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Arm And A Leg does it again at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY--Arm And A Leg, already the favorite to be named Western New York Harness Horse of the Year, made a statement that he’s also looking for Horse of the Meet honors as well, when he won his sixth Open Handicap pace of the season, at Batavia Downs Casino, on Saturday night (Nov.21).
 
Arm And A Leg, with Batavia Downs' leading reinsman Kevin Cummings in the sulky, appeared to be perfectly spotted second-over as the $9,000 Open field moved around the clubhouse turn. That perfect trip quickly changed, however, heading to three-quarters as the field began to bunch and Arm And A Leg now found himself in a terrible blindswitch.
 
Around the final turn and at the top of the stretch Arm And A Leg was still all bottled with no place to go but the crafty Cummings was able to split horses in midstretch and go on to victory in 1.56.2 for owners Mark J. Jakubik and John P. Cummings Sr., who is also the trainer.
 
This was the 13th victory of the 2009 campaign for Arm And A Leg, a 6-year-old Nobleland Sam gelding, and it raised his seasonal earnings to $86,000. He’s won an impressive 25 times the last two year.
 
Another horse making a serious run for Horse of the Meet honors, New York Prime (Tom Agosti), came on to be second despite racing extremely wide around the final bend, while last week's open winner, Oh Gee Whiz (Sam Schillaci), who also had a  wide trip, finished third. 
 
In addition to winning the Open, Kevin Cummings won the Open II with former Downs track record holder Michael Scores in 1:55.2 and the Open III with Knob Hill Splash in 1:56.
 
There are only five more racing nights left in the 2009 season at America’s oldest lighted harness track. Live racing will resume on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m., the final Wednesday of the meet.
 
It will also be the last chance to take advantage of one of the best deals ever offered at the Downs, purchase one clubhouse buffet at the regular price ($13.95) and receive $10 back in Casino free play. Racing fans can also win up to $500 in the Odd/Even Challenge; sign-up to win begins at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs

New York Prime does it again at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- New York Prime tied Outlaws Ransome for the winningest horse at the 2009 Summer-fall meet when he took the featured $8,000 Open Handicap, Saturday night (Nov-7.) at Batavia Downs Casino.

In eight Batavia starts, New York Prime has won seven and finished second in the other. He’s won 18 races this year which makes him one North America’s best, only three horses, Shortest Distance, Bell On Wheels and Real Expresso have won more.

Tom Agosti sent New York Prime right to the top and they were cruising on the lead in :59.3. Approaching the five-eighths the real race started when last week’s Open winner, Arm and a Leg with Kevin Cummings, moved alongside to challenge.

The two best pacers in Western New York put on quite a show as Arm and a Leg gained command at three-quarters in 1:28 but couldn’t clear.

Around the final turn Arm and a Leg was still in front but feeling pressure from both sides as New York Prime was beginning to fight back at the rail while Oh Gee Whiz and Ron Beback. Jr., were advancing three-wide. At the top of the stretch all three pacers were across the track.

Down the lane it was a determined New York Prime who fought back to score a neck victory over a very game Arm and a Leg in 1:56.3. Oh Geez Whiz wound up third.  

New York Prime, a 6-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight, is trained by Alex Giuliani for owners Richey Edward Myers, Jeffry Myers, Robert Marsjanik and Robert Stern.

2009 Downs dash leading driver Kevin Cummings and Ron Beback. Jr., scored hat tricks on Saturday night while Tom Agosti had a driving double. Jim Graham, Alex Giuliani and Ron Beback. Jr., conditioned a pair of winners each.

Racing resumes on Tuesday night, this will be the last Tuesday of the season. It will also be the final opportunity to take advantage of one of the best deals ever offered at America’s oldest lighted harness track. Purchase one clubhouse buffet at the regular price ($13.95) and receive $10 back in Casino free play. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Party News is the best in Batavia Mares Open

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Ultra Racing Stable's talented distaffer Party News went from last to first to win the Wednesday night featured $8,500 Filly and Mares Open at Batavia Downs Casino.
 
Party News, a 5-year-old daughter of Party At Artsplace, recorded her ninth win of the 2009 campaign in 1:56.4, a new seasonal mark. Troy Boring was in the sulky for trainer Cliff Keene. The $4,250 share of the purse put Party News at just under $50,000 in earnings this season.
 
Natural Spring and Tom Agosti, the leader into the home stretch, finished second while last week's Mares Open winner Pembroke Primo (Kevin Cummings) wound up third.
 

Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Post time is 7:05 p.m. The 2009 Summer–Fall meet concludes on December 5.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
 

Arm and a Leg never looks back in Batavia Open Handicap

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY--Arm And A Leg, a 6-year-old Nobleland Sam gelding out of the Towner’s Big Guy mare Kelly’s Hat Trick, quickly took the lead from post 5, and never looked back, to win for the 12th time this season in the featured $8,500 Open Handicap Pace for owners Mark J. Jakubik and John P. Cummings Sr., in 1:55.3, at Batavia Downs Casino, on Saturday night (Oct. 31).
 
With regular reinsman Kevin Cummings in the bike, Arm and a Leg cut all the fractions in the race, 27.4, 57.3, and 1:26.4 en route to a three-length score over New York Prime with Tom Agosti. Oh Geez Whiz (Ron Beback Jr.,) was farther back in third.
 
New York Prime, who was parked out to almost the half from his assigned outside post position, suffered his first defeat in Western New York after winning six in a row. He remains a serious candidate for October horse of the month.
 
The win raised Arm and a Leg’s seasonal earnings to just under $80,000 and lifetime earnings to $210,000. John Cummings Sr., is the trainer.
 
Kevin Cummings, Troy Boring and Jack Flanigen all had driving doubles. Training doubles went to Jim Compton and Laurie Patistas.
 
Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 7:05 p.m. The 2009 Summer-Fall meet ends on December 5.
 
In addition to live harness racing Batavia Downs Casino offers simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks and Video Gaming. The gaming floor featuring over 600 gaming machines is open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

New York Prime remains perfect at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release

Batavia, NY --- The razor-sharp pacer New York Prime raised his Batavia Downs Casino record to a perfect six-for-six when for the second week in a row he won the featured $8,500 Open Handicap pace on Saturday night, Oct. 24.

New York Prime is now a perfect four-for-four since being claimed for $8,000 on Sept. 25 by trainer Alex Giuliani for owner Richey Edward Myers of Phoenix, Az. Once again Tom Agosti was in the sulky.

New York Prime bided his time towards the back of the pack and pulled third-over as Meadows invader Friday Nite Lights (Sam Schillaci) cut the half in :58.1.

Passing the five-eighths pole, the longshot Oh Gee Whiz, with Ron Beback, Jr. aboard, was now in the front with Arm And A Leg (Kevin Cummings) and New York Prime now second and third at the three-quarters, in 1:27.2.

At the top of the stretch, Oh Gee Whiz was still there, but New York Prime was closing-in and paced on past Oh Gee Whiz in deep stretch to win by three-quarter lengths, in 1:57.3, over a sloppy racetrack.

Arm and a Leg finished third.

New York Prime, one of North America’s winningest horses this year, won for the 17th time this season. He’s a 6-year-old Bettor’s Delight gelding.

Reinsman Kevin Holliday, driving as good as ever after missing the first six weeks of the meet because of an injury, had a driving triple, while dash-leading driver Kevin Cummings and Ray Fisher, Jr. had driving doubles.

The summer-fall meet’s leading conditioner, Sherri Holliday, had a training triple.

Batavia Downs Casino offers one of its best deals ever when racing resumes on Tuesday night. Purchase one clubhouse buffet at the regular price of $13.95, and receive $10.00 back in Casino free play. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Joe Page repeats at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release

Batavia, NY --- A very sloppy racetrack and a first-over trip couldn’t stop the razor sharp Joe Page from repeating in the Open Handicap Trot on Friday night at Batavia Downs Casino.
 
Once again former Downs regular Sam Schillaci was in town to drive for trainer Mike Delano. Joe Page is a 4-year-old Mr Lavec-Well Cast gelding that is owned by Joe Cicatello.
 
Getting away fifth in the field of seven, Schilliaci tipped Joe Page to the outside after three-eighths of a mile and they began to advance, moving into second, two lengths behind the front running A Work In Progress with Ken Holliday at the three-quarters in 1:30.4.
 
Down the lane Joe Page trotted up to and on by a determined A Work In Progress to win by one length in 2:01.2. Zapphappy Kash with Hall of Famer Clint Galbraith finished third.
 
The win was his sixth of the season and put Joe Page over the $100,000 mark in lifetime earnings.
 
Troy Boring was the driving star of the evening, guiding home four winners. Tom Agosti and Jack Flanigen had driving doubles. Trainer Sue Stockwell had a training double.
 
America’s oldest lighted Harness Track is currently racing every Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday night. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Natural Spring romps in Batavia feature

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY -- Taking a big step up in company didn’t stop Natural Spring from pulling the mild upset in the featured $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace on Wednesday night at Batavia Downs Casino.
 
Natural Spring, claimed for $14,500 by owner Richey Edward Myers in her last start, paid back immediate dividends when she went on to a 5-1/4 length score in 1:55.4, which lowered her seasonal mark by over a full second. Tom Agosti was at the controls for Alex Giuliani. Sun Belle Perfect with Ron Beback, Jr. was second while Memphis Glow with Troy Boring finished third.
 
Racing resumes on Friday night (Oct.23). Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Batavia Downs

Joe Page closes strongly to win Batavia feature

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The much improved Joe Page went from last to first to win the featured $8,500 Open Handicap Trot on Friday night at Batavia Downs Casino.
 
With former Downs regular Sam Schillaci in town to drive for trainer Mike Delano, Joe Page settled in seventh as the field of Western New York’s best squaregaiters was led by Jack Sparrow and Jim McNeight through fractions of :29, :59.3 and 1:28.4.
 
Around the final turn Jack Sparrow was still the commander of the fractions but Joe Page was gaining with every stride. Down the lane it was Joe Page with all the momentum as he trotted right by Jack Sparrow to a 1-1/4 length score in 1:58.4, a nice mile on a chilly night. Jack Sparrow held on to the second spot while A Work In Progress with Ken Holliday wound up third.
 
Joe Cicatello owns Joe Page, a 4-year-old Mr Lavec-Well Cast gelding who recorded his fifth win of the year and raised his seasonal earnings to over $27,000.
 
The summer-fall meet's leading chauffeur Kevin Cummings visited the winner's circle three more times while the red-hot Jack Flanigen had a driving double including scoring with 40-1 shot Knob Hill Splash.
 
Racing is currently being conducted at America’s oldest lighted Harness Track every Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday night. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Photo: Joe Page with driver Sam Schillaci defeating Jack Sparrow in Batavia Downs featured trot. Courtesy of Paul White.

Foiled Again wins Kane Memorial

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- It was billed as Super Saturday night (Oct. 10) at Batavia Downs Casino, with the biggest trot and pace of the year, a retirement ceremony for one of the most popular horses to ever race at the Downs, a check presentation for charity and a t-shirt giveaway.

The pacing event was the track’s showcase event of the season, the seventh annual $40,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial. On Super Saturday, two super horses finished one-two.

Taking complete advantage of his rail post draw, the classy pacer Foiled Again went wire-to-wire to win the Kane Memorial.

With Matt Kakaley in the bike for trainer Ron Burke, Foiled Again fired out of the starting gate, seated his main rival Special Report heading into the first turn and put up all the numbers en route to a 3-1/2 length score in 1:52.3. Special Report with Larry Stalbaum finished second best while Eagle Real One (Gareth Dowse) was farther back in third.

“I won the Battle of Lake Erie with him (Foiled Again); he’s perfect on a half,” Kakaley said. “Once I got the front end and a second quarter breather I knew it was over.”

The victory put Foiled Again (Dragon Again-In A Safe Place) over the $550,000 mark in seasonal earnings for owners Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and JJK Stables.

The third annual $10,000 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot was contested earlier on the card and it was Scorpion Moon who took home the lion’s share of the purse money for driver Jack Rice and trainer Tracy Brainard. Scorpion Moon overtook the front running Baby Boy Grin (Larry Stalbaum) at the three-quarters and went on to a 4-3/4 length win in 1:58.2. The much improved Fessup Fred (Jimmy Whisman) trotted up to be second while Baby Boy Grin held on for third.

Scorpion Moon (Armbro Scorpion-Angies Nugget) was able to turn the tables on Baby Boy Grin, who defeated him four days earlier at Pocono Downs. The win was his fourth of the 2009 campaign for owners Tracy Brainard and Andrew Herzog.

Racing fans were able to say goodbye to Rockysbreezybuddy with a special winner's circle ceremony. The 2003 Kane Memorial winner earned $230,000 in his career and will be retired to trainer Peter Arrigenna’s farm in Piffard, New York.

Batavia Downs presented Mercy Flight with a check for $15,634.35, thanks to sponsorship of races, a silent auction and a golf tournament. Doug Baker, the president of Mercy Flight of Western New York, was trackside for the presentation.

Racing resumes on Tuesday night, Oct. 13. Post time is 7:05 p.m. The summer-fall meet continues through December 5.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Fan favorite Rockysbreezybuddy to be retired Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The 7th annual $40,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial pace headlines a terrific card of racing on Saturday night, but for some racing fans the night could be bittersweet.
 
Rockysbreezybuddy, a standout on the local circuit for much of the decade and the 2003 Kane Memorial winner, is being retired.
 
The horse they simply call "Rocky" will see his career officially end with a special winner's circle ceremony after the 6th race. He will then lead the post parade for this year’s Kane Memorial.
 
Owned by William Brown and trained by Peter Arrigenna, the 11-year-old In the Pocket gelding earned $230,181 in his career. In 258 lifetime starts, he had 53 wins, 32 seconds and 43 thirds, and took his lifetime mark at Vernon Downs of 1:52.2 in 2003.
 
“Rocky let us know when he was ready. After his last start at Batavia he came off sore in the left front," Arrigenna said. "He's been too good of a horse to try to race him in cheap claimers. I called Billy and told him it was time to retire him."
 
Rocky broke his maiden at Rosecroft Raceway with Betsy Brown (sister of Bill) driving in October of 2000. His last victory, with Troy Boring in the sulky, was in February of this year, at Buffalo Raceway.
 
“Rocky was a perfect horse to be around, you never had to worry about him hurting anybody,” Arrigenna said.
 
His daughter, Mandy, referred to Rocky as "her Saturday night date at the track.”
 
Rocky was owned by both Bill and Betsy Brown. Betsy trained him at Rosecroft until he came to the Western New York circuit at age 4.
 
"He was so use to a 5/8th track that when he left the gate at Buffalo, he had the 7 hole, he didn't know how to make the first turn," Arrigenna said. "I thought he was heading out the outside fence.”
 
“He had talent and the rest is history. I never thought when we got him he would have made over $200,000, the hard way in overnights and most of it before slots. He won Opens at Batavia, Buffalo, Vernon and Monticello for us, and of course the Kane."
 
“He was a pleasure to have in our Opens,” Racing Secretary and Track Announcer Joe Zambito said. “You always count on him to put on a good show and from an announcer stand point he was fun to call because he was a fan favorite. He would be charging home every week.”
 
On Saturday he'll merely be jogging when he leaves the Batavia Downs oval one last time, taking with him a lifetime of memories for so many.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Allamerican Improv up in time in Batavia Feature

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:
 
Batavia, NY --- Ron Viola, Dave Venniro and Jim Graham’s Allamerican Improv parlayed a perfect trip into his first ever Open Handicap win on Saturday night (Oct.3) at Batavia Downs Casino.
 
In rein to Ray Fisher, Jr., the talented 3-year-old Artiscape colt sat in behind the front running Arm And A Leg (Kevin Cummings) the entire trip, angled out at the top of the stretch and got up in the final few strides to notch his third win of the season in 1:55.1. Scotts Royce Rolls (Jimmy Whisman), a victim of stalled cover for the second week in a row, wound up third.
 
Allamerican Improv, a stakes winning freshman, raised his 2009 earnings to more than $35,000. He’s earned more than $160,000 lifetime. Jim Graham is the conditioner.
 
Racing Fans are reminded that next Saturday night figures to be one of biggest nights of the season with the $40,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace, the $10,000 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot and the retirement ceremony of popular local pacer Rockysbreezybuddy.
 
The Summer/Fall meet continues through December 5 with racing every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. Post time is 7:05.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Robin of Locksley Wins Batavia Open Pace

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- A sloppy racetrack couldn’t rain on the parade of Robin of Locksley from winning his first $8,000 Open Handicap pace of the Summer-fall meet, Saturday night (Sept-26) at Batavia Downs Casino.

Using his good early gate speed, reinsman Ron Beback Jr., put Robin of Locksley on the lead and they went wire to wire to win by a head in 1:58.2.

Turning for home “Robin” appeared to be in hot water as a first over Scotts Rolls Royce (Jimmy Whisman) was up to challenge and the favorite, Arm and a Leg (Kevin Cummings), was gearing up three-wide on the far outside but they were all in futile chase as “Robin “ was able to dig in and hold on. Arm and a Leg wound up second and “Scott” finished third.

Robin of Locksley won for the 6th time this season for owner Pete Spaeth and trainer Bob Gruber III. The 7-year-old son of JK Outlaw raised his lifetime earnings to over $185,000.

Bob Gruber also conditions Escape Pass, who was victorious in the co-featured $7,000 Open II pace.   

Leading driver Kevin Cummings continued with his hot hand guiding home five more winners, he had 4 on Friday night. D J Millner scored a four-bagger on the training side.

Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 7:05 p.m.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Photo: Robin of Locksley with Ron Beback Jr. holding on over Arm and a Leg and Kevin Cummings to win the featured $8,000 Open Handicap, Saturday night at Batavia Downs Casino.
 

A Work In Progress repeats in Batavia Feature

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY --- For the second week in a row A Work In Progress was victorious in the weekly trotting feature, Friday night (Sept-25) at Batavia Downs Casino.

Just like last week, Ken “Doc” Holliday put A Work In Progress on the lead and they put up all the numbers en route to a 1-1/4 length score, in 1:59.3.
The improving Manfromnantucket (Jack Flanigen) closed down the center to be second, while Jack Sparrow (Jim McNeight) rallied from last to be third.

A Work In Progress, a 5-year-old, altered son of SJ’s Caviar is owned Betty Tauber of New Brunswick, N.J. and trained by Sherri Holliday. The winner’s share of the $8,000 purse raised his season’s earnings to more than $39,000. He paid $4.30 to win.

Leading dashwinning driver Kevin Cummings extended his lead by driving four winners on the Friday program. Former Downs regular Sam Schillaci and Ken Holliday had driving doubles.

America’s oldest lighted harness track is currently racing on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Post time is 7:05 p.m., eastern.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Photo: A Work In Progress with Ken Holliday winning the $8,000 Open Handicap Trot, Friday Night at Batavia Downs. Courtesy of Paul White.

Outlaws Ransome up in time in Batavia Feature

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The pocket rocket, Outlaws Ransome, was up in time to win the featured $8,000 Open Handicap, Saturday night (Sept-19) at Batavia Downs Casino.

Recently claimed for $10,000 by Richey Edward Myers of Phoenix Arizona, Outlaws Ransome continues to pay back high dividends as he’s moved all the way up to the handicap ranks. Tom Agosti was in the sulky for trainer Alex Giuliani.

Getting away second behind the front running Robin of Locksley (Ron Beback Jr.), Outlaws Ransome simply bided his time in the 2-hole until the field of six turned for home. Down the lane Agosti guided Outlaws Ransome to the passing lane and they were able to reel in “Robin” by a head in 1:55.3. Arson Ant (Troy Boring) who finished fourth was placed third.

Outlaws Ransome ($9.70) notched his 8th win of the season and raised his 2009 earnings to over $33,000.

Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 7:05 p.m. In addition to live harness racing Batavia Downs Casino offers simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks. The casino floor featuring over 600 slot machines is open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Photo courtesy Paul White

Downs driver hurt during Friday training notches four wins that night

By Howard B. Owens

Tom Agosti had quite a Friday.

The Batavia Downs driver was thrown and dragged after the horse he was training broke his bit.

Agosti was taken to Erie County Medical Center for examination.

He returned to the Downs in time for the evening races.

And he he drove home FOUR winners that night.

Agosti suffered some minor scrapes and some back discomfort, but is fine according to Todd Haight, Downs spokesman.

The horse, according to Haight, is fine, too.

Arm and a Leg does it again at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- It was a special night in Western New York as the Downs honored former leading driver Gaston Guindon, and a special horse, Arm and a Leg won the featured $8,000 Open Handicap.

With 2009 leading reinsman Kevin Cummings in the bike, Arm and a Leg notched his fourth Open win of the 2009 Summer-Fall meet in 1:55.3, for owners Mark Jakubik and John Cummings Sr.

Arm and a Leg ($3.70) fired out of the gate from his assigned outside post and put up all the numbers, including a :30.2 second quarter breather, enroute to a neck victory over a  fast closing Triple Bars with Jimmy Whisman, Sparky and Tom Agosti wound up third.

The victory was the 11th of the season for Arm and a Leg who raised his seasonal earnings to almost $70,000. The 6 year-old altered son of Nobleland Sam is trained by John Cummings Sr. 

I had a great evening “The Gasser,” Gaston Guindon said, “I can’t believe how many of my friends came out to see me.” The French-Canadian raced in Western New York for 29 years. “The memories I have of this track are incredible, I want to thank all the people I drove for especially Dennis Cummings, I think we won about 700 races together.”

America’s oldest lighted harness track is currently racing every Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 7:05p.m.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino 

Photo of Arm and a Leg with driver Kevin Cummings holding off Triple Bars to win Downs feature. Courtesy of Paul White

Razor Sharp Fessup Fred Win Batavia Feature

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Lee Deyermand’s  Fessup Fred, a razor-sharp 7-year-old altered son of Super Freddie, made it three in a row winning Friday's (Sept. 11) featured $8,000 Open II Handicap Trot at Batavia Downs Casino.

With the summer-fall meet’s dash-leading driver Kevin Cummings in the sulky, Fessup Fred left enough from his rail post-position to string out A Work In Progress (Robert Verney) and a three-wide Jack Sparrow (Jim McNeight) as the field of seven clicked the first quarter beam in 28.2.

Moving up around the clubhouse turn on the payoff half and heading to three-quarters, Fessup Fred assumed command and trotted strongly to the wire for a 1-1/4 length score in 1:58.4.

Craiger with Jimmy Whisman closed from far back to be second while A Work In Progress finished third.
 
D J Millner is the conditioner of Fessup Fred ($5.20), who won for the sixth time season and raised his lifetime earnings to over $118,000.
Kevin Cummings was the driving star of the evening guiding home five winners. He also won with Shrewsbury Falcon, Midnight Jogger, Clay Hill King Pin and Educator. Jack Flanigen had three winners on the program while Ray Fisher had a double.
Racing resumes on Saturday night, post time is 7:05 p.m. The Downs will honor Gaston Guindon with a special night, he will be in track lobby from 6 until 7 p.m. to meet and greet his many friends and race fans. “The Gasser” was one of the leading drivers at the Genesee Country oval from 1969 until the early 90’s.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Freshman pacers in NYSS Late Closers at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The summer-fall meet continued on Wednesday (Sept. 9) at Batavia Downs Casino, with three divisions of New York Sire Stakes Late Closers for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers, each carrying a purse of $12,800.

Steel Rein was the fastest of the three divisional winners, going coast to coast in 1:58.2. William Bailey was in the sulky for trainer Ann Yurenka. The Teeth Of The Dog-Mindy’s Sister gelding had to withstand a serious challenge from Lislea Reardon (John Stark, Jr.) around the last turn before going on to a one length score. Steel Rein is now a three-time winner for owners Nancy Swede and New York Standardbreds LTD.

Talk To Tony, with Vernon Downs regular Jimmy Whittemore, did all the talking in the final Late Closer of the evening, as he held off odds-on favorite Park Lane Midnight and Stephane Bouchard to win by one length in 1:58.4, in wire-to-wire fashion. Talk To Tony, an Artiscape-Muggins Hanover gelding, is owned by Jay Sears and John Campagnuolo. Ray Van Dreason does the conditioning. The win was Talk To Tony’s third of the season.

Favorite Bullville Player kicked off the Late Closers as he was put right on the lead by Stephane Bouchard and they never had an anxious moment, winning by a comfortable three lenghts in 2:00.2. Breeder Crevani Farms owns the Bettor’s Delight-Bullville Gabettie gelding. Steve Crevani is the trainer. The victory was Bullville Player's third of the 2009 campaign.

NYSS Late Closers continue next Wednesday night, Sept. 16, as the 2-year-old trotting fillies will be in town.

Pauline Seelster, with Ray Fisher, Jr., won the $9,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace. She was well driven by Ray Fisher, Jr., who took advantage of post one and a speed bias that produced eight gate-to-wire winners on the Wednesday evening program.  Dennis and Paula Cummings own the 7-year-old daughter of Camluck. Dennis Cummings is also the trainer. The win raised Pauline Seelster's lifetime bankroll to more than $189,000.

America’s oldest lighted harness track is currently racing every Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday night, post time is 7:05 p.m.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino 

Photo: Talk to Tony with Jimmy Whittemore taking the final Late Closer of the evening.
Photo courtesty of Paul White.

Arm And A Leg victorious again in Batavia Open Handicap

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Again proving he’s the best pacer in Western New York, the popular sidewheeler Arm And A Leg was victorious in the $8,500 Open Handicap on Saturday night (Sept-5) at Batavia Downs Casino.

Arm And A Leg was sent right to the front by Downs dash leading driver Kevin Cummings and they never had an anxious moment in cruising to an easy 5-1/4 length score in 1:54 flat. Triple Bars (Jimmy Whisman) was second and Oh Gee Whiz (Jim McNeight) completed the top three.

This was Arm And A Leg’s third Open win during the 2009 Summer-Fall meet and his 10th win this season. He’s a 6-year-old son of Nobleland Sam. John Cummings Sr. trains and co-owns with Mark Jakubik. Going off as the favorite Arm And A Leg paid $4.30 to win.

America’s oldest lighted Harness track will present a special Labor Day matinee program; post time is 1:15 p.m. Food specials include an $8.00 Chicken Barbeque and $1.00 Hot Dogs served in the Paddock room and a $6.95 lunch buffet in the Clubhouse, all available from noon until 4 p.m.

In addition to live racing from August to December, Batavia Downs Casino offers simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks. The gaming floor, featuring over 600 of the area’s hottest slot machines is open from 10:00 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily. For more information call 585-343-3750 or go on-line at www.bataviadownsasino.com.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Photo of Arm And A Leg with Kevin Cummings cruising  to victory in Batavia featured pace. Courtesy of Paul White.
 

New track records posted at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- As advertised the New York sired 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers were expected to put on quite a show, Friday night (Sept-4) at Batavia Downs Casino, and show they did not only breaking the track record once but in all three divisions.

Getting Personal’s 1:53.2 record for 3-year-old male pacers, set in 1993, was clearly on the line with 22 extremely talented sophomores in town to compete for more than $200,000 in New York Sire Stakes money.

It didn’t take long for a new record to be established as it came in the very first race. OK Braveheart, with Jim Morrill, Jr., went right to the front, opened an insurmountable lead at the half and cruised to a 10-1/2 length score in 1:52.2 to break the previous record by a full second. The final time was just two-fifths of a second off Kenneth J’s 1:52 all-age track record.

OK Braveheart (Bettor's Delight-Color Me Beachy) scored his ninth win of the season and raised his 2009 bankroll to more than $199,000 for owners David Scharf, Rick Phillps and Chuck Pompey. Former Batavia Downs trainer Chris Oakes is the conditioner. OK Braveheart is currently the points leader for the New York Bred Night of Champions finals to be held at Vernon Downs on September 26.

““He felt so good. I just let him roll,” reinsman Jim Morrill, Jr. said. “If I would have chased after him he might have paced in :51 (1:51) and a piece.”

Morrill also drove Kenneth J to the all-age record last year.

Tim Bojarski, President of the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association made a special presentation.

Division two, the slowest of the three divisions, wasn’t slow at all; in fact it was faster than Getting Personal's previous record.

Handsome Harry (Dream Away-Princess Jocelyn), again with Jim Morrill, Jr., brushed to command coming to the half and paced a :28 final stanza to score in 1:53. Mark Ford is the trainer. Ralph Del Priore, Jr. and Harry Doyle are the owners of Handsome Harry, who notched his 12th win of the season. His 2009 earnings now stand at more than $211,000.

The last, but certainly not least, NYSS division came in race nine. This race would be the closest of the three with the unbeaten gelding Go Go Solano (Bettor's Delight-Real Excitement) and Aaron Merriman and the very well regarded colt Hypnotic Blue Chip and Jim Morrill, Jr. hooking up around final turn and putting on quite a stretch battle.

Pacing his last quarter in a sizzling :27.2, Hypnotic Blue Chip was able to get up at the wire to prevail by a quarter-length in 1:52.3 over the previously unbeaten Mark Capone-trained gelding. Capone was the trainer of former track record holder Getting Personal.

Hypnotic Blue Chip’s (Art Major-A Traceofmagic) 11th win of 2009 raised his seasonal earnings to more than $360,000 for owners Rachel Frost, Stable 45, Robert Murphy and Mark Harder, who is also the trainer.

“I had to work harder than I thought I would,” Morrill said in the winner’s circle. “I’m a little out of breath, that other horse (Go Go Solano) gave us all we wanted.”

For the second time this season Morrill swept all three NYSS divisions.

Live racing at America’s oldest lighted harness track continues this holiday weekend on Saturday night; post time is 7:05 p.m. The Downs will present a special matinee racing program on Labor Day, post time is 1:15 p.m.

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Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Pictured, OK Braveheart. Photo courtesy Paul White.

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