, Monalishi ($273,125). My Debt Collector is owned by David Mc Duffee, Melvin Hartman and Little E, who also bred the filly in partnership with Herb Liverman.
There were also two $20,000 Excelsior races on the card.
In the first, Flashchap (Chapter Seven-Wing Flash) won in 2:00.3 for driver Tyler Buter, trainer George Ducharme and owner Purple Haze Stable. John Cummins bred the winner.
The very next race, K J Title (E L Titan-Aren’t I Hanover) also won in 2:00.3 for driver Drew Monti, trainer Alex Giuliani and owner/breeder Scott Woogen.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 30) at 6 p.m.
With no one hitting the Pick-5 once again on Saturday (Aug. 24) at Batavia Downs, there is a carryover that has grown to $3,558 for that bet in the first race on Wednesday (Aug. 28) and track management has announced the pool will be guaranteed at $10,000 through the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.
Free full past performance programs for races one through five are now available at the USTA website (ustrotting.com) under the handicapping tab.
Also, free full card past performance programs for Wednesday and every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab. Plus you can watch all the racing action as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of My Debt Collector courtesy of Fred Brown.
The last New York Sire Stake stop of 2024 at Batavia Downs will be on Wednesday (Aug. 28) evening when five 2-year-old trotting fillies will compete in one division for $102,500 in purse money.
That division’s leading points (137) and earnings ($130,509) leader is My Debt Collector (Chapter Seven-Magic Presto) and she will be the one to beat when they line up on Wednesday.
My Debt Collector has four starts in the NYSS with two wins, one second and a third with her lifetime mark of 1:57.4 coming in her very first stake start at Tioga Downs in July. She has won from off the pace and also on the point so her versatility in this short field will make her hard to beat. Currently, she is also the seventh highest earning 2-year-old trotting filly in North America.
Leaving from post four, Jim Morrill Jr. will be in the stirrups behind her for trainer Nifty Norman.
The biggest threat to her looks to be Calculus Risk (Devious Man-K Squared Hanover) who also won her first NYSS event this year in a lifetime mark (2:00.1), however it was also her only win this year and she has been beaten by My Debt Collector twice. That said, she has not missed a single check in her five NYSS outings to date.
Trainer Perry Simser has Jordan Stratton back in the bike and they will depart from post six.
Inn Of The Stars (Chapter Seven-Mel’s Inn) has the fastest win time in this field when she trotted to victory in 1:57 at Tioga Downs in July. But it came in an Excelsior race. She made her first foray into NYSS action last week at Monticello Raceway, but fell short behind both My Debt Collector and Calculus Risk. Wednesday she will start inside both and has a very good shot to improve her standing.
Tyler Buter drove her for both Excelsior wins and will be back aboard for trainer John Butenschoen.
The New York Sire Stake will go as race six. There are also two $20,000 Excelsior events on Wednesday, carded as race seven and eight. Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 6 p.m.
Photo of Sister Mary Maude courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Sophomore trotters of both sexes were on hand to compete for their share of $233,300 in purses in the New York Sire Stakes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 24) night and a new track standard was established in the first set.
In the $115,600 division for fillies and mares, Sister Mary Maude (Crazy Wow-Perfect Mass) took a new lifetime mark and shattered the track record for 3-year-old trotting fillies after tripping out to victory.
Senorita Palema (Tyler Buter) shot to the front while Sister Mary Maude (Joe Bongiorno) settled in the garden spot for the duration. Senorita Palema led the single file, short field of six to through fractions of :28, :57.1 and 1:26.1 before heading into the final turn. It was there that Bongiorno tipped Sister Mary Maude from the pocket and drew alongside Senorita Palema at the head of the stretch. From there, they battled all the way to the line where Sister Mary Maude lunged to the lead by one-quarter length and stopped the clock in 1:54.2.
The time of 1:54.2 supplants the old standard of 1:55.1 set by Love A Good Story in 2020 which was also set in New York Sire Stake competition.
Sister Mary Maude ($3.90) pushed her seasonal earnings to $275,190 on the strength of her fourth win of the year for owners Burke Racing, Bill Switala, James Martin and Weaver Bruscemi. Ron Burke trains the David Hanson-bred filly.
Later in the $117,700 colts and gelding division, Keep Asking (Chapter Seven-Sensibility) pulled victory from the jaws of defeat as he rallied from sixth to take the win.
Fly By (Jason Bartlett) had a brief lead before Super Duper Cooper (Jim Morrill Jr.) came three-wide to take control at the quarter in :28.1. With the field in line, Super Duper Cooper backed down the half to a tepid :59, forcing an outer-flow to form led by Mister Melby (Jordan Stratton) who was followed by Crazy Brother Jim (Joe Chindano Jr.).
Positions remained unchanged as they made their way to three-quarters and at this point, Keep Asking (Tyler Buter), who was still sitting sixth, pulled off the pylons and went three-deep and was flying around the last turn. At the top of the stretch, Keep Asking was fourth as the favorite Fly By made a break from second, leaving Super Duper Cooper the one to catch. Keep Asking continued to gain on Super Duper Cooper, who was starting to give way. Morrill and Buter were both urging their mounts but in the shadow of the wire, Keep Asking got up and won by one-quarter length in 1:57.1.
It was the second NYSS win this year for Keep Asking ($16.20) who is owned by Bill Donovan, Joe Sbrocco, Jim Winske and George Ducharme, who also trains the filly. Donovan, Sbrocco and Winske also bred the winner.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 28) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $3,558 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and that pool will be guaranteed at $10,000 through the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.
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 Desperate Man courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
A patient drive by driver Matt Kakaley paid big dividends for Desperate Man, who won the $100,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 24) night.
Typhoon Banner N (Joe Bongiorno) and Coaches Corner (Jason Bartlett) traded leads to the :26.4 quarter while Desperate Man traveled a close fourth. After Coaches Corner finally settled on the lead, Buzzsaw Russ (John De Long) pulled first-over early at three-eighths and Desperate Man followed closely behind his cover.
They were in two rows heading up the backstretch with Buzzsaw Russ drawing alongside Coaches Corner and just as he was ready to cross over at three-quarters, he made a break, causing Kakaley to grab up Desperate Man as they made their way into the turn. Coaches Corner was clear by two lengths with Typhoon Banner right behind and Desperate Man now back in gear in the breeze. At the top of the stretch, Desperate Man was in full flight and making up ground with every stride and in deep stretch, Desperate Man bolted home on top by 1-¼ lengths in 1:51.3.
It was the third straight win and 25th career victory for Desperate Man ($3.70) who increased his lifetime bank to $1,320,279 for owner Kathy Cecchin. Travis Alexander trains the 6-year-old gelded son of Shadow Play-Dreamlands Latte.
Driver Dave McNeight III started Friday (Aug. 23) night in fifth place for dash wins at Batavia Downs. But when the dust had settled after the 13th race, “Triple Sticks” found himself tied for second place after he won five races on the card.
McNeight won with My Mind Is Madeup (1:54.4, $3.70), Hellrider (1:59.4, $9.70), Black Is Back (1:55, $9.30), Doyoukissfirstdate (1:58.2, $3.00) and Tullow N (1:55.4, $3.60).
Jim Morrill Jr. currently sits in first place with 25 wins, but had the night off. McNeight III started Friday with 14 wins, but moved up to 19 after his big outing. That ties him with Kevin Cummings, who also has 19 wins after his driving double on Friday.
One of Cummings wins two came in one of the two $10,000 divisions of mid-level conditioned trotters with Burrow, who scored his second gate-to-wire victory in only three Batavia outings.
Burrow took the lead from Credarina (Dave McNeight III) as they passed the quarter in :28.4 before hitting the brakes to the half in only 1:00.1. While he maintained his 1-¼ length lead, Burrow got to three-quarters in 1:29 before turning for home and bolting to a 2-½ length win in 1:58.3.
Burrow ($2.20) is owned by Redracer, Redline Racing Stables and Rachel Leonard. Matt Rosiek trains the winner.
The other split went to Hellrider (1:59.4, $9.70) who was driven by McNeight III and trained by Alana Caprio for Caprio Stable and Maryanne Arena.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 24) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $912 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and a $1,498 carryover in the Super Hi-5 in race 15.
Also on Saturday, the Downs will host its biggest card of the meet that includes two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotters of both genders that total $233,300 and the $100,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial pace with some of the best older Open male pacers in North America. The card has a total purse value of over a half million dollars and has the capacity to produce a new all time track record.
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 Sister Mary Maude courtesy of Jessica Hallett.
It will be a New York Sire Stake double-header at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 24) night when both colt and gelding and filly divisions of 3-year-old trotters take the track to compete for a total purse of $233,300.
The fillies go first for a purse of $115,600 and Sister Mary Maude (Credit Winner-Perfect Mass) leads the way.
Sister Mary Maude is the current leader for points (200, tied with R Melina) and earnings ($206,600) in her class, numbers that were driven by two NYSS victories and nine board hits from her nine starts this year. One of those wins provided a new lifetime mark when she trotted in 1:56.3 at Monticello Raceway in July. Four of Sister Mary Maude’s second place finishes this year came to R Melina, who is currently the second richest ($340,109) and second fastest (1:51.1) 3-year-old trotting filly in North America and she is not in this race.
Trainer Ron Burke has Joe Bongiorno in the bike, starting from post one.
Sadbirdstillsing (Chapter Seven-Fade Into You) has only one win this year, but it was in a NYSS race at Yonkers. However she has been very busy in other stakes action including the Empire Breeders Classic where she finished third, and the Hambletonian Oaks eliminations where she finished fourth. Her last start was a third in the NYSS at Saratoga and she looks ready to be a contender here.
Regular reinsman Jason Bartlett will be aboard from post two for trainer Tony Alagna.
Senorita Palema (Chapter Seven-Tosca) was the NYSS 2-year-old champion last year but has yet to win a race in 2024. That being said, she has also been racing very well against Grand Circuit fillies in the Del Miller, Hambletonian Oaks and Continentalvictory.
Senorita Palema has post five with Tyler Buter aboard for trainer Ake Svanstedt.
The colts and geldings will vie for a purse of $117,700 with Fly By (Chapter Seven-Fly Angel Fly) listed as the early choice.
Fly By has two NYSS wins this year, the fastest mark in this race this year (1:53.3 at Tioga) and the highest overall earnings ($149,732) in this field. He has also seen action in several Grand Circuit events including the MGM Trot, Zweig and Muscle Hill, where he garnered checks in all three.
Alagna and Bartlett team up again with Fly By who has drawn post five.
Keep Asking (Chapter Seven-Sensibility) won six times in 2023 including the $150,000 final of the Massachusetts Sire Stakes. This year he has only one win, but also has a pair of seconds and a third and all came in NYSS races, placing him second for points (108) in this division. Keep Asking is in a good spot here and may be able to start stacking more wins to add to this year’s total.
Tyler Buter will drive from post six for trainer George Ducharme.
Super Duper Cooper (E L Titan-Pink Power) has one NYSS win as well, but also hasn’t missed a check and that puts him second for earnings ($84,508) in this division. He took a new lifetime mark of 1:55.1 at Mohegan Sun Pocono earlier this year and he looks like he’ll be a factor here.
Trainer John Butenschoen has Jim Morrill Jr. up to drive and they drew post seven.
There are also four $20,000 Excelsior trots on the card.
Another feature on the card is the $100,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace with some of the best older Open male pacers in North America. Saturday’s card has a total purse valued at over a half million dollars and has the capacity to produce a new all time track record.
The New York Sire Stake events are carded as races eight and 11. The Excelsiors will go as races four, six, seven and 12. The Kane is race 10. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.
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.
Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs; Ray Melens, lead mentor for the Monroe County Veterans Court; Dennis Bassett, OTB chairman; and Sean Schiano, vice president, operations, for Batavia Downs. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press release:
Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Monroe County Veterans Treatment Court with a check for $8,800 to support their efforts to assist Veterans within the court system.
On Aug.17, a Vets night dinner was held at Batavia Downs in conjunction with a night of live racing. Proceeds from live and penny auctions were collected to support the Monroe County Veterans Treatment Court.
“We appreciate Sean Schiano and Batavia Downs for hosting this event again, “said Ray Melens, Lead Mentor for the Monroe County Veterans Court. “These funds are so important for us to continue our work. Now more than ever, we are assisting veterans who need help in the court system. We continue to help identify and treat any underlying issues that these brave men and women face to help them get back on the right track.”
“Veterans have a special meaning for Batavia Downs, “said Wojtaszek. “So many of our own employees helped find items and baskets for the Penny Auction. Special thanks to Michael Horton, our director from Steuben County, who was the auctioneer for the exciting live action that was the highlight of the event.”
Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Western Regional OTB, and Dennis Bassett, OTB board president. Photo by Howard Owens.
The search for a new president and CEO of Western Regional OTB is well underway, with the field of global candidates getting narrowed, and the expectation Henry Wojtaszek's replacement is announced before the end of the year, Dennis Bassett told reporters on Thursday.
The discussion with reporters came at the conclusion of the OTB's monthly board meeting at Batavia Downs.
"The search is moving; it is moving along actively, and we're doing our due diligence," said Bassett, chairman of the OTB board.
"We have narrowed the field down," he added. "I'm not going to say how many we have now but we've gone through a step process with the first wave of applicants, narrowed that down, did another perusing by the committee, narrowed that down, and now we're not far away from being able to make some decisions."
Bassett said that when the field is narrowed sufficiently, the entire OTB board will be involved in the candidate interviews, and the board will make the final decision on which candidate to hire.
At its June meeting, the OTB board authorized the buyout of employment contracts for Wojtasek, CFO Jackie Leach, and VP of Operations William White. In the same resolution, the board authorized Bassett to form a CEO search committee.
On Thursday, Bassett said the committee received resumes from applicants that is global in scope, but among the criteria the committee is using to screen candidates is knowledge of the regulatory, legislative, and political landscape of New York.
"One of the key ingredients is knowledge of the New York politics, knowledge of the New York Legislature, how you can work your way through the maze, and how you can help us shed a better light on OTB," Bassett said. "Because one of the key things that I have seen is that we need to do a better job of making sure that the people in Albany know what we're doing and that they look upon WTB as a positive because no one ever asked me, 'are you guys making any money?' In the last two years, we have had record earnings. We are on track to have our third consecutive year of record earnings. No one asks me those questions. No one wants to know. No one wants to see that we're a very successful corporation."
Erie County media has repeatedly speculated on whether Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown would be a candidate for the job. Bassett suggested Brown hadn't applied but then took it back, saying he wouldn't discuss specific candidates.
"I've heard that speculation, too," Bassett said. "If Byron Brown is interested, he'll put his name in," but added that the resume process is closed now.
Asked, "Are you suggesting he has not applied for the job?"
"I'm not suggesting anything like that," Bassett said.
Asked later in the conversation if Brown had applied, Bassett said, "I'm not going to give any answer about our applicants. I'm not going to answer about who has applied for the job, whether it's Byron Brown or anyone else. It's unfair to any candidate to give a name because the candidates who have applied for the job have a job. If I give their name and they don't get the job, how do they go back to their employer and say, 'Well, I was out fishing, and I didn't catch any fish, so I'm back. I'm back, coming to work today.'"
Bassett, a Democrat who represents Monroe County, said he recognizes the need to move quickly if OTB is to have a new CEO in place before Dec. 31, Wojtasek's last day of employment.
Part of what drives the need to move quickly is at the executive level. For some employers, a mere two-week notice isn't sufficient. An executive may need to give a 30-day notice.
"That's why I have been very keenly aware that we have to move swiftly to try and get through this search process," Bassett said. "The longer you wait, the tougher it is. You don't have good candidates hanging on the fence. We've tried to be very crisp, we've tried to be very thorough, and we've got a very metrics-driven process that we're using, and I think it's working well. The board is going to have some good candidates in front of them for the interview."
Whoever is eventually hired, Bassett suggested, will have big shoes to fill. Wojtasek is popular with staff, with customers, and has delivered record-breaking results in recent years.
"I have a great working relationship with Henry," Bassett said. "I applaud him and will continue to sing his praises because he's been great to work with. He's been great with the employees. He's been really great with this board. So Henry's electing to leave. Henry is looking for a different challenge. And quite honestly, what better way to leave than leave on top? And I've got to give him his props."
Photo of BJM’s Lil Man courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
One five-horse field of 2-year-old trotting males lined up for $102,500 in the New York Sire Stakes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 21) evening and BJM’s Lil Man was solid from start to finish and grabbed the winner’s share of the purse.
Driver Tyler Buter put BJM’s Lil Man right on the point and became a passenger for the ride. With no opposition from behind and under no urging whatsoever, BJM’s Lil Man put up solid fractions of :28.2, :58.4 and 1:27.4 before making his way into the final turn. With Variegated (Braxton Boyd) and Karinchak (Mark Macdonald) trying to make inroads, BJM’s Lil Man turned for home unbothered by their challenge and trotted away to a 1-3/4 length victory in 1:57.1.
It was the fifth win in the last six outings for BJM’s Lil Man ($3.50) and it pushed his career earnings to $146,700 for owner Joseph Meaney. John Berger trains the colt by Devious Man-Vixen who was bred by Donald La Page.
There were also two $20,000 Excelsior trots for freshman colts and geldings on the card.
The first went to Low Inside (Devious Man-Nowerland Kristen) who won in 2:01.1 for trainer/driver Dan Daley for owners Ann-Mari Daley, Todd Van Alstyne and Margaret Waterbury. Cherry Hill Farm bred the winner.
The second was won by Habanero Blues (E L Titan-Habanero Honey) who trotted the mile in 1:59.4 for driver Tyler Buter, trainer Travis Alexander and owner/breeder Fiddler’s Creek Stable.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 23) at 6 p.m.
On Saturday (Aug. 24), Batavia Downs will host its biggest card of the meet which includes two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotters of both genders that total $233,300 and the $100,000 Kane Memorial pace with some of the best older Open male pacers in north America. The card has a total purse value of over a half million dollars and has the capacity to produce a new all time track record.
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 Covered Bridge courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
The finest group of pacers ever assembled to compete at Batavia Downs will go to post in the $100,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace on Saturday (August 24). The top-flight field of eight has a combined lifetime earnings of just under $6.5 million and include millionaires Hellabalou, Covered Bridge, and Desperate Man.
Hellabalou ($1,446,071) won the $457,000 MGM Borgotta final at Yonkers Raceway in April and is coming off a lifetime-best 1:48.3 effort at Harrah’s Philadelphia on August 4. He is also currently the second richest older male pacer in North America.
Covered Bridge ($1,344,523) is the defending Kane Memorial Pace champion after winning this race in 1:52 at The Downs last year. He comes into this race -- as he did in 2023 -- after winning the $100,000 Gold Cup and Saucer at Red Shores in 1:50.4, making him a two-time champion there as well. Covered Bridge is also the winningest horse in this field with 51 career victories.
Desperate Man ($1,270,279) was the 2021 $790,000 North American Cup winner in his lifetime best 1:49.3 at Woodbine Mohawk Park where he defeated Bulldog Hanover, Perfect Sting and Abuckabett Hanover. Earlier this year, he won all four of his legs in the MGM Borgotta before finishing third in the $457,000 final. Since then he has owned the Invitation at Yonkers where he’s won his last four starts there, including his last two outings coming into the Kane.
Also in the race is Coaches Corner, who is coming off a 19-win season last year and is currently the highest earning older pacer of either gender in North America ($435,345). Those earnings were driven by one win and four second place finishes in the MGM Borgotta legs and a second place finish in that final to Hellabalou this spring. He also won the $250,000 Joe Gerrity Memorial at Saratoga Raceway in a lifetime best-tying 1:49.3 in July.
Rocknroll Runa A has won a total of 20 races and earned just shy of $500,000 in his two years of racing in North America since being imported from Australia and only three weeks ago, took his lifetime mark of 1:47.3 at the Meadowlands while winning the $220,000 Sam McKee Memorial pace. He finished seventh in the Kane at Batavia last year, but did win at The Downs in 1:51.2 last September, which was his only Batavia victory in six tries to date.
Buzzsaw Russ is a Hoosier Park invader that has been throwing some very big miles in Indiana. Most recently back-to-back wins in 1:48 and change before finishing second in the $315,000 Dan Patch at Hoosier in 1:49.2 and second in the $100,000 #Senditin Invitational that went in 1:48 at Scioto Downs. He did race in the $300,000 Carl Milstein Memorial at Northfield Park in 2023 and finished third while pacing in 1:49 flat, and that was his only lifetime start over a half mile track.
Natameri comes in off very solid back-to-back wins at Saratoga Raceway and Tioga Downs and took his seasonal mark of 1:49 at Plainridge Park earlier this summer. He is just shy of having a 50% win percentage lifetime as he has won 23 of his 50 career outings.
Typhoon Banner N Strung four consecutive wins through June and July at Mohegan Sun Pocono and Yonkers and took his lifetime mark of 1:48.4 at Pocono as well this year. Bongiorno is no stranger to Batavia as he won the 2022 edition of the Kane with American Dealer N in 1:50.2, which still stands as the current all-time track pacing record at Batavia Downs.
Here is the complete draw with post positions:
Buzzsaw Russ John De Long Melissa Essig
Coaches Corner Jason Bartlett Per Engblom
Desperate Man Matt Kakaley Travis Alexander
Rocknroll Runa A Larry Stalbaum Larry Stalbaum
Covered Bridge Jordan Stratton Jeffrey Gillis
Typhoon Banner N Joe Bongiorno Joe Bongiorno
Hellabalou Jim Morrill Jr. Ron Burke
Natameri Jason Bartlett Jessica Okusko
Saturday’s card will also feature the New York sire Stakes 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters and 3-year-old filly trotters who will each go one division for purses totaling $233,300 and four $20,000 Excelsior trots. With the overnight features, the 15-race card purse value is over $500,000.
The Kane Memorial will go as race 10 with post time at 9 p.m. The NYSS events are carded as races eight and 11 with post times of 8:20 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.
Free programs can be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab.
The New York Sire Stakes returns to Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 21) and brings with it a field of five first-year male trotters who will compete in one dash valued at $102,500.
The most successful horse in the field is BJM’s Little Man (Devious Man-Vixen) who has won four of six lifetime starts with one third, has amassed $95,450 as a result and has a lifetime mark of 1:56.4 at Tioga Downs. However only one of those wins was in a NYSS event while three came in Excelsior action. And that third place finish in his last outing came at the hands of two of his rivals who he will also face again in this race.
BJM's Lil Man, who drew post three, is trained by John Berger and has regular driver Tyler Buter back aboard.
Karinchak (Chapter Seven-Sianna Hanover) has started in seven NYSS races this year and has only one win as well. But that came in his last start where he defeated BJM's Lil Man at Monticello Raceway. The win time of 1:59.2 was also his lifetimark and he comes into this race in top form and looking to repeat.
Mark Macdonald will drive from post two for trainer Ray Schnittker.
Variegated (Chapter Seven-White Cheetah) finished second in that race at Monticello behind Karinchak and ahead of BJM's Lil Man, and it was his second straight second place finish as well. And although he has not won a race all year, he has also not missed a check in his five lifetime starts and has been very competitive in all of his outings.
Braxton Boyd will sit between the wheels for trainer Marcus Melander from post four.
The NYSS competition is carded as race six. There are also two $20,000 Excelsior trots that will go as race seven and eight. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.
Free full card past performance programs for Wednesday, as well as every live card of racing at Batavia, can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab.
