harness racing

Cold, wind and rain set the stage for a sloppy night of racing at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 8) but there was nothing messy about the performance put in by Rightfully Mine, who splashed her way to victory in the $15,000 Open I Distaff Handicap feature.

Rightfully Mine (Jim Morrill Jr.) took the lead from So Amazing (John Cummings Jr.) heading to the quarter, but soon found herself second as So Amazing retook the front past that station. As the race moved to the half, Compassrose De Vie (Todd Ratchford) motored up the outside and joined the fray for the second circuit. Compassrose De Vie and So Amazing raced alongside each other to three-quarters while Rightfully Mine sat the pocket. These three then broke away from the field in the last turn and set the stage for the final eighth. Compassrose De Vie slightly faded at the head of the stretch whilet Rightfully Mine slipped into the passing lane and caught the game So amazing just before the wire to win by a length in 1:57.

It was the third straight win for Rightfully Mine ($3.00) who is owned by Monique Cohen and Anthony Scussel and trained by Shawn McDonough.

Morrill won a total of four races during the card while McDonough had four training wins, two of which he drove, giving him a total of six winners across two categories.

Later in the $11,500 upper-level condition pace for mares, A Black Diamond (Dave McNeight III) got away third in chase of Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) who found favor on the front. McNeight pulled A Black Diamond first-over at the five-eighths, drew even with Louie The Lilac in the last turn, and then bolted home to a 1-¾ length victory in 1:57.3.

It was the fourth straight win for A Black Diamond ($3.90) and owner Lav Racing. Russell Bratt trains the winner.

Driver Kyle Cummings also had a grand slam Wednesday that included a lead-off natural hat trick in races one, two, and three.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 11) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $861 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Jim Morrill Jr. had a huge night in the bike at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 4) as he won five races that included both features and a natural hat trick in races nine, 10, and 11. 

First in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot, Morrill sat the pocket with E Street following Ricky B Sharp (Mike Baumeister) who was being hounded by a parked Makadushin N Cheez (Kevin Cummings) for three-quarters of the mile. That bid by Makadushin N Cheez fell by the wayside before the last turn leaving Ricky B Sharp and E Street to battle it out. When the race entered the homestretch, Morrill tipped E Street into the passing lane and trotted right on by the leader to win by a length in 1:56.4.

It was the third straight win for E Street ($13.80) who is owned and trained by Rachelle Mungillo. 

Then in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace, Morrill put Pocono Downs invader Venier Hanover on the point off the gate and never looked back. After setting fractions of :28, :57 and 1:25.1, Venier Hanover took a two-length lead into the lane and never allowed El Jacko (Kyle Swift), who followed him the entire mile, to catch him en route to a 1-¾ length 1:53.2 win.  

It was the 51st lifetime win for Venier Hanover ($2.20) who is owned by owner Monique Cohen. Shawn McDonough was the winning trainer. 

Morrill also won with V J Ranger (1:57.3, $5.30), Vulcan Star N (1;53.3, $4.40), and Just A Wrangler (1:53.1, $2.70) to complete his quintuplet. Morrill also had two seconds and two-thirds from his 10 starts giving him a lofty UDR of .678 for the night. Those wins also increased Morrill's win total for the meet to 138 and catapulted him into a first-place tie for dash driving honors with Kevin Cummings. 

Morrill also sits second for UDR among all drivers in North America with 500 or more starting with a .427 overall for the year. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 8) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $432 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

There was a pair of $11,500 upper-lever condition races for pacing fillies and mares carded on Wednesday night (Nov. 1) at Batavia Downs and one winner got her first victory at the Downs while the other continued her streak.

The first split went to Mcnatural L (John Cummings Jr.) who sat fifth while the leading Imprincessgemma (Brett Beckwith) was being run by Isla Seelster (Dave McNeight III) in :28.1 and 57 flat. As the duel proceeded up the backstretch Isla Seelster tired, forcing Bad Rossa (Jim Morrill Jr.) three-wide and Mcnatural L followed right behind her. By the top of the stretch, Mcnatural L had drawn even with Imprincessgemma A before bolting home to a 6-¼ length win in 1:55.4.

It was the first win at Batavia but seventh overall this year for Mcnatural L ($17.80) who is owned by El Dorado Stables and trained by Mandy Arrigenna.

In the next group, A Black Diamond (Dave McNeight III) got away third and followed the lead of Louie The Lilac (John Cummings Jr.) until the second circuit. McNeight made a first-over move approaching three-quarters with A Black Diamond and then matched strides with Louie The Lilac into the last turn. By the top of the stretch, A Black Diamond took the lead and scooted home to a 2-¾ length win in 1:55.1.

It was the third straight win and 11th of the year for A Black Diamond ($10.60) who is owned by Lav Racing Stable. Russell Bratt trains the winner.

Brett Beckwith led all drivers at Batavia on Wednesday after he scored a grand slam in the bike.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Nov. 3) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $234 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Batavia Downs leading driver Kevin Cummings added a couple more wins to his total for the meet after taking the top two contests at the Genesee County oval on Saturday night (Oct. 28).

After moving up the class ladder with successive wins over the past two weeks with Cummings in the bike, Out On Bail moved into the $13,000 Open II Handicap pace and made it a three-peat for his connections.

Cummings put Out On Bail on the point off the gate and played catch-me-if-you-can from there. After opening up a two-length advantage, Out On Bail stopped the timer quarterly at :27.3, :57.2 and 1:25.2 while increasing his lead to four lengths at that third station. Out On Bail was up by five at the top of the stretch and from there, cruised home to an easy 1:54 victory that established his seasonal mark.

It was the seventh win of the year for Out On Bail ($8.20) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith. Smith finished the night with two training wins.

Then in the $12,500 upper-level conditioned pace, Cummings was also able to assist Stranger Things to his seventh win of the year by making an early move on a runaway leader.

Stranger Things got away fifth as Odds On Delray (Aaron Byron) was busy opening up an eight-length lead at the half. As the race moved into turn three, Cummings was already out and rolling with Stranger Things, who was making up a massive amount of ground on Odds On Delray, who had begun to falter. Stranger Things took the lead and crossed over to the pegs at three-quarters and Cummings rocked him all the way around the far turn. Then at the top of the stretch, Cummings kept Stranger Things on task with moderate urging to the wire where he won by 1-¾ lengths in 1:53.3.

Stranger Things ($2.60) is owned by Kathey Schoeffel, Virginia Schoeffel, and James Reuther and trained by Angel Nappo.

Jim McNeight Jr., Jim Morrill Jr., Drew Monti, and Austin Sorrie all joined Kevin Cummings by winning two races during the card.

The litany of longshots at Batavia Downs continued in race 11 on Saturday after 82-1 Silverhill Blaze (Austin Sorrie) followed fast fractions from fifth of :26.3 and :54.4 set by Mighty Santana N (Jim Morrill Jr.) before finding open road in the passing lane to upset at the wire in 1:55 and pay $167.00 for a $2 win bet.

Another big payout came when the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in race 13 as a single unique combination of 1-5-9-7-6- returned $1,929.30 for a 20-cent wager.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 1) at 6 p.m.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

After making his last three starts without a win at Saratoga Raceway, Makadushin N Cheez found his way back to western New York and picked up where he left off, winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 27).

Right after the front-running, Mugshots Bro (Jim McNeight Jr.) torched a :27.4 quarter, Makadushin N Cheez (Kevin Cummings) pulled from fifth and flushed I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) and then followed his cover all the way to three-quarters. As they trotted into turn four, Cummings tipped Makadushin N Cheez three wide and cleared the front by the top of the stretch. As he motored down the lane, Makadushin N Cheez was all wrapped up on his way to a 2-¼ length win in 1:57.1.

The seventh win of 2023 for Makadushin N Cheez ($3.40) pushed his earnings for the year to $102,242 for owners Joe D'Agostino, Molly D'Agostino, Phil Kadushin and Dave Dewhurst, who also trains the winner.

In the secondary featured $13,000 Open II Handicap trot, E Street (Jim Morrill Jr.) sat second behind Showme Some Muscle (Justin Huckabone) through very even quarters of :29, :59.1 and 1:29, that last station where Golden Kronos (Drew Monti) got into the mix. After circling the final turn, Morrill shook loose with E Street and trotted by Showme Some Muscle while fending off Golden Kronos to win by two lengths in 1:58.

It was the second straight win for E Street ($3.80) who is owned and trained by Rachelle Mungillo.

Although both features were won by prohibitive favorites, bettors were treated to a magnificent payoff in the fifth race on Friday. Cash N Chrome (Ray Fisher Jr.) was overlooked from post eight but he overcame the wide start to win in 1:59.1 and return $173.00 for a $2 win wager.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 28) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,011 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Center Attraction has raced 11 times at Batavia Downs coming into her start on Wednesday (Oct. 25) and has not cut a mile since her first outing back on July 26 when she won by 2-¾ lengths. Ten starts later, Center Attraction was back on the point and simply mauled her competition in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares.

Jim McNeight Jr. flew from post five with Center Attraction and opened up a quick three lengths at the :27.4 quarter. With the rest of the field trying to stay close, Center Attraction kept on rolling and extended her lead to four lengths at three-quarters after a stiff :28 third panel. McNeight rounded the last turn and headed for home without any opposition and Center Attraction stretched out by 5-¼ lengths at the light where she won in 1:53.4 and took a new lifetime mark.

It was the seventh win of the year for Center Attraction ($2.90) who has now earned $66,814 this year for owners Pamela Schieber and Robert Anderson, who also trains the mare.

One race later in the $11,500 mid-level condition for distaff side-wheelers, A Black Diamond (Kevin Cummings) left from post six and ducked-in second where she sat a cozy pocket trip behind Its Mesmerise A (Kyle Swift) through quarters of :26.4, :56 and 1:25.1 before she continued to trip-out around the last turn to the top of the stretch. There, Cummings dipped into the passing lane with A Black Diamond and blew right by Its Mesmerise A by 2-¼ lengths to win in 1:55.1.

It was the 10th victory of the year for A Black Diamond ($10.60) who is owned by Lav Racing Stable and trained by Russell Bratt.

Wednesday’s driving leader was Jim Morrill Jr. who had a grand slam while Shawn McDonough topped the trainers with a hat trick of his own.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 27) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $656 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

There was an obvious front-end speed bias at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 21) and the winners of the top two paces took full advantage of that route to victory. 

In the $15,000 Open I Handicap, Joesstar Of Mia A (Jim Morrill Jr.) overcame interference by the breaking Avion Seelster (Dave McNeight III) in the first turn and made his way to the front at the quarter in :27.1. From there, the field stayed single file until three-quarters where Stranger Things (Kevin Cummings) had made his way to second and was at the leader’s tail. Stranger Things bid folded in the final turn leaving the tripping Mirragon A (Austin Sorrie) the only horse left with a shot. But Morrill closed that door as well and he urged Joesstar Of Mia A to the line on top by 1-¼ lengths in 1:53.

Joesstar Of Mia A ($4.90) is owned by Dowse Racing and is trained by Gareth Dowse. It was one of three wins for Dowse on the card. 

Morrill would go on to win five more races to take a six-pack home with him on Saturday. Beside Joesstar Of Mia A, Morrill also won with Parmesan N (1:54.4, $3.10), Epic Ace (1:52.2, $3.60), Angelo J Fra (1:57, $5.30), Odds On Delray (1:54.2, $2.70) and Runrunjimmydunn N (1:54, $2.10). Morrill was only scheduled to drive in seven races on Saturday and he won five consecutive before finishing out in his sixth assignment. Morrill’s UDR for the night was .857. 

Another Saturday gate-to-wire effort was turned in by Big Chic Magnet (Dave McNeight III) in the undercard feature $13,000 Open II pace.

McNeight had Big Chic Magnet pacing sharply on the lead and amassed a 2-½ length bulge at the quarter in :28. As the race passed the stands the first time, Gunslinger Hanover (Drew Monti) came with a rush and made his way to second, crossing over to the pegs at three-quarters. However, this challenge didn’t phase the leader as Big Chic Magnet rounded turn four in full flight and dashed home on top by 2-¼ lengths to win in 1:54.1. 

Big Chic Magnet ($19.40) is owned by EVM Racing and Rodney Long. David Russo trains the winner. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 25) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $408 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Since coming into trainer Mike Deters’ barn in September, Burn Notice has had a reversal of fortunes that have seen him not finish off the board in five starts. And his class ascent continued at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 20) after he won the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature.

Jim Morrill Jr. put Burn Notice on the point and was peerless for the rest of the mile. Burn Notice went moderate quarters of :28.3, :58 and 1:27 and only the pocket-sitting Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) was close enough to make a bid. However even he was overmatched to make a run as Burn Notice turned for home and peeled away by 2-½ lengths in a 1:57.1 romp.

Scoring his third win in his last six starts, Burn Notice ($7.70) continued his recent success for owners Deters, Joel Warner, and John Manning.

One race earlier in the $13,000 Open II Handicap trot, 22-1 outsider Ricky Be Sharp (Mike Baumeister) got away fifth, and 12 lengths behind the front running Discus Hanover (Kevin Cummings) who was the prohibitive post time favorite. As the race moved around turn three and approached three-quarters, Ricky Be Sharp followed the outside lead of BJ Laredo (Jim McNeight Jr.) until the top of the stretch where Baumeister tipped him three deep into the center of the track. From there, Ricky Be Sharp flew to the wire under a line drive and won by a length in 1:59.

Ricky Be Sharp ($47.80) is owned by Jennifer Signor and trained by Ron Baumeister.

Kevin Cummings had four driving wins during Friday night.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 21) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $175 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

One week removed from beating the best female pacers on the grounds, Won Surreal Deal doubled down and did it again by winning her second straight $15,000 Open I Distaff Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 18).

After coming from off the pace last week, Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) did a 180 and went right to the front and led the single file field through quarters of :28.1, :56.4 and 1:25 without any challenge from behind. As they went into the last turn, the pocket-sitting Miley Rose (Dave McNeight III) was the only one with a shot but as they turned for home, Won Surreal Deal just paced away from her and won handily by 1-¾ lengths in a swift 1:54.1.

It was the fifteenth lifetime win for Won Surreal Deal ($7.30) which is owned by the Parsimonious Racing Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson.

In the $11,500 mid-level conditioned pacing nightcap, Escape The House (Jim McNeight Jr.) followed P L Notorious (Kevin Cummings) from the start of the race until the top of the stretch, where McNeight tipped Escape The House into the passing lane and out-brushed So Amazing (John Cummings Jr.) and It’s Mesmerize N (Kyle Swift) to win by a neck in 1:56, scoring a major upset at 22-1.

It was the third win in the last four starts for Escape The House ($46.00) which is owned and trained by Taylor Fritz.

Escape The House also spearheaded the winning Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta combination of 9-8-6-1-2 that paid $8,677.50 for a 20-cent wager.

Kevin Cummings led all drivers Wednesday with four wins while trainer Sam Smith topped his conditioning cohorts with a triple during the night.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 18) at 6:00 p.m.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Dave McNeight III had a huge night at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 14) as he won five races during the evening. The most notable win came with Avion Seelster who despite making a jump in class to the featured $15,000 Open I pace, won his third straight race and ninth overall of the year.

McNeight put Avions Seelster on the point and after a leisurely stroll to the half in :58.2, had a lot of work to do the second time around. Stranger Things (Aaron Byron) pulled first over and brought Lanjo Lee (Kyle Cummings) with him as they headed up the backstretch. Stranger Things took the lead at three-quarters and pulled away by almost a length, but he could not clear Avion Seelster. At the top of the stretch, Avion Seelster came back on to regain the top spot but had a target on his back for Lanjo Lee, who streaked down the middle of the track. McNeight rocked and knocked Avion Seelster while Lanjo Lee was gobbling up ground. The two battled all the way to the wire where Avion Seelster hung on by a mere nose in 1:55.

The win pushed Avion Seelster ($17.40) to $99,732 in earnings for the year, but he also eclipsed the quarter-million mark lifetime, now boasting $255,845 in the bank. Marissa Russo owns the David Russo-trained gelding.

McNeight also won with Tiger Baron (1:55.1, $2.10), Hot Shot Joe (1:56.4, $4.90), Carrythetorchman (1:55.4, $16.00) and Knocking Around (1:56, $31.20).

There were also a pair of $12,500 upper-level conditioned paces on the program Saturday.

In the first, Gunslinger Hill (Drew Monti) turned a first-over move into a half-length victory over Stop Action (Kevin Cummings) in 1:56 to chalk up his ninth win of the year. Jeniffer Giuliani trains Gunslinger Hill ($3.30) for owner Ronald Viele.

Then later, Belmont Major N (Jim McNeight Jr.) followed the exact same script, pulling first-up at the half to eventually run down Fireball (Joe Chindano Jr.) and win in an identical 1:56. Belmont Najor N ($4.80) is owned by the S&K Misfit Stable and trained by Amanda Kelley.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 18) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $6,562 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Like he always seems to do, Lougazi started slow but finished fast to claim his 58th career victory in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 13). 

As Lougazi (Ray fisher Jr.) got away fifth, the heavy post time favorite Dewey Arnold (Kevin Cummings) made a break in turn one and everything changed from there. Burn Notice (Jim McNeight Jr.) took the lead before Showme Some Muscle (Drew Monti) pulled the pocket to take the top and led the short field to the half in a moderate :58.4. There, Gracious Triumph (Shawn McDonough) rolled up first-over and matched strides with Showme Some Muscle to three-quarters, where he finally got the lead. Lougazi was still fifth at this point, but out and moving with cover from I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) to the stretch. When they hit the straight, Fisher moved Lougazi to the middle of the track and the trotter closed it out, winning by a neck in 1:58.1. 

It was the eighth win of the year for Lougazi ($10.00) and his owner Mary Warriner. Ryan Swift trains the winner. 

In the $13,000 Open II Handicap trot, City Of Hope (Kevin Cummings) led handily through quarters of :29.2, :59.4 and 1:28.1, facing only a minor challenge from BJ Laredo (Jim McNeight Jr.), which he turned back. As he headed out of the turn for home, City Of Hope bolted under a line-drive by Cummings to a 2-¾ length win in 1:58.1.

The 3-year-old City Of Hope ($3.50) registered his 13th win of the year for trainer David Dewhurst, who also owns the gelding in partnership with Philip Hale. 

Drew Monti was the top driver on Friday, scoring a grand slam on the card while Garry Martin led all trainers with two wins during the night. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 14) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $5,792 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

After hitting the board in three previous attempts at Batavia Downs, Won Surreal Deal finally cracked the winner’s enclosure there after a sharp outing in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pacing feature for fillies and mares on Wednesday night (Oct. 11). 

It was a three-mare melee leaving the gate that saw Miss Rockadali (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) take turns at the top, approaching and just past the :27.2 quarter. Louie The Lilac finally settled on the point and barked the orders until Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) pulled from fifth at the half with cover and made her way to second at three-quarters. By the top of the stretch, Won Surreal Deal took over the lead and then held off a late rush from both Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) and So Amazing (Dave McNeight III) to win by a length in 1:56.1.

It was the fifth win of the year for Won Surreal Deal ($17.00) who is owned by Parsimonious Racing and trained by Jeff Sorenson.  

Earlier in the $11,500 upper level pace for fillies and mares, P L Notorious (Kevin Cummings) sat second behind Imprincessgemma A (John Cummigs Jr.) who did the heavy lifting on the front end until the top of the stretch where P L Notorious tipped and paced away down the lane to a convincing two-length win in 1:55.3. 

After four consecutive second place finishes, P L Notorious ($4.90) got her third win of the year for owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith trains the winner. 

P L Notorious was one of five wins for Kevin Cummings during the night as he also won with Rd Skippy (1:56, $9.50), Johnny Boy (1:58.4, $5.00), Isla Seelster (1:58.2, $2.90) and Millie’s Spirit (1:57, $4.70). 

Jim Morrill Jr. also had a big night with four driving wins while trainers Sam Smith, Dave Russo and Kevin Reynolds Jr. all had two wins apiece. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 13) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $4,954 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

After finishing second in his last two starts despite very strong efforts, Mirragon A got back to the winner’s circle after taking the $15,000 Open I Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 7).

Jim Morrill Jr. sent Mirragon A to the front and comfortably led his five competitors through quarters of :28.2, :57.4 and 1:25 as no one from behind could seem to advance. As they made their way through the last turn, the pocket-sitting Ideal Artillery (Jim McNeight Jr.) finally pulled and then Stranger Things (Shawn McDonough) found an opening along the pylons. They both were driven hard down the lane but Mirragon A had the jump and got the win by one-quarter length in 1:53.4.

It was the second Open I win at Batavia and sixth win overall on the year for Mirragon A ($3.90) who is owned by his trainer, Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner and John Manning.

There was another gate to wire winner in the $13,000 Open II Handicap pace. Avion Seelster (Dave McNeight III) cut the fractions while Warrawee Unique (Kyle Cummings) and Little Willy (Jim Morrill Jr.) gave chase, but their efforts were futile. Avion Seelster had a 1-½ length lead at the head of the stretch and extended it to 2-¼ at the line where he won in 1:54.2.

It was two in a row for Avion Seelster ($7.20) and owner Marissa Russo. David Russo trains.

Kevin Cummings had four driving wins on Saturday while Jim Rothfuss topped all trainers with two victories during the night.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 11) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $4,230 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Completely overlooked by the betting public at 28-1, I Got The Looks put in the effort of his year and blew up the tote board in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 6).

They were three wide almost the entire first quarter as I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman), Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Dewey Arnold all argued for the lead, with the latter getting the front just past the :27.4 quarter. Once everyone settled on the pylons, positions remained unchanged until the five-eighths where I Got The Looks pulled first-over and advanced. Dewey Arnold still led at three-quarters, but I Got The Looks drew even with him in the last turn and the two trotted together to the lane. As they headed down the stretch, I Got The Looks kept inching closer to the top and finally got the lead in the shadow of the wire to win by three-quarters of a length in a season’s best,1:56.2.

It was the fourth win of the year for I Got The Looks ($58.50) who is owned by Tronolone Racing and trained by Frank Mays.

Earlier in the $13,000 Open II Handicap trot, the lone mare in the race, Gracious Triumph (Jim Morrill Jr.), made a first-over move from fifth at the half in pursuit of the front-running Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) and pulled alongside that leader in the final turn. At the top of the stretch, City Of Hope (Kevin Cummings) joined the leaders and the three charged side by side down the lane until Gracious Triumph got a slight advantage and hit the line first by a head in 1:57.2, which also gave her a new seasonal mark.

It was the third win in the last four starts for Gracious Triumph ($2.90) and owner Harry Wortzman. Shawn McDonough trains the winner.

Jim Morrill Jr. led all drivers on Friday with three wins on the card while trainer Jim Clouser Jr. topped the conditioners with two.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 7) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $3,634 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Jim McNeight Jr. had a big night at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 4), winning five races on the card including both halves of the early double and a natural hat trick in races eight, nine and 10. The 9th race was the featured $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares where McNeight guided Center Attraction to her second top level win in her last three starts. 

Doyoukissfirstdate (Dave McNeight III) rolled to the point off the gate and reached the half unfettered in a modest :58.1 before a four-horse outer flow approached in turn three. Come Out And Play (Jim Morrill Jr.) led that charge, followed by Center Attraction while the pocket-sitting So Amazing (Kyle Cummings) continued to track inside. The top four paced in close proximity to three-quarters and into the last turn where McNeight tipped Center Attraction three-high. At the top of the stretch, Come Out And Play took the lead from Doyoukissfirstdate, but Center Attraction came hard and ran him down at the line by a neck to win in 1:55.1. 

Center Attraction ($3.00) got her sixth win of the year for trainer Robert Anderson, who co-owns the winner with Pamela Schiber. 

McNeight's other winners included Veneno (1:58, $4.60), Catch The Wave (1:58, $6.40), Bet I’m Lucky (1:55.1, $8.90) and Cheekie Baby (1:57.3, $17.20). 

McNeight is having a career year in all categories in 2023, boasting highs for wins (95), UDR (.241) and earnings ($744,125). And with his wins on Wednesday, he moved ahead of Ray Fisher Jr. into fifth place for dash wins for the current Batavia meet and now sits behind only Kevin Cummings, Jim Morrill Jr., Dave McNeight III and Kyle Cummings in that spot. 

The top trainer on Wednesday was Joe Skowyra who had three horses from his stable entered and had all three of them win. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 6) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $2,846 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

After winning three consecutive Open paces at Yonkers over the summer, Rocknroll Runa A had been in a bit of a slump in his last four outings, only hitting the board once. That all changed at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 30) when he took advantage of a perfect trip and posted a convincing victory in the featured $15,000 Open Handicap pace. 

Larry Stalbaum led the field with Rocknroll Runa A at the quarter after completing a snappy :27.4 sprint. But Mirragon A (Jim Morrill Jr.) was not content to follow this leader and blasted to the front in turn two. Mirragon A and Rocknroll Runa A were a tight one-two to the half in :56 and by three-quarters, started to separate from the field. Halfway through the last turn, Stalbaum tipped Rocknroll Runa A from the pocket and started gaining on Mirragon A. When they straightened for home, Rocknroll Runa A exploded to the line and won handily by 2-½ lengths in 1:51.2. 

It was the eighth win of the year for Rocknroll Runa A ($7.60) and it pushed his 2023 earnings to $173,014 for Stalbaum, who owns and trains the winner.

The $13,000 Open II Handicap pace produced an equally impressive mile after Big Chic Magnet (Kyle Cummings) made a substantial class jump from his previous two outings at Northfield pay off. Cummings sat in second with Big Chic Magnet behind Ideal Artillery (James McNeight Jr.) from the start of the race until mid-stretch, where Big Chic Magnet moved into the two path and out-sprinted Ideal Artillery to the line by a length in 1:52.4. 

It was the third straight win and fourth of the year for Big Chic Magnet ($8.70) who is owned by EVM Racing and Rodney Long. David Russo was the winning trainer. 

Kyle Cummings ended the day with three driving wins, as did Drew Monti. Trainers Chris Petrelli, Tammy Cummings, Larry Stalbaum and David Russo all scored two wins apiece. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 4) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $2,143 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Makadushin N Cheez led from gate to wire to win his sixth of the year in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 29).

Kevin Cummings sent Makadushin N Cheez to the front off the gate and took the full field of nine to the quarter in an easy :29 flat, and put the opposition to sleep with an even slower :59 half. An outer flow formed through turn three but couldn’t get near the leader by three-quarters. That left Makadushin N Cheez still in command with only the pocket-sitting Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) and Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) tracking closely. At the top of the lane, Lunar Credit pulled and Mugshots Bro came up the pylons in chase, and they were joined by Joxter (Dan Daley) brushing late from far back. But none would catch Makadushin N Cheez, who won by one-half length in 1:57.3.

Makadushin N Cheez ($2.90) scored his 25th lifetime win for owners Joe D’Agostino, Molly D’Agostino, Philip Kadushin, and David Dewhurst, who also trains the winner.

In the $13,000 Open II trot, Good Boy (Ray Fisher Jr.) made a three-wide move from fourth around the breaking Grey Clouds (Dan Daley) in the last turn, caught the front-running Lepanto (Kevin Cummings) and held off the late closing Da Boogie Man (Kyle Cummings) and Gracious Triumph (Jim Morrill Jr.) to win by one-half length in 1:57.2, which was a new lifetime mark.

Mary Warriner owns Good Boy ($3.60) who is trained by Ryan Swift.

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. won three more races on Friday while John Cummings Jr., Kevin Cummings, Kyle Cummings and Ray Fisher Jr. each doubled up.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 30) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,013 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Overlooked by the bettors at 13-1 despite a convincing win two weeks ago in a lower class, Xenia’s Chip made a statement Wednesday night (Sept. 27) by winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs. 

Xenia’s Chip (Kevin Cummings) got away third as Imprincessgemma A (John Cummings Jr.) skated to the quarter in :28.3. Just past that station, Won Surreal Deal (Dave McNeight III) pulled first-over and made her way to second passing the half, with two mares following in the outer flow that left Xenia’s Chip locked in at the pylons.

As the race motored up the backside, Imprincessgemma A continued to own the lead but was under duress from Won Surreal Deal and the pocket-sitting Come Out And Play (Jim Morrill Jr.), who pushed her to a :27.4 third panel. The top three positions remained the same around the last turn but then Xenia’s Chip finally had room to advance and made her way to the five-path at the top of the stretch. With four horses still ahead of her, Xenia’s Chip dug deep and paced furiously to the line where she won by one-half length in 1:54.3, taking a new lifetime mark. 

It was the eighth win of the year for Xenia’s Chip ($33.00) who is owned by Keith Pinkowski and trained by Jim Graham. 

In the secondary featured $11,500 mid-level conditioned pace for female participants, the well-traveled and win-laden Doyoukissfirstdate (Dave McNeight III) took no prisoners after striking the front, controlling the pace by a gapped margin and pacing home easily by 1-½ lengths in 1:55.4 to score her 12th win of the year. Doyoukissfirstdate ($7.20) is owned by Gary Ballowe and trained by David Russo. 

The Downs second leading driver, Jim Morrill Jr., won five races on the card Wednesday. He scored with Tobin’s Diva (1:56.2, $3.60), A Black Diamond (1:55.2, $2.60), Silverhill Blaze (1:56.4, $2.80), American Jazz (1:55.3, $2.50) and Flo (1:56, $3.90). Morrill’s last three wins were a natural hat trick in races 11, 12 and 13. Morrill now has 96 wins at the current meet and trails Kevin Cummmings (105) by nine wins. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 29) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $697 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.