harness racing

Press release:

Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock have brought many nice top-end horses to Batavia Downs this year and the acquisition of 5-year-old pacing mare Tuapeka Jessie N fit right into their business model as she remains unbeaten in three starts at the Downs after winning the $13,500 fillies and mares Open I Handicap pace on Wednesday night (Oct. 27).

No Where To Hide (Drew Monti) was first to the front at the quarter in :27.3, but Jim Morrill Jr. had Tuapeka Jessie N out and rolling as well and took control just past that station. With no further confrontations, Morrill backed off the pace to :56.4 and 1:25.4 before Don’t Chip Me (Jim McNeight Jr.) reached third in the breeze on a rush into the last turn. That bid failed and Tuapeka Jessie N had only the pocket-sitting No Where To Hide to beat, who moved outside and was wheeling at the top of the stretch. No Where To Hide tried to find more in the lane, but Tuapeka Jessie N was just too much once again and paced away to a 2-1/2 length victory in 1:54.3 on a chilly night.

Tuapeka Jessie N ($2.40) got her fifth win of the year and is now just short of $40,000 in earnings for the year. The 5-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight-Tuapeka Maddy is trained by Maria Rice.

Morrill also won the co-featured $11,250 Open III for distaff pacers with All About Amy ($3.90) who sat second behind Lillian Rose (Dan Yetman) all the way to the top of the stretch where she found room in the passing lane and got up late to win by 1/2 length in 1:56.1.

That was the second win in a row for All About Amy who is owned by Philip Mazzone and trained by Russell Bratt.

Morrill ended the night with three wins on the card as did Kevin Cummings. Gerry Sarama was the leading trainer scoring two wins of his own.

With no single unique winning ticket purchased in the Jackpot Pick-5 on Wednesday night (Oct. 27), there will be a carryover of $12,630 for that bet in race nine when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 29). There is also a carryover of $657 in the Jackpot Pick-6 in race four. 

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

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

Press release:

Top trotter Lougazi has been camera shy of late, not winning since September 17. But he smiled pretty for his picture on Friday night (Oct. 22) after capturing the $13,500 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs.

As usual, Ray Fisher Jr. got away last with Lougazi and trailed the leading Barn Hall (Kevin Cummings) by 7-¼ lengths in the :27.1 first quarter. But Fisher was quickly out and moving with Lougazi at the three-eighths and slowly made his way up towards the leader. When the race reached three-quarters in a solid 1:26.4, Lougazi was within reach of Barn Hall and drew dead-even with him at the head of the lane. Heading for home he took the lead from Barn Hall and then held off a late closing Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) to win by ¼ length in 1:56.1. 

The sixth win of the year puts Lougazi ($6.00) over the $50,000 mark for the year for owner Mary Warriner. Ryan Swift trains the winner. 

Jim Morrill Jr. continued his torrid winning streak as he registered another grand slam at Batavia Downs. Two of those four wins just happened to come in the two co-featured trots.

In the $12,100 Open II Handicap, Morrill cleared the lead past the quarter with Party Boy Hanover ($7.70) and then ran off the screen, winning by seven lengths in 1:57.1, which was a new seasonal mark. 

Then later in the $11,250 Open III Handicap, Morrill left again with the veteran Noble Legend ($3.70), led every step of the way and then held off Simonthediamond (Dan Yetman) at the line to win by ¾'s of a length in 1:58.2. 

Both horses are owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock and both horses are trained by Maria Rice.

Morrill and Rice hooked up again to win with Americanisation (1:56.2, $17.40) which gave Rice the training hat trick. Morrill then finished off his four-bagger by winning with Graystonefastmyles (1:57.2, $2.40). 

With no single unique winning ticket purchased in the Jackpot Pick-5 on Friday night (Oct. 22), there will be a carryover of $11,214 for that bet in race nine when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 23). There is also a small but mentionable carryover of $349 in the Jackpot Pick-6 in race four. 

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

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

Press release:

After scoring an eye-opening eight-length win last week, Stratosphere bounced right back and won again in the $13,500 Open I Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 16). 

Drew Monti sent Stratosphere off the car and got parked to the quarter in :26.4 before clearing the front. But after taking the lead, they backed off the half to :56.3 and from there had the upper hand. With McSpidey (Kyle Cummings) breathing down his back and Silver Beast (Jim McNeight Jr.) chasing on the rim, Stratosphere was unfazed while he stuck to his task, rounded the last turn, and cruised home to an easy 1-¼ length win in 1:54.1.

It was the second straight Open I win and fourth win in the last five starts for Stratosphere ($3.40) who now has seven wins and $50,978 in earnings for the year for his driver/owner Drew Monti. Darrin Monti trains the winner. 

Drew Monti also won with Apple Valley Art (1:56.3, $4.20) and Charmbo Orbit (1:55.1, $3.00) to end the night the leading driver with three wins. 

In the $12,100 Open II Handicap, Stranger Things (Shawn McDonough) sat second behind Mississippi Rabbit (Drew Monti) until the head of the lane where he dipped down, snuck up the passing lane, and brushed late to a ¼ length win in 1:54.3. 

Stranger Things ($6.70) is owned by Virginia Schoeffel, Kathy Schoeffel, and James Reuther and is trained by Angelo Nappo. 

McDonough ended the night with two driving wins as well as one training win.

Other horsemen having two wins were driver Kevin Cummings and trainer Jim Clouser Jr.

With no single unique winning ticket purchased in the Jackpot Pick-5 on Saturday night (Oct. 16), there will be a carryover of $9,927 for that bet in race nine when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 20). 

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

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

Press  release:

Jim Morrill Jr. remained flaming hot at Batavia Downs after he won four more races at the Genesee County track including both Open paces. Morrill’s torrid pace at the current meet accelerated over the last three days where he won 15 races out of his 26 starts at the Downs. Morrill currently has 80 wins this year at Batavia and just went over the half-million-dollar mark in earnings tonight.

The highlight of his evening came in the $13,500 fillies and mares Open I Handicap pace with Taupeka Jessie N ($3.00) who took the lead past the quarter, established a commanding 1-1/2 length lead by the half and extended that to 2-3/4 at the line where she won in 1:54.

It was the second straight win for Taupeka Jessie N who remains undefeated at Batavia for owners Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock and trainer Maria rice.

Then in the $12,200 Open II handicap for distaff side-wheelers, Morrill grabbed the lines behind Vicious Circle ($2.10) for the first time and took full advantage of a class drop to also go gate to wire, heavily regarded at 1-9 and win by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:54.2.  

Vicious Circle is owned by Rick Howles, Geoff Howles and Souren Hovsepian and is trained by John Hallett.

Morrill rounded out his grand slam with Southern Palms (1:58.1, $39.60) and Proudamericangirl (1:58.1, $3.30).

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 15), there will once again be two healthy carryovers available.

With no single unique winning ticket purchased in the Jackpot Pick-5 on Wednesday night (Oct. 13), there is a carryover of $8,212 for that bet in race nine and with the same situation occurring in the Jackpot Pick-6, another carryover of $1,957 will be in place for that wager in race four.

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

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

Press release:

Fresh back from a six-week respite, Stratosphere made his return felt intermediately after looping the field to win by open lengths at 21-1 in the $12,300 Open I Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 9).

This race was an example of what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Foo Fighter N (Kevin Cummings) left and took the lead at the pylons while Surfer Beach (Jim Morrill Jr.) was parked out next to him and Matticulous GB (Larry Stalbaum) was also parked three-deep in line. At this point Stratosphere (Drew Monti) was seated fifth, watching the action. From that point on Foo Fighter N, Surfer Beach and Matticulous GB raced side-by-side -- three-deep -- to the quarter in :27.2, the half in :54.3 and three-quarters in 1:23.4 and neither of them would relent. At that third station, Monti had Stratosphere out and rolling and tipped four-deep into the last turn, circled the group and then ran away with the race. Stratosphere opened up four lengths at the top of the stretch and extended that to eight lengths at the wire where he was a wrapped-up winner in 1:53.

It was the third win in the last four starts and the sixth win overall for Stratosphere ($44.00) who is owned by his driver and trained by Darrin Monti.

Drew Monti added two more wins on Saturday to end the night with three.

In the $11,000 Open II Handicap, Endeavors Pride (Kevin Cummings) took full advantage of pylon position and led at every station before turning for home with a brisk :28.4 clocking to hold of late challenges from Sunfirewindrain (Jim McNeight Jr.) and Toot Toot N (Kyle Cummings) to win by a length in 1:54.4.

The horse that had no wins and a mere $4,047 in earnings last year, Endeavors Pride ($4.00) now has six wins and $49,008 in 2021 for owner Mike Torcello. Gerry Sarama trains the winner.

Jim Morrill Jr. followed up his seven-win effort on Friday at Batavia with three more wins on Saturday.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 13), there will once again be two healthy carryovers available.

With no single unique winning ticket purchased in the Pick-5 on Saturday night (Oct. 9), there is a carryover of $7,668 for that bet in race nine and with the same situation occurring in the Jackpot Pick-6, another carryover of $1,675 will be in place for that wager in race four.

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

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

Press release:

For the second time this season, the management of Batavia Downs along with the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association has announced that starting Wednesday (Oct. 13) purses for all races held at the track will be increased by 10%. As was the case earlier this year, the increase is due to the continued success in business the VLT’s have seen on the gaming floor and the brisk action at the windows for the horses as per-race betting is up 18%.

“This is the kind of news we like to announce. Because of our loyal customer base at the track and the unbelievable support our gaming floor gets from all our guests, we are able to raise our purses again so our horsemen can continue to race for some of the best money available in the upstate region all year,” said Todd Haight, General Manager/Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.

With the new increased structure in place, the bottom purse at the Downs will be raised from $4,200 to $4,600, a $10,000 claimer will go for $9,800 and the top purse will jump from $12,300 to $13,500. 

Press release:

With Misty Memory N not entered this week, Protect Blue Chip regained her spot as morning line favorite in the $12,300 fillies and mares Open I Handicap pace and delivered as expected on that forecast after she won the weekly distaff feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 6).

Jim Morrill Jr. put Protect Blue Chip right on the engine and pretty much ran the show. Without any resistance for the first half that went in a respectable :56.2, a minor challenge came from Vicious Circle (Jim McNeight Jr.) on the backstretch to three-quarters that Protect Blue Chip easily turned away.  Protect Blue Chip continued to pace sharply and in the stretch, held off a charge from the pocket-sitting Stay Beautiful (Kevin Cummings) as well as the late closing Gotta Love Cabot (Shawn McDonough) at the line to win by one length in 1:54.3.

It was win number nine for Protect Blue Chip ($4.60) and her owners Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock and it pushed her earnings to $64,517 on their behalf. Maria Rice trains the mare.

Protect Blue Chip was only one of three winners Morrill had during the proceedings on Wednesday.

One race earlier in the $11,000 Open II Handicap for female pacers, former Borscht Belt regular Don’t Chip Me shipped in from Monticello Raceway and turned a pretty rough trip into quite a victory.

Drew Monti took Don’t Chip Me off the gate and settled in seventh as a three-wide speed duel was raging in front between Peggy J (Jim Morrill Jr.), Wonderful World (Denny Bucceri), and Cinderella Delight (Kevin Cummings), who grabbed the lead at the quarter but then gave it back to Wonderful World at the half, who was still parked. Moving up the backside Peggy J went three-wide around both to take the lead and at this point, Don’t Chip Me was sixth and three-deep on the move. Monti continued to drive around the last turn and Don’t Chip Me picked up all the pieces down the lane to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:55.2.

Don’t Chip Me ($14.20) is now a 13-time winner in 2021 and has solid earnings of $64,087 as a result. The 4-year-old Hypnotic Blue Chip-Don’t Flash Me mare is owned by Rick Howles, Geoff Howles, and John Hallet, who also does the training.

Kevin Cummings and Drew Monti each scored two driving wins during the card.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 8) there will be two carryovers available.

With no unique single winning ticket purchased in the Pick-5 on Wednesday night (Oct. 6), there is now a carryover of $5,963 for that bet in race nine and with the same situation occurring in the Jackpot Pick-6, another carryover of $1,216 will be in place for that wager in race four.

Free full past performance programs for the entire card -- that includes these races -- can be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab, where they are always found for every live night of racing at Batavia Downs.

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

Press release:

In his last visit to Batavia Downs, American Zest A demolished a field of Open II pacers as he won in 1:52.3 by open lengths. After a brief stop at Yonkers last week, the Aussie-bred returned to  Genesee County and made quick work of the Open I fellowship to claim the winner’s share of the $12,300 purse in the Saturday night (Oct. 2) Handicap.

Larry Stalbaum took American Zest A off the gate and settled in third as Foo Fighter N (Kevin Cummings) put up torrid numbers of :26.3 and :55.2. Positions remained unchanged until midway up the backstretch when Silver Beast (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first-over while American Zest A quickly followed him. It was only a few strides before Stalbaum tipped American Zest A three-deep in the last turn in advance of taking control of the race. American Zest A cleared in the stretch and pulled away to a 2-1/4 length victory in 1:53.3.

It was the seventh win of the year for American Zest A ($3.80) who is both owned and trained by Stalbaum.

In the $11,000 Open II Handicap, Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) made every step a winning one despite some tense moments at the wire. Endeavors Pride (Kevin Cummings) had been sitting in the pocket the entire trip and at the head of the stretch, Cummings tipped him off that cover to make a late rush for the lead. But Art Scene was tough and hung on by a head in 1:54.4. Art Scene ($3.20) is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock and is trained by Maria Rice.

Jim Morrill Jr. topped the driver’s list again, scoring three wins on Saturday night.

There was no winner in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager again on Saturday so there will be a carryover of $5,214 for that wager on Wednesday (Oct. 6) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs. There is also another carryover that has been quietly growing in the Jackpot Pick-6 and it’s now worth $1,006. 

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

Press release:

Without question, the best resident mare at Batavia Downs continued to roll as Misty Memory N won the $12,300 fillies and mares Open I Handicap on Wednesday (Sept. 29) to score her fourth win in her last five starts at the Genesee County oval.

Misty Memory N (Denny Bucceri) got away last in the scratch-shortened field of five and watched as Protect Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) took the field to the half in :57.1. When Kevin Cummings pulled Stay Beautiful at that station, Bucceri followed with Misty Memory N and shadowed her cover until the last turn. That’s where Bucceri tipped three-deep around everybody and let Misty Memory N pace home entirely on her own while opening up a 3-1/2 length lead at the wire where she won in 1:54.4.

Misty Memory N ($4.60) continues to rack up the numbers during this career year for her, now with 10 wins and $78,126 in the bank. Gaston Lareau trains for owner JP Houle Stables.

One race earlier in the $11,000 Open II for female pacers, Canadian transplant Taupeka Jessie N (Jim Morrill Jr.) was bet off the board at 1-9 and made easy work of her seven competitors after taking the front off the gate, leading at every station and pulling away to a 2-1/2 length win in 1:55.3.

Recently purchased by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing, and Adelphi Bloodstock, Taupeka Jessie N ($2.20) scored her third win of the year. Maria Rice is her trainer.

Morrill added wins with Mean Pauline (1:57.1, $4.80), Rocklindarock (1:58.1, $2.60) and Innocent Victim (1:56.1, $2.80) for a grand slam on the night. Kyle Cummings also had a driving hat trick while trainers Tammy Cummings and Gaston Lareau each registered two wins.

There were three carryover pools going into Wednesday night and when the dust had settled, two will still be live when racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 1).

The $5,000 guaranteed Pick-5 was hit and the combination of 6-6-5-4-5 returned $573.25 for a 50-cent bet. However on Friday in the ninth race the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a healthy carryover of $4,069 for that bet and another small but mentionable carryover of $589 is available for the Jackpot Pick-6 in race four.

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

Press release:

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 29) there will be three carryovers and one large guaranteed pool.

With no winner of the Pick-5 on Saturday night (Sept. 25), there is a carryover of $837 and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the track will offer a $5,000 guaranteed pool for that wager on Wednesday (Sept. 29). The guarantee is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by clicking here. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv0929x.pdf)

Free program pages can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab or on the Batavia Downs Facebook page.

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 in race 9, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has another healthy carryover of $3,449 for that bet, and another small but mentionable carryover of $467 is available for the Jackpot Pick-6 in race four.

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

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

Press release:

Perennial local driving leader Kevin Cummings had a big night at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 25) after winning both weekly pacing features with Black Is Back and Foo Fighter N and vaulting himself into second place for dash wins at the current meet.

It has been some time since Black Is Back visited the Purple Haze winner’s circle but he definitely earned the right this day as he turned a first-over move into a hard fought victory in the $12,300 Open Handicap pace.

Black Is Back got away third in the short field of six while Raksmach N (Denny Bucceri) took his usual position on the point where he led at the half in :57 flat. Looking solid on the lead, Raksmach N was soon visited by Black Is Back and Crockets Cullen N (Larry Stalbaum) who were rolling up the rim at the five-eighths. Black Is Back took command of the race on the backstretch after Raksmach N succumbed to his challenge and then Crockets Cullen N moved right alongside. and these two tangled all the way to the wire.

After tripping the third-panel timer in 1:25.3, Black Is Back and Crockets Cullen N tangled all the way to the wire. The pacing pair opened up 2-1/2 lengths on the field but couldn’t separate themselves with a sheet of paper. Both Cummings and Stalbaum drove hard down the stretch and to the line and after all their hard work, it took a photo to decide Black Is Back won by a head in a seasonal best 1:54.1

Black Is Back ($13.40) scored his fourth win of the year for owners Curtis Edholm and Mihajlo Zdjelar Sr. The 8-year-old Western Terror gelding is trained by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr.   

Then Cummings scored with Foo Fighter N in the $11,000 Open II Handicap with the fastest clocking of the night.

Foo Fighter N took the lead off the gate and held a 1-1/2 length advantage to the half with Itsonlyrocknroll A (Larry Stalbaum) tracking intently. Cummings tapped the gas and Foo Fighter N sped to a :28.1 third-quarter and extended his lead to 2-1/2. From there he was a runaway, opening up six lengths by the top of the stretch and then sprinted home in another :28.1 panel to win by eight in 1:53.

Foo Fighter N (7.20) is having a career earnings year with now $62,506 in the bank for owner William Emmons. Jim Clouser Jr. trains the winner.

Cummings is now in second place in the driving derby, tied with Dave McNeight III with 27 wins. However, they are both chasing the leading Jim Morrill Jr. who sits in the throne with 54 wins.  

Other horsemen having multiple wins Saturday include drivers Jim McNeight Jr. and Larry Stalbaum along with trainer Jim McNeight, all tallying two wins for the evening.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 29) there will be a plethora of punting opportunities with major payouts available as “carryovers” is the word of the day.  

First, there is an $837 carryover in the Pick-5 wager in the first race and Todd Haight -- General Manager of Batavia Downs -- has announced there will be a guaranteed $5,000 pool for that wager on Wednesday. The guarantee is in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free past performance pages for races, one through five will be available on the USTA’s website on Monday as well as Batavia Downs website and Facebook page.

Then later in the card, there is a $467 carryover in the Jackpot Pick-6 bet in the fourth race and finally, in race nine, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 features a $3,449 carryover.

Free complete past performance programs are always available for download at bataviadownsgaming.com and the Batavia Downs Facebook page and Wednesday’s (Sept. 29) program with all these excellent betting options will be available tomorrow (Sunday, Sept. 26) so you can get a head start on handicapping.

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

Three Open trots headlined the Friday night (Sept. 24) card at Batavia Downs and all three winners won in gate to wire fashion. 

In the $12,300 Open I Handicap, Frank's Watching (Ray Fisher Jr.) left from post three and opened up a four length lead by three-quarters. From there he coasted home to a 1:57.3 win by 1-¼ lengths. 

It was the second straight win and eighth of the season for Frank's Watching ($3.10) who is owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift.

Then in the $11,000 Open II Handicap, J-s Swanman (Jim McNeight Jr.) led comfortably to the half in a soft :59 until Willie B Worthy (Kevin Cummings) put the pressure on at three-quarters. But as he drew alongside J-s Swanman, Willie B Worthy made a break at the top of the turn and J-s Swanman was clear. He held off a late challenge from All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) in deep stretch to win by ¼ length in 1:59.

J-s Swanman ($15.80) is owned by Mike Ventura and is trained by Jim McNeight. 

Finally in the $9,000 Open III Handicap, Majestic Kat (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled a "drop-and-pop" from Open II and registered an easy 3-½ length win without any challenge at all in 1:58.2.

Majestic Kat ($3.80) is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the winner. 

Morrill ended up the top driver on Friday after scoring a hat trick during the program. 

There was no winner in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager again on Friday so there will be a carryover of $2,981 for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 25) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs. The is also a small carryover of $360 in the Jackpot Pick-6.

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

Press release:

The weather was cool but Misty Memory N stayed hot after she won her fourth race out of five starts at Batavia Downs, taking the $12,300 distaff pacing feature on Wednesday night (Sept. 22).

Misty Memory N (Denny Bucceri) played give-and-go with Protect Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) and finally settled on the lead for good past the :28 first quarter. Upon reaching the half, Stay Beautiful (Braxton Boyd) was on a first-over rush and hastened the pace to 1:26 at three-quarters. But it was a one-shot deal for Stay Beautiful and Misty Memory N left her and the rest of the field behind while she opened up a 2-1/4 length lead at the top of the stretch. From there she paced home on her own, extending her advantage further at the line where she won in 1:54.3, which was her fastest win time at the Downs despite the off track.

Overall it was the ninth win of the year for Misty Memory N ($5.60) who has now earned $71,976 in 2021. The 8-year-old daughter of Real Desire-Deja Vous is owned by the JP Houle Stable who claimed her for $24,000 on August 25. Gaston Lareau trains the winner.

The $11,000 Open II pace for fillies and mares went to Queen Of Thrones (Jim Morrill Jr.) who took the lead after being parked the first quarter in :27.4 and continued to extend her lead from there. After getting to three-quarters in 1:26 on top by 1-3/4, Queen Of Throne gapped the field by three at the head of the stretch and ran away to a four length win in 1:55.1.

After three consecutive second-place finishes, Queen Of Thrones ($5.50) got her fourth win of the year for owner/trainer Ryan Swift. 

Driver Braxton Boyd and trainer Jennifer Giuliani teamed up to win three races on Wednesday to lead all others in their respective categories. They both had pictures taken with Ohio Prince (1:56.1, $2.30), Thedoginthefight (1:56.3, $3.30), and Rural Art (1:58.2, $2.70). 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 24) there will be two carryovers featured. The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta has a carryover of $2,005 and the Jackpot Pick-6 has a carryover of $212. Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

Press release:

Former Batavia Downs driving champion Larry Stalbaum returned to western New York and has already started to find his old groove. On Saturday night (Sept. 18) “The Bomber” swept both pacing features with horses he owns and trains and he did it in impressive fashion. 

Stalbaum took the $12,300 Open I Handicap with recent acquisition Matticulous GB, with a tough first-over trip.

Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) outfought Daylight Rush (Dave McNeight III) and Major Authority (Wade Tomaszewski) for the front and led the field to the half in :56. Stalbaum pulled Matticulous GB first-over and drew alongside Art Scene by three-quarters. The two pacers then went stride for stride around the last turn and into the final eighth. The battle continued into a deep stretch where Matticulous GB got the edge over Art Scene and then held off a late burst from Daylight Rush to win in 1:53.4.

Matticulous GB ($5.50) got his third win of the year, but first in two starts for Stalbaum.

Then in the $11,000 Open II pace, American Zest A returned to the Downs after two starts at Saratoga and despite being a beaten favorite in four previous Genesee County starts, demolished the resident group this night.

Stalbuam played give-and-go with Catch A Lefty A (Mike Baumeister) at the start of the race before taking control of the race with American Zest A by the quarter and from there, the race was history. After getting to the half in an unchallenged:56.4, American Zest A started to lengthen his lead at three-quarters and by the top of the stretch he was clear by four. Stalbaum sat chilly as American Zest A cruised down the lane by open lengths and won in a sparkling 1:52.3.

American Zest A ($3.00) got his sixth win of the year and pushed his earnings to $58,168 this year. 

Stalbaum added a win with catch drive Better Watch Out (1.56.1, $) to lead all drivers with three wins and all trainers with two. 

There was a guaranteed $5,000 pool in the Pick-5 wager on Saturday and $5,438 of new money was generated on the strength of the $898 carryover and a USTA Strategic Wagering guarantee. The combination of 2, 1, 1, 2, 4-3, 5 paid $142 for a 50-cent wager.

There was no winner in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager on Saturday so there will be a carryover of $1,527 for that wager on Wednesday (Sept. 22) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs with post time for the first race at 5 p.m.

Press  release:

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 18) there will be two carryovers and one guaranteed pool.

With no winner of the Pick-5 on Friday (Sept. 17), there is a carryover of $898 and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the track will offer a $5,000 guaranteed pool for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 18). The guarantee is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by clicking here. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv0918x.pdf)

Free program pages can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab.

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 in race 9, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a carryover of $1,156. Free program pages for these races can also 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.

Press release:

Driver Ray Fisher Jr., trainer Ryan Swift, and owner Mary Warriner were a formidable team at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 17) as they won both top trotting features of the week. 

Friday's "A" Team took the $12,300 Open I Handicap trot with Lougazi ($3.00) who made his first Batavia Downs appearance of 2021. 

Willie B Worthy (Kevin Cummings) led to the quarter in a slow:29 split, so Fisher pulled Lougazi early from third and sat outside the leader pushing the pace. After a :56.4 half and 1:26.4 three-quarters, Lougazi finally crossed over and took command heading into the final bend. From there he trotted home with authority and won by a length in 1:56.

It was the 39th-lifetime win for the 7-year-old gelded son of Lou's Legacy.

Then in the $11,000 Open II Handicap, Frank's Watching was assigned post eight and dismissed by the betting public at 25-1. But that had little bearing on the outcome. 

Frank's Watching went right to the front, increased his lead incrementally at each quarter station, turned for home with a  3-⅓ length margin and coasted home to win in a new lifetime best time of 1:57.1. 

That was the seventh win of the year for the upset-minded Frank's Watching ($52.50).

Shawn McDonough was the leading horseman on Friday with a driving hat trick and also two training wins. 

Frank's Watching wasn't the only longshot to hit the board on Friday. The card opened with a real bomb when Western Passage was sent off at 37-1 to pay $77.50. Being the first race of the Pick-5 wager, it resulted in no one having the winning combination. As a result there is an $898 carryover for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 18) and the management of Batavia Downs has announced there will be a $5,000 guaranteed pool as well. That will be part of the USTA's Strategic Wagering and free program pages for those races are available on the USTA's website or by clicking this link. 

https://legacy.trackmaster.com/usta/btv0918x.pdf 

There is also a carryover of $1,156 for the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the last race on Saturday and free full card program pages are always available for download at the Batavia Downs website and Facebook page. 

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

Press release:

Protect Blue Chip finished third in her first start back last week after returning from a five-week respite. That start served her well as she bounced back with a season’s best effort in winning the $12,300 Distaff Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Sept. 15).

Jim Morrill Jr. hustled Protect Blue Chip to the lead and kept everyone honest through fractions of:27.4 and:57. At that point the field split -- three in and three out -- with the outer flow consisting of Stay Beautiful (Braxton Boyd), Wonderful World (Drew Monti), and Misty Memory N (Shawn McDonough).

Feeling the pressure, Morrill tapped the gas and Protect Blue Chip sped up the third panel to:28.2. However, despite the increased tempo, Stay Beautiful continued to reel in the leader and Misty Memory N tipped three high and was full of pace. Heading for home and in the midst of the attack, Protect Blue Chip stayed brave and fended off all comers under a mere line drive by Morrill and won by a 1-1/4 lengths in 2021 personal best of 1:54.

It was the eighth win of the year for Protect Blue Chip ($3.40) who is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice is the trainer.

Morrill ended up as the winningest driver on Wednesday after he added scores with Willy Mouse (2:00.1, $5.40) and Hey Kobe (1:56.4, $4.20) to take home the hat trick.

A scratch shortened field of five mares started in the $9,900 Open III pace and when they hit the wire they were all only 1-1/2 lengths apart from each other.

Ellieonthemove (Kevin Cummings) got away easy and led to the half without opposition. Then Twin B Kini (Drew Monti) tipped first-over at five-eighths and drew even with the leader by the 1:27.3 three-quarters. At the top of the stretch the entire field fanned out across the track and all five horses had a shot to win, but Twin B Kini was toughest of all and hung on by a neck in 1:56.4.

Twin B Kini ($5.00), who came in fresh off winning the New York Sire Stake County Fair final for 3-year-old pacing fillies at Historic Track in Goshen on Sunday (Sept. 5), increased her 2021 win total to 11 on the strength of this victory for her owners John Sixt and Judy Blaun, who also does the training.

Monti and Blaun combined to score a consecutive double after they won with Barry Hanover (1:55.3, $3.10) in the following race.

The Jackpot Hi-5 perfecta was not hit in the last race on Wednesday so there will be a $946 carryover for that bet on Friday when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs at 5 p.m.

Press release:

Jim Morrill Jr. was in top form at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 10) by winning four races that included a natural hat trick in races six, seven and eight and the top two trots.

In the $11,800 Open I-II, Morrill sent Party Boy Hanover down the road and dominated his rivals for two tours of the oval. After leading to the three-quarter pole by as much as two open lengths, Party Boy Hanover turned for home and out-legged the field by 1-½  lengths in a season's best time of 1:57.4. 

It was the third win in five starts since coming to Batavia for Party Boy Hanover ($12.40).

Then in the $8,700 mid-level condition trot, Morrill air mailed Keystone Apache from post six and proceeded in a similar style. After quarters of :28.3, :58 and 1:27.3, Keystone Apache held off all comers down the lane to win in 1:57.3, which was also a seasonal mark. 

It was the fifth win of the year for Keystone Apache ($6.10). 

Both horses are owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing, and Adelphi Bloodstock, and both are trained by Maria Rice. 

Morrill rounded out his grand slam with Innocent Victim (1:56.1, $2.80) and Heez Orl Black N (1:56.3, $2.30). 

From his 10 starts on Friday, Morrill also had two seconds and two-thirds giving him a stout .525 UDR for the evening. 

The fundraiser to benefit the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester that was held at Batavia Downs on Friday raised a total of $16,500. The management of Batavia Downs would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended the function and especially thanks to everyone who made a donation. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 11) with post time for the first race at 5:00 p.m. and there are two small carryovers to mention. The Jackpot Pick-6 has a carryover of $639 and the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta has a carryover of $248.

Press release:

After repeating a winning strategy, Loyal Fox Hanover went gate to wire once again to win the $12,300 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 6). 

For the third time in his last four starts, Jim Morrill Jr. marched Loyal Fox Hanover to the front and led all the way home. After Willie B Worthy (Denny Bucceri) made a break, Loyal Fox Hanover kept the remaining four foes in check with quarters of :28, :57.4 and 1:27.1 with Mugshots Bro (Shawn McDonough) at his back and Barn Hall (Kyle Cummings) to his outside in chase.

As the race rounded the far turn, CR Blazin Beauty (Kevin Cummings) joined the party three-wide and all of a sudden it was a real scramble. From the top of the stretch to the finish line, Barn Hall and CR Blazin Beauty continued to gain on Loyal Fox Hanover and when they hit the light the three were across the track only a neck apart. But Loyal Fox Hanover hung on in 1:57.

In five Batavia starts, Loyal Fox Hanover ($7.60) has not missed the board with three wins, one second and one third for owners Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the winner. 

Morrill and Rice also hooked up to win with Majestic Kat (1:59.4, $3.30), giving each two wins on the card.  

In the $11,000 Open II Handicap trot, Franks Watching (Dave McNeight III) dropped down from the top class and circled the field to win by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:58.2. It was the sixth win of the year for Franks Watching ($3.50) for owner Mary Warriner and trainer Ryan Swift. 

The third trotting feature was the $10,400 Open II-III where Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) started from post one and finished in the same position as he led the entire mile. After stopping the timer in 1:59, Lunar Credit ($2.40) chalked up his fourth win of the year for owner Jim McNeight Jr. Jim McNeight trains Lunar Credit. 

There was a $2,403 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the eighth race and it generated a huge payoff. Despite the heavily favored Hellrider ($5.10) winning the race, the 3-7-2-6-9 returned a generous $4,278.10 for a 20-cent wager. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 10) with post time at 5 p.m.