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Keystone Apache takes second straight Batavia Open

By Tim Bojarski

Since shipping in from Kentucky, Keystone Apache has been formidable competition for the western New York regulars and he flexed his muscle for the second week in a row winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Sunday afternoon (July 31).

Jim Morrill Jr. left sharply with Keystone Apache and settled on the lead. After they posted a conservative :59.1 half, Dewey Arnold (Kevin Cummings) came first-over and tried to advance in the breeze. Morrill picked up the tempo and the :28.1 third quarter temporarily thwarted Dewey Arnold's advance. But Cummings regrouped his charge around the last turn and made another rush for the front in the homestretch. Dewey Arnold tried hard, but Keystone Apache would not relent and hung on to win by a neck at the light in 1:56.3. 

On the strength of his sixth victory of the year, Keystone Apache ($5.00) boosted his earnings to $85,434 for owners Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice trains the winner.  

Earlier in the undercard $14,000 Open II Handicap trot, Sanchez Rocks (Drew Monti) got away fourth while All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) cut fractions of :29.2 and 1:00.4 to the half. Monti was out and moving with Sanchez Rocks at that point and made his way to third by the top of the stretch. From there he caught All About Thechase and held off a charge by Frank's Watching (Ray Fisher Jr.) to win by ¼ length in 2:00.2.

Sanchez Rocks ($17.40) scored his 20th career win for owner Marie Houghtaling and trainer by Ron Houghtaling. 

Monti ended the day with a driving triple, as did Kyle Cummings, while 12 different trainers claimed single wins during the afternoon. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 3) with post time at 6:00 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photos courtesy of Wendy J Lowery

Seven Hundred, JD win NYSS splits at Batavia Downs

By Tim Bojarski

The "Glamour Division" of the New York Sire Stakes was well represented on Wednesday night (July 27) at Batavia Downs as 14 top 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings bred in the Empire State lined up in two $59,200 contests.

In the first division, Seven Hundred (Hunstville-Exclamation) took advantage of a perfect trip to score his second NYSS victory.

Twin B Deluxe (Jason Bartlett) went right for the lead while Seven Hundred (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Bounty Hunter (Jordan Stratton) tucked in behind for the journey. The horses remained in single file behind Twin B Deluxe through fractions of :27.3, :57.4 and 1:24.2 before rounding the final turn for home. It was there that Seven Hundred left the pocket, bolted past the tiring leader and held off a fast closing Roll With The Flow (Mark Macdonald) to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.4.

Seven Hundred ($9.70) is owned by Rick Berks and is trained by Jake Leamon. Blue Chip Bloodstock and Our Horses Sense Stable bred the winner. 

Morrill ended the night with a total of four driving victories. 

The second division saw NYSS 2-year-old champion JD (So Surreal-Park N Orchard) look like he's ready to defend that title as he went gate to wire in victory.

Mark Macdonald left like a shot for the lead with JD while the heavily favored Pleaseletmeknow (Braxton Boyd) also left from seventh and dropped in third. With everyone seated, Macdonald grabbed leather and backed down the second quarter to :29.4, forcing Pleaseletmeknow to come first up just past the three-eighths. The two hooked up in turn three and matched strides in :27.2 to three-quarters, and then to the top of the stretch. But there, JD forged ahead and separated by 2-¾ lengths at the line and won in 1:52.4. 

It was the third win in a row for JD ($5.40) who is owned by his trainer Ray Schnittker along with George Zitone and Melissa Beckwith. Zitone also bred the pacer. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (July 30) with post time at 6:00 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photos courtesy of Wendy J Lowery

Pleaseletmeknow at Batavia Downs Wednesday for NYSS tilt

By Tim Bojarski

The New York Sire Stakes make their second visit to Batavia Downs on Wednesday (July 27) when 14 of the best state-bred 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings will be on hand to claim their share of $118,400 in purses that will be distributed in two $59,200 divisions.

Among the group is Pleaseletmeknow (American Ideal-I Said Please) who is not only one of the best in the state, but also in North America. 

Pleaseletmeknow is currently the third richest 3-year-old pacing male in North America sitting behind only Meadowlands Pace winner Beach Glass and North America Cup winner Pebble Beach. The bulk of his $266,927 2022 bankroll came through winning a major engagement of his own, the $261,730 Messenger Stake at Yonkers Raceway on July 1 where he pulled first-over from fourth and rallied to a three-quarter length, 1:51.3 lifetime best victory.

Pleaseletmeknow has six wins in eight starts this year with two seconds. He has won three divisions of the NYSS that includes his last outing at Monticello Raceway where he was the heavy 1-9 favorite and romped in 1:53.2 by 2-½ lengths. He is the current points (175) and earnings ($96,788) leader in his division of the state series and comes into Genesee County at the top of his game. The track record for 3-year-old pacing geldings at Batavia Downs is 1:52.2 and that is certainly not out of reach here.

Trainer Travis Alexander has regular driver Matt Kakaley up and they will start from post seven for this contest.

Looking to stand in his way are JD and Forrest Blu who both come in looking very sharp as well.

JD (So Surreal-Park N Orchard) was the 2-year-old NYSS champion in 2021 and has not missed the board in four NYSS outings this year with two thirds, one second and a win in his last start at Monticello in 1:54.3. That was his second consecutive victory as he also won the week before that in an Excel A race at Goshen Historic on July 3 in an all-time track record-breaking performance of 1:52, that also gave him a new lifetime mark.

Western New York native Ray Schnittker trains JD and he has his regular pilot Mark MacDonald aboard and they have drawn post six. 

Forrest Blu (Roll With Joe-Lima Fairest) was a neck short of being the NYSS 2-year-old champion last year after cutting the mile himself and getting beaten by JD. This year he has had only one NYSS start before being injured and scratched out of his second. After a month off he qualified back very aggressively at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono where he cut the mile in 1:53 flat, last half in :55.2 and last quarter in :27.4. Off that performance it appears he is ready to roll. 

Tyler Buter will again drive for trainer John Butenschoen from the inside post two.

The other division features Bounty Hunter (Huntsville-Stonebridge Sundae) who comes in a neck and a nose short of three straight wins.

After going winless in 2021, Bounty Hunter already has two victories this year. And in his last three starts that were all in NYSS action, he was second by a neck in Buffalo, second by a nose in Saratoga and was a winner at Vernon Downs in a lifetime best 1:52.2 where he beat JD. After he was given a one month summer break, Bounty Hunter qualified back and finished second at Harrah’s Philly in 1:54, last half in :56.1 and last quarter in :27.4.  

Jordan Stratton makes the trip to Batavia to drive Bounty Hunter for trainer Robert Cleary who has drawn post two.

Twin B Deluxe (American Ideal-JK Isn’tshelovely) has five wins and eight board hits in 10 starts coming in but only one is in NYSS action. That came at Saratoga on June 12 when he won in a lifetime-best 1:53. The gelding has shown much versatility by both leaving and racing off a helmet and with starting from mid-pack in here, that will be a big advantage for him.

Jason Bartlett drives for trainer Andrew Harris and has post four.

Stretch The Line (Huntsville-Jessalilmixup) has yet to win in 2022 but it’s not because he doesn’t know how. Last year he won five times and earlier this year it appears he was hampered with a breaking problem. But in his last four starts he has minded his manners we'll and finished second once - race timed in 1:52.1 - and third three straight times since. If he keeps improving that first “W” is within reach here.

Marcus Miller will steer for Erv Miller from post five.

The two NYSS events will go as race four and seven. There are also two $15,000 Excel “A” series races that are in races five and eight. Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 6 p.m.

Photos by Geri Schwarz

Just Plain Loco goes crazy mile in Batavia feature

By Tim Bojarski

Questionably overlooked by the betting public, Just Plain Loco just plain ran away with the race and scored an impressive 3-¾ length victory in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (July 23) over the speedy oval on a hot summer night. 

Just Plain Loco (Dave McNeight III) shot right to the front and took a gapped length advantage to the quarter in a quick :27.1, forcing the 1-5 Surfer Beach (Jim Morrill Jr.) to seat third. After getting to the half in a softer :56.3, Just Plain Loco started pulling away from the pocket-sitting Stop Action (Shawn McDonough) and the rest of the field that was trying to keep up. But try as they might, they couldn’t as Just Plain Loco turned on the jets and scooted away to a 3-½ length advantage at the top of the stretch and as McNeight glanced back at the trailers, Just Plain Loco cruised home with the easiest of victories in 1:53 flat, tying his seasonal mark. 

Winning his fourth Open pace in the span of the last five weeks, Just Plain Loco ($11.80) pushed his bank to $62,270 this year for owners Paul Lang and Mark Toth. Jeniffer Giuliani trains the winner. 

McNeight finished the night with the hat trick in the bike. 

In the $14,000 Open II Handicap pace, McSpidey also went gate to wire and matched his best time of the year as well.

Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) crossed over to the front just past the eighth pole, but Kyle Cummings immediately pulled McSpidey from third, bolted to the lead and never looked back. After setting fractions of :28.1, :57.3 and 1:26 with Art Scene on his back and the rest of the field a few lengths behind, McSpidey turned for home and held off a late brush from the pocket-sitter to win by ¾ of a length in 1:54.2. 

McSpidey ($6.50) got his sixth win of the year for owner William Emmons and trainer Jim Clouser Jr. 

Cummings and Clouser also hooked up to win with Lanas Desire (1:57, $19.60), giving each a double for the night.  

Then in the $13,000 Open III Stratosphere got a perfect trip and pounced late to score. 

Stratosphere (Drew Monti) got away second behind Sunfirewindrain (Jim McNeight Jr.) who paced to the quarter in pedestrian :29.1. Shortly after that station Three Dragons (Dave McNeight III) tipped from third and was intent on pushing the pace. That move quickly failed as Sunfirewindrain sped up and Three Dragons could not step with the :27.1 third panel. As they rolled into the turn, Stratosphere was now on Sunfirewindrain’s back and was waiting for the word “go” from Monti. That call came from the top of the stretch and Stratosphere swelled up in the lane, pulling away to an easy 2-½ length victory in 1:55.1. 

It was the third win of the year for Stratosphere ($7.30) who is owned by his driver and trained by Darrin Monti. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (July 24) with post time at 1:15 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photos by Wendy J Lowery.
Top photo: Just Plain Loco

McSpidey

Stratosphere

Full house for Batavia Downs' 2022 opening

By Press Release

Press release:

Opening night at Batavia Downs was the scene of a crowded clubhouse, an apron full of fans and a visit from the New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old trotting fillies who competed for a total of $105,600 in purses, divided between three $32,500 divisions. 

The first of those divisions saw Last Page First (Chapter Seven-Kelsy's Keepsake) take the lead and never look back.

Driver Bob McClure took control of the race before the quarter and marched his filly confidently on the point. With no challenges to speak of, Last Page First set splits of :29.3, 1:00 and 1:30 with only All The Rage (Ake Svansted) making a run into second. Down the lane Last Page First was on cruise and finished the deal by 3-¾ lengths in 2:00.1.

It was the first-lifetime win in her first-lifetime start for Last Page First ($14.40). Luc Blais trains for Determination. Tara Hills Stud and David Heffering bred the winner.

In the second split, Mari (Crazy Wow-Kaska) scored the upset after several breakers changed the complexion of the race. 

My Belfast Angel (Tyler Buter) took the lead and the heavily favored Canterbury Hanover (Brian Sears) was positioned to claim that spot but made a break before the quarter. That left U Gurl (Marcus Miller) in the pocket and Mari (Drew Monti) drafting third. My Belfast Angel continued to lead to the half when U Gurl made a break heading towards three-quarters. When that happened, Monti pulled Mari, took the lead and never looked back. She turned for home and trotted away by 2-¾ lengths in 2:00.

It was also the first-lifetime win for Mari ($26.20) and owner Jason Shaw. Amanda Shaw trains the winner who was bred by Annette Roydon.

Monti had the hot hand Wednesday as he also won a NYSS Excel A, Excel B and two overnights to end with five driving wins for the evening.

The third division went to Kayleigh S (Chapter Seven-Pasithea Face S) who won handily in gate to wire fashion. 

By the time the race hit the first turn, four horses broke, leaving Kayleigh S (Brian Sears) with the lead and only Metro Matty (Drew Monti) to contend with. After setting soft fractions of :30.3 and 1:02 to the half, J Wow (Jim Marohn Jr.) and Woolco (Tyler Buter) both had caught the field and were still in the mix. Sears kept the third quarter tame again in :30.2 but let his filly loose after that. Kayleigh S opened up three lengths around the final turn and was wrapped up trotting home in a swift :29.1 to win in 2:01.3.

Kayleigh S ($2.90) remained undefeated lifetime after scoring her second straight win for owner Courant and trainer Marcus Melander. Am Bloodstock was the breeder.

The New Sire Stakes will return to Batavia Downs on Wednesday (July 27) when the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings will compete for a total of $103,000 in purses. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (July 23) with post time at 6 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photos: 76th season of racing opens at Batavia Downs

By Steve Ognibene

The 76th year of racing at Batavia Downs kicked off last evening with a great turnout.  A total of 14 races of which 12 betting and 2 non betting was enjoyed by a great crowd. 

Jim Mulcahy, horseman representative who grooms trainers and drivers has been at the track for 50 plus years helping organize each night of racing.  There were 3 divisions and the majority were 2-year-old trotting phillies, New York sire stake races.

Wayne Teaven is the new track announcer who also announces in Buffalo too.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Video: Meet Don Hoover, director of live racing and race secretary at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens
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Don Hoover, who grew up in North Tonawanda, took an interest in harness racing while attending Schenectady Union College near Saratoga Springs.

Before long, he was a horse owner and saw some success after college, so he quit his job at a bank so that he could train and drive his own horses.  After a few years, he moved into management at harness tracks, then spent some time with his own horses again before being offered the job as live racing director and racing secretary in February at Batavia Downs.

Hoover said he's very pleased he received the job offer, and happy that he accepted it. Batavia Downs is a special place, he said.

"Since I left Saratoga, and before I came to Batavia, I had the opportunity to race at every single racetrack in New York State," Hoover said. "Quite honestly, Batavia has the best overall facility of any of the tracks in New York State. They've redone the clubhouse. The clubhouse is great. Some of the tracks don't even open their clubhouses any more. Actually, the majority of them don't, or their clubhouses are open on a very limited basis.

"The track surface here was always a place that I liked to come race. It's always in great shape. Just the overall ambiance of Batavia Downs from when you walk into the lobby downstairs, whether you're coming to play slots, or coming to get something to eat, or coming in to watch the races. I know it's cliche, 'the friendly track,' but it's actually true. You feel it right when you walk in."

Video: Meet Wayne Teaven, new track announcer at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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Wayne Teaven grew up around harness racing.  His parents had a horse in the 1980s and they often went to Buffalo Raceway. Teaven was quite impressed as a lad by the race announcer there, Pete Szymanski.

"He used to have this way about him," Teaven told The Batavian. "He used to be very comical in his calls. He would add flavor, and he would add a little personality to it. I always thought that was great. I'm like, 'Man, this guy is really good. And I wouldn't mind being that someday.'"

It's that flair and flavor that the Lyndonville native says he tries to bring to his race calls, either at Batavia Raceway, where he has worked since 2016, or now at Batavia Downs as he takes over this season as the full-time race announcer.

Batavia Downs to unveil new live racing experience when season opens Wednesday

By Press Release

Press release:

The 2022 harness racing season will get underway at Batavia Downs at 6 p.m. on Wednesday (July 20) and when fans enter the property, they will notice the staff and facilities have undergone some major changes. Those started at the top and touched every aspect of the racing program in order to provide a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone this year.

Don Hoover has joined the Downs team and will serve in two positions. He is the Director of Live Racing and also the track’s new Race Secretary. Hoover is a western New York native who has extensive harness racing experience both as a horseman and on the administrative side. He has been on site at Batavia since early spring getting acquainted with his new positions and preparing for opening night.

“I am very excited about the upcoming 56 day live race meet here at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel. Henry (Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming) and Scott (Kiedrowski, Vice-President of Operations at Batavia Downs Gaming) have provided me with a great team to work with and I feel that we have all the pieces in place for an outstanding year. Obviously the highlight of the meet will be August 26 when we host two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes going for a total of $206,000 and the Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace with an enhanced purse of $75,000. I can’t wait to welcome the fans in for the opening night card,” said Hoover.

Patty Bruno, who has years of experience in the race office at Batavia, will continue to work alongside Hoover as the Assistant Race Secretary and Program Director. Bruno’s resume also includes race secretary overseeing the New York Sire Stake county fair program.  

Mary Bucceri has been named Administrative Assistant and Group Sales Manager. Although Bucceri has been a Batavia team member since 2005, this new position has her geared towards bringing in new patrons, and providing them with a great time while exposing them to both harness racing and the outstanding facilities Batavia Downs has to offer.

The track itself has been completely re-graded and resurfaced with the best material available, all done under the supervision of track guru Kim Crawford. Crawford had the Genesee County oval lightning fast last year and it was widely hailed by visiting horsemen as one of the best surfaces to race over in New York state.  

Missy Rothfuss, who is one of the most respected outriders in the sport, will be joining Batavia Downs after 26 years at The Meadows. She will lead the post parade nightly and provide any necessary assistance to horsemen on the track during race nights to insure the safety and well-being of all the participants.   

The last two changes on the racing side include the addition of Wayne Teaven as the voice of the Downs and Wendy J Lowery who is the new track photographer. They will bring a fresh sound and look to their respective positions that will add to the overall race day experience.

This year’s schedule starts with a Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday rotation that will run through the end of August. There is one special card on Friday (Aug. 26) featuring two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes and Batavia Down’s signature stake, the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace. Post time for the six Sundays is 1:15 p.m. and all Wednesdays, Saturdays and the Friday are at 6 p.m.

The schedule changes in September to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with two exceptions. There is a special Labor Day matinee on Monday (Sept. 5) at 1:15 p.m. and no racing on Friday (Sept. 9). Again all post times (except Labor Day) are at 6 p.m. In October only the first Friday of the month will be raced and then it will be Wednesday and Saturday until the meet ends on December 17. All post times will be at 6 p.m. except Saturday (Nov. 5) which has a special 3:15 p.m. start due to the Breeders Cup.

All eight divisions of the New York Sire Stakes will be contested at the Downs this year and those eligible horses will compete for an estimated $784,000 in purses. Plus the NYSS Excel “A” and “B” series will also be held on those nights, driving that purse value even higher. The stakes will be in town on Wednesday July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10, August 17, Friday August 26 (when two divisions will go along with the $75,000 Kane Memorial) and Wednesday August 31.

Batavia Downs will continue to provide free downloadable full past performance racing programs on their website at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab (on the left). The Batavia Downs YouTube channel will also furnish free live streaming of all the races.

There are several promotions to note on opening night. There is a mandatory payout of an $1,188 carryover on the Jackpot Pick-6 in race 5. Free print programs will be available at the track on Wednesday as well. Free OTB programs for Batavia live will also be available for the first three days of the meet (July 20, 23, 24).

Also on opening night will be a free $500 “Lotta Cash” giveaway. Beginning in race two and running through race 11, one lucky winner will be drawn at random after each race from entries submitted and the winner will receive a $50 betting voucher. You must be 18 years of age to enter and present to win.  

And you can enter to win a “Stay and Play” package Wednesday that includes a one night stay at the Batavia Downs Gaming Hotel. Simply swipe your Player’s Club card between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to be eligible for the free random drawing. Again, you must be present to win.

Other promotions scheduled during the year include $2 Sunday’s which will offer $2 hot dogs, draft beer and soda on Sunday August 7, 21 and 28 from noon to 4 p.m. Monday (Sept. 5) is the annual Labor Day driver’s bike race sponsored by Mama Squirrels Nest. Eight bikes will be given away and $2 hot dogs, draft beer and soda will be available from noon to 4 p.m. And Sunday (Oct. 16) will be the highly anticipated Wiener Dog races.

The newly remodeled Clubhouse and Rail Bar will be open at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday (when racing) and Saturday, offering a limited bar food menu along with a full buffet that is now located on the lower level for easier access. Wednesday is a home-style Buffet while Friday and Saturday features prime rib and shrimp.

In the grandstand, the Homestretch Grill is newly remodeled and is offering fresh made-to-order subs, deli sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and coming soon, brick oven pizza. They are open until 8 p.m. nightly.

The wagering menu is tasty as well. On a 10-race program, besides win, place and show there will be three daily doubles, 10 exactas, 10 trifectas, nine superfectas, two Pick-3’s, two Pick-4’s, one Pick-5 and one Jackpot Super High Five, all with low minimum wagers.

All of last year’s top drivers will be returning including Jim Morrill Jr., Kevin Cummings, Kyle Cummings, Drew Monti and Dave McNeight III. Top local trainers will be headed by last year’s leaders Jennifer Giuliani, Maria Rice, Jim McNeight and Shawn McDonough. And they will be joined by some new stables moving in.    

Jennifer Sansone will be shipping 16 horses from Kentucky and Pocono to stable at Batavia Downs, all to be driven by Fern Paquet Jr. Western New York native Jim Rothfuss will be returning home from The Meadows with a barn of 20 horses, many of which are locally owned. And other trainers who will be shipping in include Joe Skowyra, Kevin Reynolds Jr., Dale Gilmour and David Daigneault.

There was a 30 percent increase in stalls allotted this year to handle the large influx of requests from horsemen who wanted to race at Batavia Downs and with that increased horse population, very competitive racing should be seen during the meet.

For more information and updates all year, follow Batavia Downs Racetrack on Facebook or log onto the website at bataviadownsgaming.com.

Photo: File photo from 2013 by Howard Owens

Strong card expected for Batavia Downs' 2022 opening

By Press Release

Press release:

The New York Sire Stakes will join the festivities on opening night at Batavia Downs Wednesday (July 20) with three divisions of 2-year-old trotting fillies vying for $105,600 in total purse money. This is the first of seven nights of state-bred stake action slated that will see all eight divisions compete over the fast track at America’s oldest lighted harness track.

Trainer Marcus Melander will be on hand with a solid one-two punch made up of the current top series earners Canterbury Hanover (Chapter Seven-Charmed Life) and Kayleigh S (Chapter Seven-Pasithea Face S) who will face, much like themselves, some very lightly raced peers.   

Canterbury Hanover has one start and one win in NYSS action with a dominating 3-1/2 length, 1:59 victory at Saratoga Raceway on June 20. She has been off since that start except for a 2-year-old non-betting qualifier at the Meadowlands in preparation for this race. A repeat of her effort at Saratoga would make her the one to beat in this field. Brian Sears will drive from post five and is the morning line choice at 5-2.

She will be challenged by Bourbon On Ice (Chapter Seven-Spicedbourbongirl) who was in another division at Saratoga the same day and finished a strong second to Kayleigh S. Unfortunately the effort was thrown out after the judges disqualified her for bearing out and causing interference. Trainer/driver John Stark Jr. will look to make amends as they line up from post four for this race.

GiGi Hanover (Chapter Seven-Glad All Over) was the horse that got bumped by Bourbon On Ice and that probably cost her third that day after taking air in the third quarter. Trainer/driver Ake Svanstedt will look for clear sailing from post six to push the issue here.

Melander’s other entry in the next division Kayleigh S, is a full sister to this year’s number one ranked Hambletonian contender Joviality S and she herself looks to be developing very fast. She won her first lifetime start at Saratoga on June 20 as well in a gate to wire 2:00.4 jog and has a work in a 2-year-old qualifier at the Meadowlands where she won in 1:59.2, home in :28.4. She will be tough with Sears leaving from post four as the choice, also at 5-2.

Not to be overlooked here is Metro Matty (Met’s Hall-Order By Matilda) who is on a two race win streak, first in a Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono overnight in a lifetime best 1:58.3 and then right back in a NYSS at Buffalo in 2:01.4. And Usosweet Blue Chip (Devious Man-Twin B Kisses) who will make her career debut, but off of two impressive qualifying tries at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono where she finished second twice, the last in 1:58 flat, home in :28.3.

Drew Monti will drive Metro Matty from post six for trainer John Butenschoen and Marcus Miller will team Usosweet Blue Chip for trainer Erv Miller and will depart from post three.

The third NYSS split has All The Rage (E L Titan-Monroe County) looking the part for trainer/driver Ake Svanstedt. In her lone lifetime start, she tracked Canterbury Hanover from fifth in NYSS action at Saratoga before pulling at the half, making up three lengths and finishing third, timed in 1:59.4. Starting from post three in a short field at 2-1 is a great spot for this filly to get the job done this week.

Competing against her is El Mission Goddess (E L Titan-Athena’s Mission) who started twice in NYSS competition, winning her second at Buffalo in 2:01.4. She left last week and Jim Marohn Jr. may do the same here from post two for trainer Tom Corelli.

And although still winless, Defiant Lady (Devious Man-Marina Grace) has been very competitive in two qualifiers and two NYSS races and showed she is a very versatile filly. Despite post five, there is a lot to like here including local reinsman Kevin Cummings getting the nod in the bike from trainer David Dewhurst.   

The New York Sire Stake events are carded as race four, six and eight, each going for $35,200. Three $15,000 Excel “A” splits will also go in race one, two and five while two $6,500 Excel “B” races are non-betting events and will be contested before the regular card. Post time for the first pari-mutuel race is 6 p.m.

Photo of Canterbury Hanover winning at Saratoga Raceway by Melissa Simser

Batavia Downs announces new live racing team for 2022 season

By Press Release

Press release:

Representatives from Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel are preparing for a new generation of harness racing at Batavia Downs beginning next Wednesday, July 20th from America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track.

The 56-night season is scheduled to run on select Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays throughout the summer and fall.  A full schedule with post times can be found on BataviaDownsGaming.com.  With a newly renovated Clubhouse, group packages are now available and interested parties can call 585-343-3750 to book. 

“We know that Western New York Harness fans will be pleased with the time and effort that has been put into renovating the historic Clubhouse, said Scott Kiedrowski, Vice President of Operations.  “We look forward to entertaining race fans this season and for years to come.  Our new racing management team will be more focused on putting on a quality racing product with the highest integrity.”

New Director of Live Racing, Don Hoover, brings a wealth of horse racing experience at a number of tracks in the Northeast including Saratoga Harness where he spent the last 12 years.  Originally from North Tonawanda, Don left a banking career to become a successful driver/trainer at Saratoga Raceway.  He even claimed his first horse at Batavia Downs.  Over 15 years he drove and trained as several tracks along the east coast including at Batavia Downs.  He worked as an assistant Race Secretary at Vernon Downs before becoming the Simulcast Director and Race Secretary.   He then moved to Northfield Park where he headed up their racing Publicity Department while also heading up Player’s Club and taking over Handicapping Duties.

“We are so excited to welcome Don to our team, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO at Batavia Downs. Never have we had someone on our team with such an impressive breadth of knowledge in this specialized industry.  Don will bring a whole new perspective with his wealth of experience from tracks across the country.  We look forward to implementing his ideas to bring the guests of Batavia Downs the very best racing experience.”

“As we welcome back race fans, we are offering two bets that were introduced last year and proved to be really popular,” said Hoover.  “Our Pick 5 starts each night in Race 1.  If no one holds a winning ticket, the money will roll over to the next night.  Also returning is the Jackpot Super High 5 which allows patrons to predict the exact order of the first 5 horses in our last race on select nights.  Again, if no one holds a winning ticket, that money will roll over to the next night.”

Wayne Teaven is the new Race Announcer at Batavia Downs.  Wayne wanted to be a race announcer ever since he followed announcer Pete Szymanski at Buffalo Raceway back in the late 80s and 90s. This self-taught announcer worked his way up the announcing ladder in the mid-2010s before calling full races at Buffalo Raceway in 2016.  He became the full-time announcer at Buffalo Raceway in 2017. He’s called NOFA Football as well as dirt bikes, motocross, and go-kart races and is excited to be the full-time announcer.

Assistant Race Secretary and Program Director Patty Bruno has been part of the Batavia Downs team for years.  She is very involved with the New York Sire Stakes, serving as race secretary and program director for most of the county fairs in New York State.  A product of SUNY Geneseo and Nazareth College, she worked as a teacher for 34 Years.  Having retired from full-time work, she now uses her extensive knowledge and positive attitude to promote harness racing throughout New York State.

Another longtime member of the Batavia Downs Team is Mary Bucceri, now in a new role as the Administrative Assistant for Live Racing.  After working in the Marketing and Food and Beverage Departments she has assisted with many events onsite, working with many local charities and organizations to raise money via events onsite.  Mary’s family has a long history in Harness Racing with her parents both working in the industry.  Mary will be working with local groups to bring them to the newly renovated clubhouse for the upcoming racing meet.

New Track Photographer, Wendy Lowery is a newlywed who has owned and operated her own photography company for over 10 years, specializing in portrait, wedding, lifestyle and nature photography.  Her photos have been featured in the Seneca Park (Rochester) Zoo newsletters and calendar.  Wendy’s passion for equestrian photography will make her an integral part of the new Batavia Downs Live Racing Team.

Missy Morris is the new Batavia Downs Outrider.  Outriders often lead the post parade but also help calm jumpy horses or help track them down should a horse get loose.  Missy is a 3rd generation from the Stark family that participated in racing on the Western NY circuit. She has been outriding at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino (Pittsburgh) for the last 26 years.   Having started while still in high school her career has seen her ride at two Breeders Crowns and 7 years at the Little Brown Jug.

“I am pleased with the new team that has assembled here at Batavia Downs, “said Hoover.  “We look forward to improving on the Live Racing product with new promotions and events for our valued guests.  We hope all Harness Fans from throughout the county will come by to see the newly renovated Clubhouse or enjoy one of our $2 dollar days.  Our emphasis will be on providing families and fans with an affordable and fun experience at the track.”

Frequent Batavia Downs winner surpasses $20 million in career earningss

By Press Release

Press release:

After he won with Yankee On The Move in the first race at Buffalo Raceway on Sunday (June 26), Kevin Cummings eclipsed the $20 million mark in career driving earnings.

“It’s a big milestone and it felt good to get there. Especially while racing exclusively in western New York my whole career where the purses were pretty small for a long time,” said Cummings. “I learned the business from my father, John Cummings, and if it weren’t for him I would have never been able to achieve this.”

When the dust settled on Sunday, Cummings won three races and finished second in two more, bringing his current earnings total to $20,020,202.

Cummings first started in the business grooming for his father -- who was a long-time trainer and driver -- while in school and eventually started driving at age 18. After taking a few years to get established, Cummings' career really started to take off as a catch driver in 2000 and from there never looked back. He became one of the best in western New York, winning multiple dash titles over the years. From 2009 to 2018 Cummings annual earnings topped $1 million each year and just missed that mark again in 2021.

Aside from earnings, Cummings has also won 4,172 races with 3,940 seconds and 3,591 thirds from 24,362 starts giving him a lifetime universal driver rating of .310. His single best year was 2015 when he bankrolled $1,784,657 on the strength of 337 driving wins.

Cummings has spent his entire 34-year career in western New York and has excelled in both overnights and New York Sire Stake competition during that time, earning him the respect of everyone he has competed against. 

Batavia Downs director of live racing, Todd Haight, to retire in March

By Press Release

Press release:

Todd Haight, the long-time general manager and director of live racing at Batavia Downs, has announced that he will retire from that position at Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation effective March 15.

"I would like to thank WROTB Chairman of the Board Richard Bianchi and all the directors for their support over the past 20 years. I would also like to thank my dedicated co-workers who proved to be a great support system for the live racing department, and the members of the Western New York Harness Horseman's Association that I’ve worked in conjunction with for many years," said Haight.

Haight started at WROTB in 1998 as an independent contractor and later became an employee when the historic racetrack re-opened in 2002.

He first co-hosted a nightly live broadcast of races on cable TV with track announcer John Bothe. Then in 2005, he joined the corporation's marketing department, and that allowed him to reinstate all the great promotions that occurred at Batavia before WROTB purchased the Downs.

"I was able to bring back the popular driver's bike race on Labor Day and the old-fashioned hot dog days and our fans responded in big numbers once we did. Another popular promotion we started and grew was the wiener dog races and it’s nice to see so many other race tracks are doing them now," said Haight. 

“I was also able to hit the streets to sell advertising and more importantly, develop great relationships throughout the community. We used those relationships to bring businesses -- many of them for the first time -- to the Downs for a night at the races. Working with Group Sales Manager Mary Bucceri, we routinely sold out the clubhouse. Those groups affected the corporation's bottom line with sales surpassing one million dollars."

Haight explained his most valuable experience during his tenure was to work side-by-side with then WROTB vice-president and general manager of live racing, Mike Kane. He said that although he already knew the racing side of the business, Kane's mentoring on the management aspect made all the difference and was a roadmap to success for him.

In 2011 when the WROTB board of directors promoted Kane to President, Haight was promoted to general manager and he remained in that position through his retirement. 

The racing product grew under Haight's watch and in 2013 betting rose 24%. Incremental year-over-year increases continued until 2019 when the track hosted the prestigious New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions and saw new records set for both total betting handle and nightly betting handle.

"I was very happy with the way the Night of Champions turned out. It was the biggest card of racing here since the 1988 Breeders Crown and it was simply a great night, from the crowd to the racing to the event itself. The entire staff here stepped up and did an incredible job," said Haight.  

"We got through the pandemic relatively unscathed in 2020 and despite not having spectators, nightly betting doubled the levels of 2011 and crushed the records set in 2019. Last year we tried some new things and you could look at the tote-board and clearly see our pools were bigger. We ended the year up to about $3,000 per race, which was another record since WROTB took over the Downs."

Haight is currently a USTA director and the chairman of District 8 and will remain in both of those positions. And regardless of which job he was doing, his hard work promoting the sport of harness racing has not gone unnoticed by his peers. 

"It was my pleasure to work with Todd for the past 10 years. As general manager of racing at Batavia Downs, Todd had an amazing mastery of the many responsibilities his job entailed. I will miss working with him as he was a true professional. I wish him all the best in the years to come," said Bruce Tubin, president of the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association.

"Todd has been a pleasure to work with and he will leave big shoes to fill. His kind are a dying breed in that he cared for racing so much. I wish him the best of luck in retirement," said Kim Crawford, director of USTA District 8.

"I have worked with Todd at Batavia Downs since 2014 and can tell you there is no one in this industry who worked harder to promote harness racing than him. Appeasing an established customer base while trying to draw the next generation to the sport is not easy, but he maintained that delicate balance which in turn drove increased handle and attendance to the track year over year. He will certainly be missed," said Tim Bojarski, racing publicist and president of the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association. 

As far as retirement, Haight isn’t sure about his future and has indicated that he has several options.  

"If it’s playing a lot of golf I’m okay with it. And if it’s remaining in the horse racing industry in some capacity, I’m okay with that too. In any event, the last 20-plus years have been good to me and for that I’m extremely grateful."

Photo: File photo from 2021 by Howard Owens.

No Where To Hide was in plain sight at Batavia Downs

By Press Release

Press release:

Former Tioga Downs regular No Where To Hide has been a formidable foe to the local pacing gals in recent weeks and scored her second win since moving north on Wednesday night (Nov. 17) in the $12,800 distaff Open II Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs.

It was a simple game plan for driver Drew Monti and No Where To Hide, who took the front off the gate and dictated the race. With Queen Of Thrones (Kevin Cummings) sitting the pocket, No Where To Hide stepped off quarters of :28.3, :57.3 and 1:26.4 without any serious opposition from the trailing field. When the race spun off the final bend, Cummings pulled Queen Of Thrones and they took their best shot. But after closing some ground in the stretch, Queen Of Thrones still came up 1/2 length short as No Where To Hide was not to be denied, winning a sharp 1:55 mile. 

It was the eighth win of the year for No Where To Hide ($6.50) and it pushed her earnings to $51,552 for owner Rocco Stebbins. Joe Skowyra trains the 4-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight and Albany Hanover.

In the co-featured $11,200 Open III pace for fillies and mares, Watchwhatmyfeetdo (Denny Bucceri) followed intently from second behind Faithful Desire (Drew Monti) until the top of the stretch where she tipped and blew right by the leader down the lane to win easily by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:56.1.

It was the first win in three tries at Batavia Downs and the fifth win overall of the year for Watchwhatmyfeetdo ($4.90) who is owned by Jamie Daley and Dale Gilmour, who also trains the winner.

Jim Morrill Jr. led all drivers with three wins on Wednesday while trainer Gerry Sarama finished the night with two.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 20) the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta carryover pool will be $19,916 after no single unique winning ticket was sold again on Wednesday.

Free full past performance program pages for all live Batavia Downs races can be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab in the left hand column where they are always available.

And if you can’t attend the races in person, you can still watch a live stream of the entire night’s action on the Batavia Downs Youtube channel.

Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Kevin Cummings wins four and both features at Batavia Downs

By Press Release

Press release:

Perennial local driving leader Kevin Cummings had his best one-night performance of the current Batavia Downs meet on Saturday (Nov. 13) after he posted four winners during the card that included victories in both feature races.

In the $13,500 Open I Handicap pace, Cummings won with Our Corelli N on the horse's first trip to western New York.

Mississippi Rabbit (Dave McNeight III) and Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) both left and argued vehemently to the quarter in :27.3 and the half in :55.3 before Art Scene finally took to top heading on to the second circuit. But as soon as he crossed over, McSpidey (Kyle Cummings) and Our Corelli N started on the move in the breeze and continued to pressure Art Scene.

McSpidey couldn’t get by Art Scene so Cummings popped the plugs on Our Corelli N and swung three-deep around both, eventually putting a head in front at three-quarters. Our Corelli N cleared and opened up two lengths at the head of the stretch and under moderate urging, paced away to the line on top by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:55.2.

Our Corelli N ($7.70) was a $40,000 claim at Yonkers Raceway in September by current owner Marissa Russo and this was his first start and win at Batavia Downs for his new connections. David Russo trains the winner.

Later in the $13,500 Open, I Handicap trot Cummings was back behind Barn Hall and made every station a winning one.

Barn Hall left from post six took the lead before the quarter and controlled the race from there. With Saratoga invader Oh So Pine (Larry Stalbaum) following intently from second, Barn Hall clicked off quarters of :28.3, :59.1 and 1:29 with only a mild bid from Mugshots Bro (Shawn McDonough) to contend with at that last station.

As the race rounded the final bend, Barn Hall and Oh So Pine started to separate from the field. When they straightened out for home, Oh So Pine tipped and tried to rush to the front, but Barn Hall would have nothing to do with that and kept his length lead all the way to the light to win in 1:58.4.

Barn Hall ($7.10) now has eight wins and $71,577 on the card in 2021 for owners Steve and Nancy Pratt, Purple Haze Stable and Out In The Country Stable. Steve Pratt trains the 3-year-old colt.

Cummings completed his grand slam with Dontdoubtthelakers (1:59.1, $30.00) and Gallery Opening (1:57.1, $7.90). Cummings also had two seconds and two thirds from his 11 drives, giving him a UDR of .598 for the night. Cummings is currently second for the meet in the dash driving title race with 76 wins behind Jim Morrill Jr. who sits in first with 94 victories. 

The $12,500 Open II Handicap pace saw Surfer Beach (Jim Morrill Jr.) pull the drop-and-pop on the strength of a muscle move off the gate. Surfer Beach left and refused to seat, eventually getting parked past the half by Lord Willoughby A (Larry Stalbaum). But he eventually took control at the five-eighths and after putting away a challenge from Sunfirewindrain (Jim McNeight Jr.) up the backstretch, Surfer Beach caught a wave and hung-ten in the stretch to win by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:54.3.

It was the tenth win this year for Surfer Beach ($4.90) who is owned by Vogel & Wag Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the winner.

Morrill, Rice, and their ownership group also hooked up with Party Boy Hanover (1:59.4, $3.20) to end the night with two wins across the board.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 17) one of the largest carryover pools currently being offered at any race track in North America has grown once again and will be offered in race 11. After no single unique winning ticket was sold on the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta again on Saturday, the carryover is now set at $18,534 for that wager on Wednesday.

Free full past performance program pages for all live Batavia Downs races can be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab in the left hand column where they are always available. 

And if you can’t attend the races in person, you can still watch a live stream of the entire night’s action on the Batavia Downs Youtube channel.

Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Protect Blue Chip hits double digit wins in Batavia Feature

By Press Release

Press release:

Protect Blue Chip continued to add numbers to her already impressive career year on Wednesday night at Batavia Downs after she won the $12,100 distaff Open II Handicap pacing feature with a thrilling stretch run.

Protect Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) left from post seven and dropped in third while last week’s winner Queen Of Thrones (Kevin Cummings) out-muscled Pretty Blue Angel (Mike Baumeister) for the lead, taking the field to the quarter in :28 flat. Positions remained unchanged to the half and the top three horses also stayed in place to three-quarters in 1:25.1. At that station Protect Blue Chip tipped, but also stalled around the turn as Queen Of Thrones opened up a two length advantage heading into the stretch. But when they straightened out for home, Morrill got Protect Blue Chip in gear and she paced furiously to track down Queen Of Thrones at the line and win by a nose in 1:55.2.

Protect Blue Chip ($4.70) got her tenth win of the year for owners Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock and under the tutelage of Maria Rice, the 6-year-old daughter of American Ideal and Lucky Turn has now amassed $203,707 in lifetime earnings after this win.

Protect Blue Chip was the third win of the night for driver Jim Morrill Jr.

In the co-featured $11,250 fillies and mares Open III, Candy’s Desire (Kyle Cummings) followed Flames Of Fire (Jim McNeight Jr.) to the top of the stretch where she shook loose and paced away to a stout two-length victory in 1:55.4, which tied her seasonal mark. Candy’s Desire ($3.10) got her seventh win for owner/trainer Tammy Cummings.

Trainer Lisa Mariacher had a big night at the Downs as three from her stable won during the night. She scored with JK Kissntell (1:56.3, $17.60), Le Millienaire (1:59.1, $7.10) and Monster Myles (1:59.2, $13.80).

With no single unique winning ticket purchased in the Jackpot Pick-5 on Wednesday night (Nov. 10), there will be a very healthy and continually growing carryover of $17,346 for that bet in race 12 when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 13). There is also a carryover of $2,000 in the Jackpot Pick-6 in race six. 

Free full past performance programs for the entire card — that includes all these carryover races — can be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab in the left column, where they can be found for every live night of racing at Batavia Downs.

Post time for the first race Friday is 5 p.m.

$16,246 carryover, free programs at Batavia Wednesday

By Press Release

Press release:

One of the largest carryover pools currently being offered at any race track in North America is available at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 10) when $16,246 will seed the proceedings in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the tenth race. With no unique winning ticket having been purchased on this wager in the past several weeks, the pool has grown to one of the largest the Downs has seen and offers a great mid-week betting opportunity both live and off-track.  

There is another carryover being offered in race five where $1,508 will be available for the Jackpot Pick-6.

Free full past performance program pages for all live Batavia Downs races can be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab in the left-hand column where they are always available. 

And if you can’t attend the races in person, you can still watch a live stream of the entire night’s action on the Batavia Downs Youtube channel.

Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Colors auction at Harrisburg to benefit Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption

By Press Release

Press release:

The Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program will be holding a fundraiser auction featuring 21 sets of race-used driving colors signed by their respective drivers. The first set will be sold on the opening day of the Harrisburg Sale on Monday (Nov. 8).

Bob “Hollywood” Heyden will get the auction started in the main sales arena at approximately 11:30 a.m. before the first hip number enters the ring. It will be a live auction and the high bidder will get their choice of any one of the 21 sets available. All the signed colors will be on-site for inspection and for the winner to choose from. Payment with cash, check or Paypal will be accepted by PHSAP for the Harrisburg auction.

The remaining 20 sets will be listed at Ongait.com starting on Tuesday (Nov. 9). Each day’s listing will include four different suits to bid on and the auctions will each last two days. A new group of four will go online each day for five days until all are sold. You will need to register with Ongait before bidding and all winners will be directed to PHSAP for payment information. Winning bidders will receive their items through the mail.

The signed colors available for bids include Jason Bartlett, George Brennan, Corey Callahan, Dan Dube, Dexter Dunn, Yannick Gingras, Wally Hennessy, Matt Kakaley, Mark Macdonald, Jim Marohn Jr., Andy McCarthy, Todd McCarthy, Bob McClure, James McDonald, Andy Miller, David Miller, Dave Palone, Brian Sears, Jordan Stratton, Tim Tetrick and Scott Zeron.

All proceeds from the high bids for all 21 sets of colors will go directly to help fund the mission at the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program.

The Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program, Inc. is a New York State Not-For-Profit Class "B" Corporation with Federal 501(c)3 tax exempt status and is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. PHSAP has been formed to ensure that retired Standardbred horses find a second calling and profession. Application for accreditation to the Standardbred Transition Alliance has been made and is pending approval.

To learn more please log on to phsap.org.

Mugshots Bro victorious in Batavia feature trot

By Press Release

Press release:

After a string of second-place finishes, Mugshots Bro finally visited the Purple Haze winner's circle after capturing the $13,500 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on a Friday night (Oct. 29) that featured wind, rain and sloppy track conditions. 

Mugshots Bro (Shawn McDonough) exchanged leads early with Barn Hall (Kevin Cummings) but found himself on the point at the half and from there, the race was his. Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) moved alongside on the rim and was prompting the pace on the second circuit but only stayed close to the top of the stretch. In the lane Mugshots Bro left the scene, trotting his final quarter in :28.4 and winning by three lengths in 1:56.4. 

Mugshots Bro ($14.40) scored his seventh win of the year and pushed his earnings to $62,288 for owner Herman Niedhammer and Herman Niedhammer Jr. Shawn McDonough also trains the winner. 

McDonough ended the night with two driving and two training wins to lead both categories on Friday. 

The $12,100 Open II Handicap saw Willie B Worthy (Kevin Cummings) come from mid-pack late and catch Noble Legend (Jim Morrill Jr.) in deep stretch to win by 1-½ lengths in 1:58.2. 

It was the sixth win of the year for Willie B Worthy ($15.60) who is owned by William Emmons and trained by Jim Closer Jr. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 30) there will be one guaranteed pool and two carryovers on the betting menu. 

With no winner of the Pick-5 on Friday (Oct. 29), there is a carryover of $1,060 and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the track will offer a $4,000 guaranteed pool for that wager on Saturday (Oct. 30). The guarantee is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages will be available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab on Saturday morning.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the next day of racing.

Then there are two carryovers. First in the Jackpot Pick-6 in race four, there is a carryover of $803 and then later in race nine, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a carryover of $12,630.

Free full past performance program pages for all live Batavia Downs races can be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab where free full card past performance programs are always available for every live racing night at Batavia Downs.

And if you can’t attend the races in person, you can still watch a live stream of the entire night’s action on the Batavia Downs Youtube channel.

Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Batavia offers $4,000 guarantee and carryovers Saturday

By Press Release

Press release:

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday evening (Oct. 30) there will be one guaranteed pool and two carryovers on the robust betting menu. 

With no winner of the Pick-5 on Friday (Oct. 29), there is a carryover of $1,060 and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the track will offer a $4,000 guaranteed pool for that wager on Saturday (Oct. 30). The guarantee is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages will be available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab on Saturday morning.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the next day of racing.

Then there are two carryovers up for grabs. First in the Jackpot Pick-6 in race four, there is a carryover of $803 and then later in race nine, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a carryover of $12,630.

Free full past performance program pages can always be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab for every racing card all season long at Batavia Downs.

And if you can’t attend the races in person, you can still watch a live stream of the entire night’s action on the Batavia Downs Youtube channel.

Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

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