harness racing

The 2024 racing season wrapped up at Batavia Downs last Saturday (Dec. 7) night and that also closed the track’s books for the year. After all the paperwork was finalized, the bottom line showed that the business of harness racing at Batavia Downs is operating at a record pace.

The overall handle at Batavia Downs for both the winter and summer/fall meets came in at $16,826,483, which is a 9.2% increase over 2023 that saw a total handle of $15,414,846. Plus this year’s handle was the highest recorded at the track since Western Regional Off Track Betting began running the racing operation in 2002.

That 9.2% increase is quite notable on its merits alone, but it also stands out in the crowd in a year where the overall handle at harness tracks across North America is down a collective 6.66%.

Don Hoover is the Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs and he was very  satisfied with the results, and was quick to mention everyone whose hard work made it happen.

“2024 was another record handle year for Batavia Downs and ended up surpassing our previous record set just last year. Once again, it was a total team effort from the entire staff at Batavia Downs with special thanks going to the live racing staff, track maintenance, simulcast, group sales, marketing, track management and of course, the horsemen and horse women who put on the show every night. They provided very competitive racing and proof of that was favorites winning only 44.5% of the time, which rates among the lowest in the industry at any half mile track in North America. Back to back record years is noteworthy, but so was the all time record $75,000 guaranteed pool we had on Nov. 13 that also produced a record payoff. Plus the track distributed over $7 million in overnight purses to our owners, trainers and drivers this year,” said Hoover.

There will be only a short amount of time for the track to sit on this year’s laurels as the break in the action at the Genesee County oval will be brief. Live racing returns to Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 6) for the start of the 15-day 2025 winter meet, the third consecutive overcoat session the track has hosted. Racing will be held every Monday and Thursday through Monday (Feb. 24) with all cards having a 3 p.m. post.

Even though it was getaway day at Batavia Downs as the curtain came down on the 2024 summer/fall meeting on Saturday (Dec. 7) night, the competition was fast and furious during a card that saw drivers Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III win five races each while trainer Sam Smith sent four from his stable to the winner’s enclosure on a night he was awarded as top conditioner of the meet.

Cummings winners included Runrunjimmydunn N (1:55.2, $6.30), Out On Bail (1:55.2, $3.50), Johnny Boy (1:58.1, $14.00) and Famous Dan (1:58.3, $3.20), all of which were trained by Smith, and Crystal Beach (1:57.4, $48.20).

McNeight’s successful contingent was made up of Our Night Fury (1:59.2, $6.70), Skyline Blue Chip (1:58.3, $3.20), Mach Le More A (1:56.2, $36.20) who will be covered more later, Shipsaway (1:57, $2.50) and Mason Street (1:59.2, $12.60).

There were co-featured $14,000 races on the closing card and the trot was won by another award winner.

After going 0 for 8 last year in a less than memorable season, Dougadougadew did a complete 180 and capped-off 2024 with his 12th win of the year while matching his career best time in the Open Handicap trot on the night when he was named the Trotter of the Meet at Batavia Downs.

In a very typical start for the chestnut trotter, Dougadougadew (Kyle Cummings) got away last by 10 lengths as El Toro Loco (Kevin Cummings) parked out the visiting Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) in fast fractions of :28.1 and :57 through the cold, blustery night. As the race headed onto the second circuit, Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) made a first-over move and Dougadougadew was happy to take the cover, one out and one back.

As the race headed towards three-quarters, Big Box Hanover succumbed to the overland grind, forcing Biscoe and Dougadougadew three-wide into the final bend. Biscoe crossed over and Dougadougadew drew alongside and the final furlong became a match race. Biscoe was maintaining his lead, but Dougadougadew kept digging and getting closer with every stride and four pylons from the line, Dougadougadew edged ahead and won by a neck in 1:57.1, tying his lifetime mark.

Dougadougadew ($7.80) made it an even dozen victories and pushed his seasonal bankroll to $85,877 for owners Doug and Tyra Ackley and trainer Tammy Cummings.

Then in the Open Handicap pace, Mach Le More A upset the field in a blanket finish at 17-1.

Mach Le More A (Dave McNeight III) got away sixth as Virgil N (Mike Baumeister) got the field to the half in a tepid :58.4. Bet On Blake (Kevin Cummings) moved into second from a first-over move in turn three while Mach Le More A drafted, fourth on the outside. Positions remained unchanged to three-quarters and Virgil N even started to pull away from the group in the last turn. But Mach Le More A, who was still fourth and three lengths from the leader, had different ideas as he tipped to the middle of the track and mowed down the competition at the wire where he won by a head in 1:56.2 in a photo that saw a mere length separate the top six finishers.

It was the second straight win and ninth of the season for Mach Le More A ($36.20) who pushed his earnings to $91,580 this year for owner Marissa Russo and Fac Racing. Dave Russo does the training.

The $10,000 guaranteed Jackpot Hi-5 pool with an end of season must-pay in the 15th race produced an outstanding payoff to those who caught the number. The 9-1-3-5-2 combination returned $2,120,20 for a 20-cent wager.

As alluded to earlier in this report, meet ending awards were presented by the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs during their Night of Distinction ceremony. Longtime Batavia blacksmith Ray Cable received a Lifetime Achievement Award, Drew Monti and Sam Smith were named driver and trainer of the meet, Dougadougadew was trotter of the meet and Won Surreal Deal was pacer of the meet. All awards were presented trackside to the respective recipients and their connections.

Although the 2024 meet has ended, the track won’t be dark for long as live racing returns to Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 6) for the start of the 15-day 2025 winter meet. Racing will be held every Monday and Thursday through Monday (Feb. 24) with all cards having a 3 p.m. post.

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 at Batavia Downs has not been hit in several days and as a result, the carryover has grown to $4,723 after Wednesday’s action. With the meet coming to an end on Saturday (Dec. 7), this must be paid out and the track has guaranteed that pool at $10,000 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program.

As part of the program, Trackmaster is offering free full past performance program pages on the USTA website that can be found under the Handicapping link at the top of the page.  

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 at Batavia Downs is a 20-cent minimum wager in the 15th race on Saturday with an estimated post time of 10:40 p.m. Post time for the first race is at 6 p.m.

And as always, 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. 

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs have announced the horses of the meet at The Downs, whose meet will conclude on Saturday (Dec. 7).

Dougadougadew (Deweycheatumnhowe-Fashionablefilly) has been named trotter of the meet while Won Surreal Deal (So Surreal-Won Ideal Night) has been named pacer of the meet.

Dougadougadew is the highest earning horse at Batavia this meet regardless of gait with $51,315 in earnings and is also the winningest trotter on the grounds with seven victories. He started the meet in lower level conditioned races and worked his way to the top, winning his first of three Open class trots on September 7. For the meet, Dougadougadew has made 17 starts with seven wins, three seconds and one third that give him a 41% win rate while finishing 65% of the time in the money. He also took a lifetime mark of 1:57.1 at The Downs on November 2 to cap off a career year.

Dougadougadew races from off the pace and his three and four wide three-quarter moves have provided a number of exciting finishes over the course of the meet. He is trained by Tammy Cummings and driven by Kyle Cummings for owners Doug and Tyra Ackley.

Won Surreal Deal is the highest earning pacer at this meet, banking $43,750 off of her six wins and four thirds registered from her 14 total starts. She is an upper-level mare who has won three Open paces for distaff participants while hitting the board in that elite class five other times. Her most impressive victory came early on August 13, when she bolted away to a seven length victory in 1:53.4. But the consistent side-wheeler remained a horse to beat through the entire meet as she finished her campaign winning four of her last six starts at Batavia.

Won Surreal Deal has a stellar win rate of 43% and has been in the money 71% of the time for trainer Jeff Sorenson and driver Kyle Cummings, who steered her in 13 of her 14 Batavia starts for owner Parsimonious Racing Stable.

The connections of Dougadougadew and Won Surreal Deal will be presented their awards trackside during the UNY-USHWA Night of Distinction that will be held at Batavia Downs on closing night, Saturday (Dec. 7). 

The final $13,000 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace of the year was featured at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 4) night and Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) laid claim to the victory despite dealing with a steady snowfall.

Won Surreal Deal got away fourth as It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) marched to the half in :57.2. It was there that Scenic Adventure (Kevin Cummings) pulled first-over into the breeze and Won Surreal Deal followed behind, one out and one back. Scenic Adventure continued to gain ground to three-quarters where she took the lead from It’s Corona Time, while Won Surreal Deal kept getting closer around the last turn. When they entered the stretch, Won Surreal Deal hooked up with Scenic Adventure and the two mares battled to the wire where Won Surreal Deal got the advantage and won by a neck in 1:56.2.

It was the eighth win of the year for Won Surreal Deal ($5.30) who is owned by Parsimonious Racing Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson.

Joe Chindano Jr. was the top driver on Wednesday after he scored a grand slam in the bike, including a natural hat trick in races four, five and six. Chindano won with Shooting Brooke (1:55.2, $2.60), Miss Rockadali (1:58.4, $6.30), Jacked (1:58.3, $2.50) and Spirit Of Success (2:02, $7.70).

In the night’s 11th race,14-year-old Knocking Around (1:59.3, $2.60) won the 60th race of his illustrious 12-year career for driver Dave McNeight III. Owned by Courtney McNeight and trained by Dave McNeight Jr., Knocking around has made 394 lifetime starts with now 60 wins, 48 seconds and 69 thirds and has earned $668,693 due to his stellar work.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 7), which is closing night for 2024, with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $4,723 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race. And since this is the last night of racing for 2024 and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 will be a must-pay to end the season, the pool will also be guaranteed at $10,000 through the United States Trotting Association’s 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.

Batavia Downs will return after the Holidays on Monday (Jan. 6) for the start of the 15-day 2025 winter meet. Racing will be held every Monday and Thursday through Monday (Feb. 24) with all cards having a 3 p.m. post.

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs have announced that Drew Monti and Sam Smith are the top driver and trainer for the summer/fall race meet at the Genesee County oval whose season will conclude on Saturday (Dec. 7).

Monti entered the final week of racing at Batavia with an insurmountable lead in the dash driving race with 117 wins, 19 ahead of Joe Chindano Jr. (98) and 24 ahead of Kevin Cummings (93). He also has had 86 seconds and 79 thirds from 562 starts that gives him a .340 UDR, the highest among all drivers at the current meet who have started 150 times or more. And those starts have earned the horses he has driven $790,221 in purses with two race days left in the meet.  

Monti also hit two career milestones during the Batavia meet. He scored his 2,500th win and surpassed $20 million in lifetime earnings.

While he also drives full time at Plainridge Park, Monti has posted one of the best overall years of his career to date. After 1,606 starts he has won a total of 235 races with 234 seconds and 196 thirds with $2,211,936 in purses, a total which by the end of the meet will be his third highest haul ever.

This is the third driving title Monti has won at Batavia Downs after taking it in 2016 and 2018.

Similarly, Smith came into the last two days of racing well in front of his competition after already having posted 67 wins, which is 24 ahead of Chris Petrelli (43) and 40 ahead of Shawn McDonough (27) and Maria Rice (27). Smith also had 42 seconds and 53 thirds giving him a .302 UTR and $469,988 in purses.

For all of 2024 including starts at other tracks, Smith has put up career numbers across the board. His horses have made 803 starts with 151 wins, 118 seconds and 115 thirds, giving him a UTR of .317 and earnings of $1,158,721. It’s the single best year in Smith’s training tenure.

This is the second consecutive training title for Smith at Batavia Downs.

Drew Monti and Sam Smith will be presented their awards trackside during the UNY-USHWA Night of Distinction that will be held at Batavia Downs on closing night, Saturday (Dec. 7).

Winter hit Batavia Downs hard on Saturday (Nov. 30) night and a spate of scratches due to weather related transportation issues shortened many of the fields. But the horses that did show up went dashing through the snow and that included the winners of the night’s two feature races.

The $14,000 Open Handicap pace went to post first and Melanion N made it two straight wins with another impressive outing.

Melanion N (Drew Monti) wrestled the lead from Mirragon N (Shawn McDonough) at the :27.2 quarter and then settled on the point in the turn to lead the abbreviated five-horse field to the half in :56.4. Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) moved first-over at that point, drew near the leader at three-quarters and then stayed close around turn four. But when they straightened for home, the race was over quickly as Melanion N swelled up and bolted for the line on top by 5-½ to win in 1:53.3.

It was the fifth win of the year for Melanion N ($3.30) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Dr. Michael Miller. The winner was trained by Maria Rice who also won with Lip Reader A (1:57.1, $8.20) earlier in the card.

Melanion N was one of four winners driven by Monti on Saturday whose grand slam included a natural hat trick in races six, seven and eight. Monti’s other winners were Mayweather Hanover (1:58.2, $22.40), Lip Reader A and U Bake The Cake (2:00.1, $7.90).

The $14,000 Open Handicap trot was u p next and Bisco tripped out to a late victory.

Mucho Macho (Joe Chindano Jr.) commanded the early fractions of :29 and :59.1 while Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) sat in the garden spot. At the half, El Toro Loco (Kevin Cummings) and Dougadougadew (Kyle Cummings) advanced one-two in the breeze with El Toro Loco eventually taking the lead at three-quarters, Dougadougadew moving into second and Biscoe getting briefly shuffled to fifth before shaking loose and moving quickly into third.

Around the last turn, El Toro Loco and Dougadougadew were trading leads while Bisco was sneaking closer with every stride. When the straightened for home, Dougadougadew took the lead from El Toro Loco, but Biscoe came flying down the center of the track and collared Dougadougadew in the shadow of the wire to win in 1:57.4.

It was the eighth victory of the year for Biscoe ($6.60) who is owned by his driver McNeight Jr. and trained by Jim McNeight.

Driver Dave McNeight III also had a grand slam on Saturday, winning with Starlitcresentroll (1:57.4, $7.10), Pepper Guy (1:58.1, $29.40), Mach Le More A (1:56, $3.10) and Skyline Blue Chip (1:56.3, $13.80).

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 4) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $1,149 in the Pick-5 in the first race and a carryover of $4,138 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th 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.

There are only two nights of live racing left in the 2024 meet: Wednesday (Dec. 4) and Saturday (Dec. 7). However Batavia Downs will return after the Holidays on Monday (Jan. 6) for the start of the 15-day 2025 winter meet. Racing will be held every Monday and Thursday through Monday (Feb. 24) with all cards having a 3 p.m. post.

Despite not finishing worse than second in her last four starts, Oaxacan Dream N was overlooked by the betting public and sent off at 20-1. That turned out to be a mistake as the 8-year-old mare turned in a winning effort in the $12,000 conditioned pacing feature for fillies and mares on Wednesday (November 27) night.

Dave McNeight III sent Oaxacan Dream N to the front from post seven and settled on the lead heading towards the quarter. But before they got to that station, Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) came from second to claim that mantle and headed into turn two on top by a length. Positions remained unchanged as the leader paced to the half in :57.1 and three-quarters in 1:26.2 with Oaxacan Dream N tracking from second and no viable threat looming from behind.

Summer Slash continued to control the race around the last turn but when they straightened for home, that was about to change. McNeight dipped Oaxacan Dream N into the passing lane and aggressively drove from there. Oaxaca Dream N responded with a quick turn of foot that propelled her past Summer Slash by a half length at the light where she won in 1:55.1.

It was the 10th win of the year for Oaxacan Dream N ($42,80) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags and trained by Maria Rice.

Earlier in the $10,000 condition pace for female participants, Hurrikane Msrodine (Kevin Cummings) took the lead and paced through quarters of :28.2, :57.1 and 1:27.1 with Atlantic Star (Kyle Swift) pushing the issue the entire way, before turning for home and rebuffing the tripped-out It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) by a half length in 1:56.4.

Hurrikane Msrodine ($5.60) is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

Four horsemen scored hat tricks on Wednesday. They were drivers Joe Chindano Jr., Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III and trainer Sam Smith.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 30) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $3,658 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th 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.

A $13,000 Open Handicap for both gaits topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 23) night and each event was won with opposing race strategies.

The pacing feature went to Melanion N who went gait to wire in impressive fashion.

Drew Monti sent Melanion N forward off the gate and got the lead on the outside at the :27.3 quarter. Melanion N then crossed over and backed off the half to a tepid :58 before turning on the jets during the second circuit. Mirragon A (Shawn McDonough) made a first-over move from fifth and pushed the third quarter in 1:26 while getting to within a length of the leader. But that leader, Melanion N, turned the other cheek and simply paced away. Melanion N opened up a 1-½ length margin at the top of the lane and then stretched that out to 3-½ at the line as he bolted home in a snappy :27.3 to win in 1:53.3.

It was the fourth win of the year for Melanion N ($3.20) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Dr. Michael Miller. Maria Rice trains the winner.

Melanion N was one of three winners for Drew Monti on Saturday.

Later, the top trot went to Dougadougadew, who came from way off the pace to score in a thrilling finish.

Kyle Cummings took Dougadougadew off the gate to seventh and trailed by 8-¾ lengths as Power And Grace (Drew Monti), El Toro Loco (Kevin Cummings) and Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) battled three-deep to the quarter in :28 flat. Biscoe finally cleared, but El Toro Loco was hung out to dry and trotted in the breeze next to the leader to the half in :57 and three-quarters in 1:27. It was at that station that Cummings tipped Dougadougadew four wide, which was a position he would remain in throughout the final turn. When they entered the stretch, Dougadougadew was trotting up a storm, made up ground on Biscoe with every stride and eventually went right by him in deep stretch to win by 1-¾ lengths in 1:58.

It was the 11th win of the year for Dougadougadew ($16.20) who is owned by Doug and Tyra Ackley and trained by Tammy Cummings.

Dougadougadew was also one of three winners for Kyle Cummings and one of two winners for Tammy Cummings during the night.

One of Kyle Cumming’s other wins came in the fourth race with the 7-year-old trotter Discus Hanover, who brushed late and won by a head in 1:58.4 to claim his 50th career victory. Owned by Phil Hale and his trainer Dave Dewhurst, Discus Hanover now shows earnings of $296,238 as a result of his milestone and boasts a lifetime best clocking of 1:53.4 at Vernon Downs two years ago.

The top dash driver on Saturday was Joe Chindano Jr. who got a grand slam with wins behind Prairie Panther (1:56.2, $3.30), American Trademark (1:57.1, $6.70), Vel Mr Nice Guy (1:54.4, $9.20) and Lyons Johnnyjnr (1:55.1, $6.90).

Trainer Mike Deters also had two wins on Saturday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November 27) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will also be a carryover of $2,812 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th 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.

After scoring an upset win from an outside post last week at Batavia Downs, Mucho Macho moved up in class and did the exact same thing at The Downs in the $9,500 featured trot on a wet and chilly Friday (Nov. 22) night over a track rated sloppy.

John Cummings Jr. left from post seven and shot right to the front with Mucho Macho, who got to the half in 1:00.2 while BJ’s Smitty sat smartly in the pocket. Entering turn three, Jacked (Joe Chindano Jr.) came first-over from third and made his way alongside the leader under a highly animated drive. When they passed three-quarters, Cummings popped the plugs on Mucho Macho and the trotter began to pull away from the field. Coming off the final turn, Jacked faded and BJ’s Mitty dropped into the passing lane at the top of the stretch, trying to make up ground. But Mucho Macho refused to give way and trotted home the best to win in 1:59.

It was the eighth win of the year for Mucho Macho ($14.40) who is owned and trained by Julie Wagonblott.

Joe Chindano Jr. led all drivers on Friday with three victories during the card while Sam Smith was top trainer, winning two.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 23) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $2,386 in 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.

It was no vacation for Scenic Adventure after high winds and heavy rain blew into Genesee County prior to her race. But the mare treated it like a day at the beach after handling her peers in the featured $11,000 pace for female sidewheelers at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November 20) night.  

Scenic Adventure (Drew Monti) took a quick, easy lead and marched to the half in :58.3 while Truly (Jim McNeight Jr.) tracked from second. With no one applying any pressure from the rear, Scenic Adventure continued to pace smartly and broke away from the field as she passed three-quarters in 1:27.4. Scenic Adventure continued to extend her lead around the last turn and was clear by 3-1/2 lengths as she turned for home. Scenic Adventure then paced to the line unfettered to win by two in 1:57.1.

It was the seventh win of the year for Scenic Adventure ($23.00) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

The win was one of four for driver Drew Monti, who registered a grand slam during the evening. Monti also won with Bee Still My Hardt (1:55.1, $5.60), Vondell Kemp (2:00.2, $3.30) and Big Bad Mosa (1:57, $14.80) who paced away to a 16-¾ length victory.

Matching Monti for driving wins on Wednesday was Shawn McDonough, who also had a four-bagger in the bike, including a natural hat trick in races seven, eight and nine. McDonough scored with Always B Mimi (1:55.3, $35.00) who is also trains, Keystone Phoenix (1:58, $3.80), R U Talkin (1:58.2, $48.40) and Hurrikane Msrodine (1:58, $8.70).

Sam Smith was the leading trainer on Wednesday after sending three of his students to the winner’s enclosure.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 22) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will also be a carryover of $1,481 in 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 leading driver, Drew Monti, added to his already considerable lead on Saturday (November 16) night after bagging five more winners during the proceedings. Monti won with Soul Assassin (1:55.2, $6.70), Actor Hanover (1:56.1, $22.60), Parmesan N (1:56, $4.10), Stratosphere (1:55.4, $2.60) and Power And Grace (1:58.3, $6.90) who will be further covered later.

Monti now has 102 wins for the summer and fall meet at Batavia Downs and sits 16 wins ahead of Joe Chindano Jr. (86) and 17 ahead of Kevin Cummings (85) after Saturday’s action with only seven days of live racing left in the meet.

For the year as a whole including action at other tracks, Monti has now won 215 races and over $2.2 million in purses in 2024.

One race Monti did not win on Saturday was the featured $13,000 Open Handicap trot where Makes Me Charlie (Mike Baumeister) claimed his first top class event at Batavia Downs after having won his way up the class ladder since late September.

Makes Me Charlie was on a mission as he blasted off the gate and opened up a three length lead that he maintained to the quarter in :27.4 and the half in :57.3. And there was no let up in sight as he swung onto the second circuit as Makes Me Charlie stretched out to a six length advantage at three-quarters in 1:25.2. With the field mostly scrambling for minor spoils at this point, Makes Me Charlie entered the stretch still up by six and made his way to the line first in 1:55.3 to take a new lifetime mark.

It was the fifth win of the year for Makes Me Charlie ($14.00) who is owned by Margaret and Amy Butler and trained by Tom Mays.

There were also two $11,000 upper-class conditioned races, one on the trot and one on the pace, that also yielded impressive front-end winners.

In the first, the lone mare in the race, Power And Grace (Drew Monti), went gate to wire to defeat her seven male rivals by 1-½ lengths in 1:58.3. It was the 68th career victory for Power And Grace ($6.90) as well as her 12th of the year and it pushed her 2024 bankroll over the century mark, now sitting at $103,804 for owners Hartel Maintenance, Lormer McClure, Brett Macdonald and Reg Higgs. Ronald Macdonal trains the winner.

Then later in the pace, Youmakemyheartsing (Kyle Cummings) also went right to the front and paced unchallenged until deep stretch, where he turned back Ideal Artillery (Dan Yetman) and won in 1:55.2. It was the 40th career win for Youymakemyheartsing ($5.40) who is owned by his driver, Kyle Cummings, in partnership with his trainer, Tammy Cummings.

Sam Smith led all trainers on Saturday after three from his stable scored wins.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November 20) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will also be a carryover of $1,053 in 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.

Benefitting from post one and a perfect trip, Crazy Brother Jim (Rock Vinci) scored an easy victory in the $9,500 featured trot at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 15) evening.

Longshot Alan (John Cummings Jr.) left from post seven and bolted to the lead in easy fashion. With Crazy Brother Jim following from second, Alan set easy fractions of :29.4 and 1:01.2 to the half. From there, Jacked (Joe Chindano Jr.) pulled first-over from third to push the tempo and the top three horses broke from the field by nine lengths heading to three-quarters. Jacked continued to push Alan while Crazy Brother Jim laid in wait as they rolled around the final turn. When the trio reached the stretch, Vinci dipped Crazy Brother Jim into the passing lane and trotted right by Alan to win by a length in 1:59.4.

It was the eighth win of the year for Crazy Brother Jim ($8.40) who is owned and trained by his driver, Vinci.

Shawn McDonough scored a double-triple on Friday, by winning three races as both driver and trainer. McDonough won with Free To Dream (1:57, $3.40), Maczaffair N (1:56.1, $4.50) and Angelo J Fra (1:58, $11.00), who scored her 81st lifetime win and all three winners hailed from the McDonough stable.

Kevin Cummings also drove three winners on Friday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 16) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will also be a carryover of $703 in 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.

A $23,931 carryover and $75,000 guaranteed pool through the USTA Strategic Wagering Program for the Pick-5 wager at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November 13) night generated $79,508 new money, producing a $102,701 total pool that yielded the biggest mutuel payout ever in the history of Batavia Downs going all the way back to 1940.

After the prohibitive favorite, Raylan Drew ($3.10) won the first race, the longshots followed fast and furious. La Always Amartini ($15.20), Mason Street ($68.50), Batting Stats ($9.60) and Venue ($22.20) filled out the winning combination of 2-5-4-4-1 that returned $41,412 for a 50-cent wager.

Even after "price" horses won three of the first four races, the savvy punters who wager at Batavia Downs had all but two numbers covered in the fifth race, with a total of two winning tickets being sold.

The feature race on Wednesday came right after the huge payout in the fifth race, where Won Surreal Deal (Drew Monti) won the $11,000 fillies and mares feature and continued the string of premium payouts.

Monti put Won Surreal Deal on the point and led by 1-¼ lengths through splits of :28.3, :58.1 and 1:26.4 while the favored Mcvera (Shawn McDonough) tracked from the pocket. After spinning off the final bend, Won Surreal Deal was not to be caught and pulled away to a 1-½ length margin of victory in 1:54.3 with a snappy :27.4 final panel.

It was the second win in the last three starts and seventh win of the year for Won Surreal Deal ($13.80) who is owned by Parsimonious Racing Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 15) with post time at 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.

With no one hitting the Pick-5 wager again at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 9) night, there is a $23,931 carryover for that wager in the first race on Wednesday (Nov. 13) night and track management has announced that pool will be guaranteed at $75,000 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program.

As part of that program, Trackmaster is offering free full past performance programs on the USTA website under the Strategic Wagering heading listed on the Handicapping tab.

This will be the largest guaranteed pool ever offered in the history of Batavia Downs.

The Pick-5 at Batavia Downs is a 50-cent minimum wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 6 p.m.

And as always, 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.

An Open pace and an Open trot, both valued at $13,000, were center stage at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 9) night and the winners of both events went gate to wire to do it.

In the pace, Shipsaway (John Cummings Jr.) got his third win since shipping to Batavia.

Shipsaway initially got away second behind Bluesville (Dave McNeight III) but made a move past the eighth and had the front by the :28.2 quarter. Cummings then throttled the horse down to a :57.4 half where Primo Uomo (Joe Chindano Jr.) made a first-over move and was able to get to second and drop back to the pylons for the final turn. Shipsaway was pacing smartly on the lead when Chindano took his best shot with Primo Uomo at the top of the stretch. Shipsaway responded and never gave way, winning by two lengths in 1:53.2.

It was the ninth win of the year for Shipsaway ($8.10) who is owned by 716 Standardbreds and trained by Courtney Wright.

The very next race was the trot and El Toro Loco (Kevin Cummings) got back to his winning ways.

El Toro Loco and Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) got away first and second and gapped the field by about five lengths heading up the backside to the quarter. The field remained in single file fashion to the half in a soft :59.2 where Discus Hanover (Drew Monti) pulled first to take a shot. Timing is everything and El Toro Loco's :28.2 third quarter turned back Discus Hanover’s bid and Biscoe was the last one to have a shot at the leader. But that challenge never materialized as El Toro Loco swelled up in the lane and trotted home, clear by 1-½ lengths in 1:56.3.

El Toro Loco ($3.90) is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

Kevin Cummings led all drivers with three wins on Saturday while trainers Ryan Hall and Sam Smith each won two races during the proceedings.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November 13) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $23,193 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and Batavia Downs will guarantee the pool at $75,000 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering program. Free programs for races one through five will be available on the USTA website under the Strategic Wagering heading listed on the Handicapping tab.

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.

When Starlitcresentroll made his first start at Batavia Downs on October 18, he was claimed by Lucky Label Stable and he hasn’t lost a race since. On Friday (November 8), Starlitcresentroll won his third straight for his new connections after taking the featured $9,500 trot at The Downs.

Dave McNeight III got away fourth with Starlitcresentroll as BJ’s Smitty (Mike Baumeister) battled HP Maestro (Kyle Swift) for the lead and took control passing the :29.3 quarter. BJ’s Smitty then motored down to the half where Crazy Brother Jim (Rock Vinci) made a first-over move and brought Starlitcresentroll with him. Positions remained unchanged to three-quarters but as they trotted into the turn, Crazy Brother Jim took the lead on the outside while Starlitcresentroll went three-wide around him to position for the stretch run. At the top of the lane, Starlitcresentroll was in full stride and reeled in Crazy Brother Jim with every stride and won by a head in 1:59.4.

It was the fifth win of the year for Starlitcresentroll ($4.10) who is trained by Taylor Fritz.

Two drivers had hat tricks on Friday. Kevin Cummings won three races including the seventh with Stranger Things (1:57, $3.40) who notched his 40th career victory and Drew Monti who also scored three and sat behind Stay Safe (1:58.4, $2.50) in the ninth, who won her 30th lifetime outing.

Trainers Angelo Nappo, Jim Rothfuss and Sam Smith all had two wins during the evening.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 9) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be two carryovers on the card. First, there is a $6,551 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and Batavia Downs will guarantee the pool at $12,500 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering program. Free programs for races one through five will be available on the USTA website under the Strategic Wagering heading listed on the Handicapping tab. And there will also be a carryover of $682 in 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.

With no one hitting the Pick-5 wager again at Batavia Downs on Friday (Nov. 8) night, there is a $6,551 carryover for that wager in the first race on Saturday (Nov. 9) night and track management has announced that pool will be guaranteed at $12,500 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. As part of that program, Trackmaster is offering free full past performance programs on the USTA website under the Strategic Wagering heading listed on the Handicapping tab.

The Pick-5 at Batavia Downs is a 50-cent minimum wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. Post time for the first race on Saturday is 6 p.m.

And as always, 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. 

It was a huge Wednesday (November 6) night for Shawn McDonough at Batavia Downs after he accounted for a total of six wins consisting of a driving grand slam -- featuring a natural hat trick in races six through eight -- and a training double.

One of McDonough's driving wins came in the $11,000 distaff pacing feature with Celia Bayama, who despite winning just two starts ago, was completely dismissed by punters and went off at 54-1. But the mare made those speculators regret their collective decisions after she rallied late to win and pay $111.50.

Celia Bayama got away a distant sixth as Forgot Thewallet A (Dave McNeight III) out-dueled Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) to the quarter in :27.1. Now on the point, Forgot Thewallet A backed off the half to :56.2 before It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) came first-over to challenge heading onto the second circuit.

It’s Corona Time eventually got the lead from Forgot Thewallet A at three-quarters and then started to separate. Right behind the new leader was Summer Slash, who tipped out around the fading Forgot Thewallet A, Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) who was two deep around her and Celia Bayama, who was in full flight and four-wide heading into the last turn. It’s Corona time was on top by two, but Celia Bayma was second and closing fast as the stretch drew near. Celia Bayama battled It’s Corona Time all the way to the wire where she edged in front and won by a half length in 1:55.2.

It was the fifth win of the year for the Jean Reid owned Celia Bayama and one of two training wins on Wednesday for Chris Petrelli.

McDonough completed his slam with No More Sweets (1:59.3, $7.60), Mcvera (1:55.3, $11.40) and Gracious Triumph (2:00.4, $3.60). No More Sweets and Gracious Triumph are both trained by McDonough.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 8) with post time at 6:00 p.m. with a $1,209 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and a carryover of $414 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 12th 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..