harness racing

Driver Kevin Cummings and trainer Angelo Nappo teamed up to take the top two feature races at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 23) over a speed-bearing track on a beautiful fall evening.

First in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace, Cummings got away fifth with Stranger Things while Gunslinger Hill (Drew Monti) shot to the quarter in :28.3. However Stranger Things wasted little time getting into the mix, coming first over halfway through the second turn and engaging Gunslinger Hill by the half. After trading strides up the backstretch, Cummings rocked Stranger Things to the front and crossed over at three-quarters in 1:25.3. From there, Stranger Things closed it out on his own, holding off another late bid from Gunslinger Hill and winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:54. 

After taking a new lifetime mark of 1:52.2 last week, Stranger Things ($3.60) made it two straight wins despite moving up in class for owners Kathy Schoeffel, Virginia Schoeffel, and James Reuther. 

Then in the $12,500 upper-level conditioned pace, Cummings took a similar path to victory with Bet Eightthirtyone. After getting away fifth as Remember The Beach (Dave McNeight III) commanded the fractions, Cummings tipped Bet Eightthirtyone second-over behind Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) at the half and followed his cover to three-quarters where he went three-wide around the fading Nox Vegas Bluechip. He was then kept in the three path by Mighty Santana N (Joe Chindano Jr.), who slipped out of the pocket under him. At the top of the stretch, Remember The Beach, Mighty Santana N and Bet Eightthirtyone were even and all were under heavy drives by their pilots. In deep stretch the race was down to Mighty Santana N and Bet Eightthirtyone with Bet Eightthirtyone getting the nod by one-half length in 1:54.2, tying his seasonal mark. 

Bet Eightthirtyone ($7.60) got his sixth win of the year for his owner Super Mile. 

Cummings went on to win a total of four races during the night including a natural hat trick in races nine, 10, and 11. Trainer Jim Rothfuss had a hat trick of his own to lead all conditioners on Saturday. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 27) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $365 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 scoring his second straight win at Batavia Downs in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot on Friday night (Sept. 22), Lougazi attained a career milestone by surpassing one-half million dollars in lifetime earnings.

Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) got away sixth while Makadushin N Cheez (Kevin Cummings) took the outside route to the lead as he passed the quarter in :28.4. Then just before the half, I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) led an outer-flow charge while Lougazi got in gear and followed. I Got The Looks pushed Makadusin N Cheez to three-quarters and that’s where Lougazi tipped three wide into the last turn. By the time they hit the top of the stretch, the three horses trotted evenly across the track, but then Lougazi kicked away in deep stretch and won by a length in 1:57.2.

It was the 57th lifetime win for Lougazi ($6.10) and it pushed his career bank to $501,366 for owner Mary Warriner. The Ryan Swift trained Lougazi has not missed the board in nine Batavia Downs starts this year, posting three wins, four seconds and two thirds to this point.

In the $13,000 Open II Handicap trot, Ricky Be Sharp (Mike Baumeister) was let go by the betting public at 28-1 and pulled a major upset after making a three-wide move at three-quarters, trotted by the race leader Worthy Of Honor (Drew Monti) and then held off the late closing Da Boogie Man (Kyle Cummings) and E Street (Jim Morrill Jr.) to win by a head in 1:57.3, tying his lifetime mark.

Ricky Be Sharp ($59.50) got his 40th career win for owner Jennifer Signor. Ron Baumeister trains the winner.

Jim Morrill Jr. led all drivers with three wins on Friday.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 22) 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.

Press Release:

Louie The Lilac has been smelling like a rose at the current Batavia Downs meet and her success continued on Wednesday night (Sept. 20) after she extended her winning streak to five in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares.

Kevin Cummings pushed away the gate with Louie The Lilac and opened up a two-length advantage at the :28.3 quarter and it only got worse for the competition from there. Louie The Lilac opened up 3-½ lengths at the half and extended her lead to four as she passed three-quarters in 1:26, with the field following loosely behind her. As the race rounded the far turn, Casie’s Believer (Joe Chindano Jr.) made her way to second from mid-pack but had two lengths yet to make up. However that wasn’t going to happen on this night as Louie The Lilac cruised home first under a line drive from Cummings in 1:55.1.

It was the seventh win this year for Louie The Lilac ($2.60) and owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith trains the winner. 

Dave McNeight III had a grand slam on Wednesday, winning with Dancing Lisa (1:55.2, $8.70), Chipper Daisy (1:57.3, $4.20), Bngs Express (1:58.2, $29.60) and Ashlee’s Delight (1:55.4, $17.40). 

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in the 13th race. The combination of 9-5-2-1-7 returned $6,404.90 for a 20-cent wager. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 22) 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.

Since coming to Batavia Downs in July, The Longest Yard has not finished worse than second in five starts, and on Saturday (Sept. 16) he grabbed his third $15,000 Open I Handicap pace win and did it in handy fashion.

Mirragon A (Ray Fisher Jr.) was headstrong off the gate and amassed a two-length lead at the quarter in :27.1 while Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Stop Action (Jim Mcneight Jr.) were struggling to keep pace and The Longest Yard (Kevin Cummings) was a distant sixth at this point. The field continued to be strung out to the half where Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) pulled first-over and The Longest Yard tagged along behind him.

Mid-way up the backstretch, Villiam succumbed to the pace as Mirragon A hit three-quarters in 1:23.3, so The Longest Yard tipped three-high and around the fading horse as he headed into the last turn and had five lengths to make up with time running out. The Longest Yard passed the pocket-sitting Nox Vegas Bluechip, took dead aim at Mirragon A and was getting closer with every stride. Four pylons into the stretch, The Longest Yard took the lead and then strode away to a two-length win in 1:52.2, which was his fastest win time at Batavia this meet.

It was the fourth win of the year for the fleet-footed The Longest Yard ($2.40) which is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith. The Longest Yard was one of three wins for Cummings on the night and also one of two for Smith.

In the undercard $12,500 upper-level conditioned pace, Fake Out (Jim Morrill Jr.) got away fourth as Bet Eightthirtyone (Kevin Cummings) strolled to the half in a mere :58. As the race passed the five-eighths, Morrill tipped Fake Out and started to roll up the rim towards the leader. Just as they entered the final bend, Fake Out drew even with Bet Eightthirtyone and the two battled to the top of the stretch. There, Fake Out dug in and bolted to a 1-½ length victory in 1:54.1, which tied his seasonal best.

It was the fourth win in the last five starts for Fake Out ($8.30) who is owned and trained by Lee Dahn.

Jim Morrill Jr. dominated the driving colony on Saturday by posting four winners during the proceedings.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 20) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $4,332 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the 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.

Local trotting favorite Lougazi had an easy time of it in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 15) and chalked up his 56th lifetime win as a result. 

Ray Fisher Jr. got away fourth with Lougazi in the scratch-shortened field of five, while Credit List (Kevin Cummings) took the quintet to the quarter in :28.2. As the race passed the stands the first time, Fisher pulled Lougazi who then advanced to second before entering turn three. Heading up the backstretch, Credit List was under heavy pressure from Lougazi, who was trotting comfortably in the breeze. The pair matched strides around the last turn but when they straightened out for home, Lougazi simply trotted away under Fisher wraps while turning back a late challenge from the early breaking, yet fast-closing Makadushin N Cheez (Jim McNeight Jr.) to win by 1-¼ lengths in 1:57.3. 

On the strength of his sixth win of the year, Lougazi ($4.40) is now just shy of one-half million in lifetime earnings, showing $493,866 on his card for owner Mary Warriner. Ryan Swift is the winning trainer. 

In the $13,000 Open II Handicap, I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) got away fifth as Magic MVP (Joe Chindano Jr.) blasted off the gate and to the quarter in :28.1. As they approached the half, Yetman was already out and rolling with I Got The Looks and drew alongside the leader by three-quarters. After racing in tandem around the last turn, I Got The Looks put away Magic MVP at the top of the stretch and then held off Con Air Hall (Jim Morrill Jr.) by one-quarter length in 1:58, which was a new seasonal mark.

I Got The Looks ($15.80) is owned by Tronolone Racing and trained by Frank Mays. 

Kevin Cummings and Jim Morrill Jr. both had driving triples while Sam Smith and Shawn McDonough each had two training wins. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 16) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $3,719 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Eight $55,000 divisions went postward in the $440,000 New York Sire Stake Excelsior finals that were held at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Sept. 13) and several streaking horses were victorious again and had the support of the betting public.

The 2-year-old trotting filly Dozen (Chapter Seven-Sequin) drafted third for Tyler Buter behind the entry of Barn Dreamer (Jason Bartlett) and Barn CJ (Kevin Cummings) from the start to three-quarters where Buter tipped her and trotted towards the front. At the top of the stretch, Dozen was in full flight and bolted home to a 3-¼ length win in 1:58.2. 

It was the fifth straight win for Dozen ($2.80) who is owned by Diamond Creek Racing and trained by Marcus Melander. Diamond Creek Farm bred Dozen.  

Then the 2-year-old pacing colt Pop It (Huntsville-Pop The Tags) left hard from post one for Mark Macdonald and led the entire race. While leading by 1-½ lengths, Pop It cut quarters of :28.1, :58.1 and 1:27.4 before turning for home and holding off the pocket-sitting Spectacular Plus (Jason Bartlett) to win by one-half length in 1:56. 

That was the fourth straight win for Pop It ($2.70) and owners Schnittker Arnold, Country Club Acres, Joe Sbrocco and Ted Gewertz. Ray Schnittker trains Pop It who was bred by Kathryn Weed and Kenneth Weed.

From the sophomore class, 3-year-old pacing filly Rec Time (Huntsville-Ms Malicious) and Jason Bartlett left for position from post five and dropped in second behind Light And Tight (Jordan Stratton), then and followed that one for seven-eighths of the mile while Sweet Cheyenne (Marcus Miller) applied pressure to the leader from the outside. At the top of the stretch, the passing lane opened and Rec Time paced away down the lane to a two length win in 1:55.1, with a sharp :27.3 final panel.

Rec Time ($3.90), who set Batavia Downs track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies earlier this year, won her sixth race in only eight 2023 outings for owners D Racing Stable and Jason Osullivan. Deborah Daguet trains the filly bred by Fair Winds Farm, Mark Mullen and Steve Jones.

And then 3-year-old trotting filly Serendipity (Chapter Seven-Vida De Vie) got away fourth for Marcus Miller while Five Fish Species (Mark Macdonald) led the field. Woolco (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled first-over at the half and Miller followed with Serendipity. Halfway through the last turn, Serendipity went three-wide and then under a line drive, pulled away to a 1-¾ length victory in 1:57.1. 

It was the ninth win of the year for Serendipity ($6.00) and owners W Donovan, Jim Winske, Stephen Michaels and Joe Sbrocco. George Ducharme trains Serendipity who was bred by Joie De Vie Farm.

Jason Barltett won three Excelsior finals while Tyler Buter won two. 

Here is a look at the rest of the stake winning performances:

2-year-old pacing fillies

• Ideal Skies (American Ideal-No Clouds Bluechip)

• Driver – Alek Chartrand

• Owner – United Process Control Co.

• Trainer – Alek Chartrand

• Breeder – Barbara Berger, Richard Carney, Farrell Carney

• Time – 1:56.4

• Mutuel – $6.40

2-year-old trotting colts and geldings

• Sir Pinocchio (Met’s Hall-Lady Cromwell)

• Driver – Jason Bartlett

• Owner – Carolyn Atherton

• Trainer – Ed Hart

• Breeder – Carolyn Atherton

• Time – 1:59

• Mutuel – $21.40

3-year-old pacing colts and geldings

• Boston Bound (Boston Red Rocks-Ashleyswayrhighway)

• Driver – Jim Morrill Jr.

• Owner – Rick Berks, Peter Blood

• Trainer – Mike Deters

• Breeder – Winbak Farms

• Time – 1:55.3

• Mutuel – $6.60

3-year-old trotting colts and geldings

• Seven Sins (Chapter Seven-Isolde)

• Driver – Tyler Buter

• Owner – Pollack Racing

• Trainer – Jeff Cullipher

• Breeder – Crawford Farms

• Time – 1:57.3

• Mutuel – $7.40

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 15) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $2,142 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.

A loaded 15-race card has been drawn for Wednesday night at Batavia Downs and it features the $440,000 New York Sire Stake Excelsior finals. A total of 64 state-bred Standardbreds will start in eight $55,000 Excelsior divisions and combined with seven overnight events valued at $71,500, the total purses up for grabs that night total $511,500.

All of the 3-year-old events are full of very talented horses, many of which have competed on the New York Sire Stake circuit at some point over the summer. Most from this group have already raced at Batavia this year, but none put on a more memorable performance than the pacing filly Rec Time (Huntsville-Ms Malicious).

When trainer Deborah Daguet sent Rec Time behind the gate in a $57,000 NYSS leg at Batavia on August 16, she was overlooked by the betting public at 9-1. But she turned some heads when she moved from third in the stretch to win by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:52.3 and set a new Batavia track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies. It was her first NYSS start of the year after having won four Excelsior races with two seconds in six starts. She has not raced since that start, but Rec Time has been freshened up and qualified back in preparation for this event, going 1:55.2 at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs.

Looking to set records of her own is Mark Ford’s High Fashion Star (Huntsville-High Fashion Model) who is the highest money earner in the field with $102,964 deposited on the strength of her five wins and four seconds this year. Beside the Excelsior series, High Fashion Star has also competed in the Lynch Memorial at Pocono and Empire Breeders Classic at Tioga Downs. She too just qualified at The Meadowlands in a very impressive 1:53.4 going gate to wire.

The “Glamour Division” of second year male pacers is another evenly seeded field.

Storm The Court (Huntsville-Soft Wind Hanover) has bounced between the NYSS and Excelsior races all summer for trained Mark Silva, winning once at the top level and three times in the latter. He went gate to wire in his outing at Batavia on August 8 in an impressive 3-1/4 length, 1:54.1 victory and has since paced in 1:51.4 at Tioga, getting beat only a head after cutting the mile again. He is one to watch.

That Dog Will Hunt (Huntsville-Mikayla Rose) was the one who beat Storm The Court in 1:51.4 at Tioga after benefiting from a perfect trip. However he made a uncharacteristic break at Yonkers in his last start in an overnight race and was placed as a result. It would appear the break was an anomaly and that trainer Jennifer Bongiorno will have That Dog Will Hunt ready to be a major contender here.

Stephen Crevani’s Bullville Stephano (Artiscape-Bullvillestephanie) already has a lifetime mark of 1:49 at Pocono earlier this year and just got beat a neck in 1:50.3 in an overnight there two weeks ago. He has two Excelsior wins this year including a 1:54.4 walk in the park at Batavia on August 8. There is no question that Bullville Stephano has the speed and versatility to win this race.

The 3-year-old trotting fillies are led by Woolco (Chapter Seven-Upside Hanover) who spent the better part of the summer competing in the NYSS where she won once and finished second as well and actually finished eighth in the points standings to qualify for the $225,000 NYSS finals that were held at Yonkers on Saturday (Sept. 9). However trainer Bob Krivelin opted to enter the Excelsior final instead as her three wins there saw her finish fifth in those standings.

Ron Burke had Destiny’s Darling (Chapter Seven-Moonlight Cocktail) racing in NYSS events her last three starts where she finished second and third to that top division’s leader, Royal Filly. However the bulk of her starts were in the Excelsior series over the summer and that’s where she qualified for the final. She does appear to have a class advantage as a result of her recent outings.

Serendipity (Chapter Seven-Vida De Vie) is a George Ducharme trainee who is an eight-time winner this year that includes her last start at Batavia. Serendipity hasn’t missed the board since June, hasn’t missed a check all year and should be considered a serious contender.

Looking at the second year trotting males, David Dewhurst’s City Of Hope (Met’s Hall-Doin The City) is possibly the hardest working 3-year-old in to go as he already has 23 starts this year with a very impressive 11 wins as a result. After sweeping a three race series at Saratoga, City Of Hope went on to win three Excelsior legs and bankroll $110,294 so far this year. He has been known to make an occasional break, but when he’s on his game, he is dangerous.

Looking at his rivals, trainer Ron Burke has Kennebago (E L Titan-First Class Act) coming into this final off two consecutive wins, both of which were on the front end. And Seven Over (Chapter Seven-Overpowering Lindy) is a four-time winner this year for trainer Per Engblom, the last of which was at Batavia. His 1:54 mark at Vernon is the fastest of this bunch and he did compete in the NYSS earlier this year.

Whereas the 2-year-old pacing division for both genders seems to be very evenly matched races that should provide excellent betting opportunities, the first-year trotters appear to have several horses who stand out in both races.

The 2-year-old filly trotters will have to contend with a strong entry from the Batavia-based stable of trainer Steve Pratt and the pair just happened to finish first and second for points and earnings in this division of the Excelsior series this year. Barn CJ (Crazy Wow-Fractured Dream) has won six of seven Excelsior starts with one second and earnings of $65,000. Barn Dreamer (Devious Man-HB All Our Dreams) has won four of six Excelsior starts with two seconds and earnings of $50,000. And both trotters won their last outing and that was at Batavia Downs.

The main competition and biggest challenge for the Pratt entry is Marcus Melander’s Dozen (Chapter Seven-Sequin) who comes into this final on a four race win streak, all in Excelsior action that earned the filly $44,638. Her last win was at Vernon Downs where she took a lifetime mark of 1:55.4 and the one start she did not win was a third place finish in a NYSS start at Saratoga. It’s also interesting to note that every time Dozen faced both Barn CJ and Barn Dreamer, she won.

The 2-year-old male trotters should put on quite a show with four horses peeking at the right time.

John Stark Jr.’s Tobern (Crazy Wow-Bertaux) won five in a row over the summer, including one NYSS start and an 18-length romp at Batavia on August 4. He’s the top money earner in this field with $98,650 and has been the picture of consistency all year, never missing the board in seven outings.

Dan Daley’s Fringed (Crazy Wow-Jinx Muscles) suffered through breaks and terrible draws all summer and although he seems to have gotten over his bad manners, his poor posts have continued. However, despite starting from the six and eight hole in his last two outings, he won both times convincingly and beat Tobern in both of those races.

Then there is the entry (coupled by ownership) of Woweress (Crazy Wow-Chaperess) and Barn Credit (Credit Winner-Nothing But Nice) who are both more than capable of winning. Woweress is trained by George Ducharme and in six starts has two wins including one 7-3/4 length jog in 1:58.2 at Batavia. Barn Credit is another Pratt trotter who, although somewhat camera shy with only one win, has hit the board five out of six times this year.  

Post Time for the first race on Wednesday is 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.

A $15,000 Open I Handicap for each gait topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 9) and both winners took new seasonal marks as a result of their efforts. 

In the feature pace, Gunslinger Hill (Drew Monti) made it two in a row after taking advantage of a perfect trip. 

Gunslinger Hill took an early lead, but soon found himself in the pocket behind Avon Seelster (Kyle Cummings) who would then battle the parked-out Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) to the half in :55.3. As the race progressed up the backstretch, Nox Vegas Bluechip began to lose touch with Avon Seelster, forcing Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) three-wide and The Longest Yard (Kevin Cummings) four-wide as they headed into turn four. Coming out of that bend, the outside horses started to fade, but Gunslinger Hill took to the passing lane and paced past Avon Seelster before holding off The Longest Yard by a length to win in 1:52.4.

It was the eighth win of the year for Gunslinger Hill ($14.60) and pushed his earnings to $68,580 for owner Ron Viele. Jeniffer Giuliani trains the winner. 

The top trot went to Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) who led at every station enroute to his victory. 

Morrill pushed Mugshots Bro off the gate and got the top as they passed the quarter in :27.4. Once settled on the point, Mugshots Bro slowed the half to :57.1 before hitting the gas and opening up a two length advantage over Special Prosecutor (Drew Monti), Lougazi (Ray FIsher Jr.) and Johnny Boy (Kevin Cummings) who were fanned three across the track from three-quarters to the top of the stretch. As they headed down the lane it became a two-horse race between Mugshots Bro and Lougazi, who was flying. Morrill and Fisher both rocked and knocked to the wire where Mugshots Bro hung on by a head in 1:57.1. 

Mugshots Bro ($6.50) got his fifth win of the year for owners Herman Niedhammer and Herman Niedhammer Jr. and trainer Rose Russo. 

Kevin Cummings had a driving hat trick while Jim Morrill Jr. and Joe Chindano Jr. both had two wins on the card. Trainers Ryan Swift and Jeniffer Giuliani also had two wins apiece during the night. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 13) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,182 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the race 15. Wednesday will also feature eight divisions of the $440,000 New York Sire Stake Excelsior finals that kick off in race two. 

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 coming up short in her last outing, Summer Slash got back to her winning ways while imposing her will on a field of top pacing mares in the $15,000 Open I Distaff Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 6).

In a reversal of tactics, Ray Fisher Jr. sent Summer Slash to the front for the first time since April and made short work of her competition once settled. Summer Slash held a gapped avantage setting fractional times of :27.2, :57 and 1:25.3, while the pocket-sitting Skyway Venus (Joe Chindano Jr.) and the breezing Xenia’s Chip (Dave McNeight III) tried to keep pace at that station. But that turned out to be an exercise in futility as Fisher shook the lines and Summer Slash found another gear. With her tail flagged and her head held high, Summer Slash ripped around the last turn and flew down the lane to win by an easy 3-½ lengths in 1:54 flat, tying her lifetime mark.

It was the third win in her last four outings and eighth win of the year for Summer Slash ($3.20) who is owned by Ilovemyharnesshorsesummer and trained by Ryan Swift, who had three winners go postward on Wednesday.

An equally impressive performance was put in by Casie’s Believer (Joe Chindano Jr.) who jogged in the secondary featured $11,500 upper-lever condition pace for fillies and mares.

Casie’s Believer was also the commander of fractions from the start and was hard-pressed by Diamondtequilashot (Ray Fisher Jr.) from the quarter to the five-eighths. At that point, Diamondtequilashot called it a night, forcing Mcdelicacy (Kevin Cummings) to go three-wide and engage Casie’s Believer up the backstretch and into the far turn. Mcdelicacy tried her best, but it wasn’t good enough as Casie’s Believer accelerated into the straight and bolted for the line, winning by 3-½ lengths in a season’s best 1:54.4.

Casie’s Believer ($15.80) registered her 28th lifetime win for Chindano, who also owns and trains the winner.

Jim Morrill Jr. had a driving grand slam during the night with three of those winners being trained by Cory Kreiser. Two of Kreizer's trainees were longtime equine veterans who added to their lofty lifetime win totals. They were 11-year-old trotter BJ Anthony who got his 52nd career win and the 12-year-old pacer Sudden Change N who posted career win 51.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 9) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $903 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the 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.

A trifecta of $10,000 mid-level conditioned events topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 4) as the summer heat returned to Genesee County. 

The initial two features were trots and the fastest of those was won by I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) who sat fourth to the half before coming first-over in turn three to draw near the leading Muskingum (Joe Chindano Jr.) at three-quarters. I Got The Looks made his way to the top at the head of the stretch and won, pulling away by 1-½ lengths in 1:58.3. 

I Got The Looks ($12.20) got his second win of the year for owner Tronolone Racing and trainer Frank Mays. 

The second trot was won by Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) who sat in the pocket while Photo Bomber (Dave McNeight III) and Create My Heart (Denny Bucerri) trotted side by side from the half to the top of the stretch. It was there that McNeight tipped Lunar Credit three-wide and looped them both on his way to a 1:59.2 victory. 

Lunar Credit ($3.40) is owned by his driver and is trained by Jim McNeight.

Then came the pace, which was won by Undertaker (Joe Chindano Jr.) who similarly sat third behind the battling Friskie All Night (Ray Fisher Jr.) and Barry Hanover (Jim McNeight Jr.) until three-quarters when Chindano went three-wide around them both and bolted home by three lengths in 1:56.3. 

It was the 54th lifetime win for Undertaker ($12.80) who is owned by Melvin Fink and trained by Chris Petrelli. 

For the second day in a row, Dave McNeight III was the leading driver with a hat trick on his card.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 6) 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, aka Triple Sticks, had a big night at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 2) as he scored a driving hat trick that included wins in both feature races. 

The first came with Tiger Baron, who on the heels of an impressive victory last week at Batavia, moved up to the top class and scored again, winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace in a personal season’s best clocking. 

Tiger Baron got away fourth as Casimir Richie P (Drew Monti) and Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) traded leads before the :27 quarter. Shortly after at the three-eighths, McNeight brought Tiger Baron first-over and started the long grind up the rim heading onto the second circuit. As they passed the five-eighths, Casimir Richie P was gapping behind Nox Vega Bluechip which allowed Tiger Baron to drop into the garden spot at three-quarters and draft behind the leader around the final bend. At the top of the stretch, Tiger Baron pulled again and paced past Nox Vegas Bluechip on his way to a three-quarter length win in 1:52.2.

It was the second straight win and third of the year for Tiger Baron ($4.40) and owner Courtney McNeight. Amanda Arrigenna trains the winner. 

McNeight also won the secondary featured $12,500 upper-level conditioned pace with Gunslinger Hill, who got away second early and remained in the pocket third, as the frontrunning Shazam Blue Chip (Joe Chindano Jr.) battled the first-over Speedy Dominic A (Ray Fisher Jr.) from the half to the seven-eighths. It was there that Speedy Dominic A faded, giving a clear path for Gunslinger Hill to come off the pylons into the middle of the track and outpace Shazam Blue Chip to the wire by 2-¾ lengths in 1:53.4, matching his season’s best effort. 

Gunslinger Hill ($23.20) got his seventh win of the year for owner Ron Viele and trainer Jennifer Giuliani.

The driver/trainer combinations of Drew Monti and Russell Bratt and Jim McNeight Jr. and Jim McNeight each scored two wins apiece. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Sept. 4) at 1:15 p.m. as the track will hold a special matinee card on Labor Day. 

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.

The New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old trotting fillies took center stage in split sets at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 1) for a total of $103,000 in what was the final visit for the top state-bred series for the year. 

The first $51,500 division was won by Erin (E L Titan-Blurred) in a romp. 

In a field that was scratch-shortened to only four horses, Jim Morrill Jr. pointed Erin down the road and dominated from start to finish. After quarters of :30.1, 1:00 and 1:29, Erin had opened up a nine-length lead heading into the last turn. At the top of the stretch, Morrill sat chilly as Erin was wrapped up and cruising unabated to the line to win in 2:00.3.

It was the first NYSS and lifetime win for Erin ($2.90) who is owned by Ann-Mari Daley, Donald Brenner, and Jared Daley. Dan Daley was the winning trainer of Erin, who was bred by Glengate Farms. 

The second $51,500 division saw quite an upset as Sadbirdstillsing (Chapter Seven-Fade Into You) caught the previously undefeated Sister Mary Maude at the line to notch her second consecutive NYSS victory. 

Jeannie’s Action (Dave McNeight III) took the early lead before Sadbirdstillsing (Tyler Buter) overtook her at the :30 flat quarter. As they spiraled out of turn two, Sister Mary Maude (Jordan Stratton) pulled first over from third and brought Seven Year Itch (Kevin Cummings) on her back. Sister Mary Maude cleared as Seven Year Itch drew alongside, leaving Sadbirdstillsing tucked away neatly in the pocket. Positions remained the same until the top of the stretch where Sadbirdstillsing found the passing lane and overtook Sister Mary Maude in deep stretch to win by 1-¼ lengths in 1:59.3. 

Sadbirdstillsing ($9.40) is owned by Crawford Farms Racing and Pryde Stables and is trained by Tony Alagna. Crawford Farms was the winning breeder. 

There were also two $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Barn CJ (Crazy Wow-Fractured Dream) in 1:59.1 and the second went to Barn Dreamer (Devious Man-HB All Our Dreams) in 2:01.1. Both horses were driven by Kevin Cummings, trained by Steve Pratt and owned by Steve and Nancy Pratt, Purple Haze Stable and Out In The Country Stable. 

Kevin Cummings finished the night with a four-bagger in the sulky. 

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in the 12th race on Friday and paid out a substantial mutuel. The combination of 5-1-2-9-3 returned $12,568,80 for the 20-cent wager. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 2) at 6 p.m. Also please note that Batavia Downs will hold a special matinee card on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 4) with post time set at 1:15. 

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.

The New York Sire Stakes will make its final 2023 visit to Batavia Downs on Friday (September 1) when two $51,500 divisions of 2-year-old trotting fillies will line up to vie for the $103,000 in purse money and the statistical leader in this category will be on hand to compete. 

Sister Mary Maude (Crazy Wow-Perfect Mass) is the current points leader of this NYSS demographic and comes into this race on a five-race win streak, four of which were consecutive NYSS wins. She recently became a member of the Burke Brigade after they acquired her on July 3 and Sister Mary Maude has provided those connections with three wins already. She was scratched sick in her last engagement at Vernon Downs meaning she’s been off over two weeks. But with post one in a short field, Sister Mary Maude will look to extend her win total to six for trainer Ron Burke, who has Jordan Stratton in the bike for this week’s competition. 

Looking to prevent that from happening is Sadbirdstillsing (Chapter Seven-Fade Into You) who did compete in the NYSS at Vernon and won in 1:56.3 to take a new lifetime mark. That was her first win of the year but it came on the heels of three very close second-place finishes, the last two being only by a head. With that maiden tag finally behind her, Sadbirdstillsing will try to start a streak of her own with Tyler Buter at the lines for trainer Tony Alagna.

The other group of girls finds Erin (E L Titan-Blurred) the track handicapper’s early choice although she’s winless to this point. She has five-lifetime starts, all in NYSS action, and has hit the board three times. Erin has good gate speed and with post one, should be able to control this race from the start. Jim Morrill Jr. will drive for trainer Dan Daley. 

Crowbar Girl (Chapter Seven-Miss Trixton) has seven-lifetime starts and has tasted victory in her first and most recent outings. However in between she’s been unpredictable, to say the least. That said, she has the fastest lifetime mark of the group (1:57.1) as well as the highest earnings this year ($34,281) so she is definitely a player. Jordan Stratton will drive Crowbar Girl from post four for Ron Burke. 

There are also two $20,000 NYSS Excelsior divisions on the program and those splits will be contested in races eight and nine. The NYSS main events are carded as races six and seven. 

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

Jim Morrill Jr. had the hot hand in the bike on Wednesday as he won six times during the 13 race card. His biggest tally came with Miss Rockadali, who led at every station en route to victory in the $15,000 fillies and mares Open I Handicap at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (August 30).

Morrill left with Miss Rockadali and out-dueled Imprincessgemma A (Kevin Cummings) for the lead in the scratch-shortened field of six, establishing that position at the :27.3 quarter. After settling on the cones, Miss Rockadali slowed the second quarter down to:30.1 forcing Diamondtequilashot (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) into the outer flow, eventually going two and three wide moving towards three-quarters. Summer Slash eventually drew alongside Miss Rockadali in the turn and looked like she meant business. But her bid fell apart in the stretch where Miss Rockadali kept her lead to the wire while holding off Imprincessgemma A and a fast closing Bet I’m Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) to win in 1:55.1. 

It was the seventh win of the year and 37th lifetime for Miss Rockadali ($3.20) whose lifetime earnings now total $305,655 for owners Team Italia Racing and Lisette Mota. It was one of three wins for trainer Russell Bratt on Wednesday. 

Besides the already mentioned Miss Rockadali, Morrill also won with Charmbo Orbit (1:57.4, $10.00), A Black Diamond (1:56.2, $3.10), Triumphant’s Chip (2:00.2, $3.80), BJ Anthony (2:00.3, $15.40) and Skyway Venus (1:56.3, $5.60) to complete his six pack. 

In the secondary featured $11,000 mid-level condition for distaff pacers, Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first-over at the half and started cutting into the lead of the front running Carbon Cider (Joe Chindano Jr.) up the backstretch. Center Attraction drew even with Carbon Cider at three-quarters, matched strides with her around the last turn, and then paced clear in deep stretch by 1-¼ lengths to win in 1:56. 

Center Attraction ($3.20) is owned by her trainer Robert Anderson, in partnership with Pamela Schieber.    

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (September 1) at 6 p.m. there will be a $9,506 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 12th race. 

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.

A large trackside crowd was treated to a robust card of racing at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (August 26) that was headlined by the track’s signature event, the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace. A full field of eight top Open pacers went postward with Covered Bridge taking the winner’s share of the purse after a dominating finish. 

Covered Bridge (Jordan Stratton) got away fifth as This Is The Plan (Joe Bongiorno) dashed off the gate and crossed over to the lead before the :27.2 quarter. Bongiorno then proceeded to back down the half to :56.3, forcing a first-over move by Idealsomemagic A (Tyler Buter) and Covered Bridge. With the field now in two rows, the top four positions remained unchanged to three-quarters and into the far turn where Idealsomemagic A took the lead from This Is The Plan and Covered Bridge tipped three-deep around Idealsomemagic A. At the top of the stretch, Covered Bridge drew even with Idealsomemagic A before bolting to the line on top by 1-¾ lengths under a line drive by Stratton in 1:52. 

On the strength of his third straight win, Covered Bridge ($3.60) became the sports newest millionaire, with earnings now totalling $1,032,175 for owner Mark Ford. Jeff Gillis was the winning trainer. 

The New York Sire Stakes were also on hand Saturday with three divisions featuring both genders of 3-year-old trotters. 

The colts and geldings lined up first with one field of seven vying for $119,800 where Chapercraz (Crazy Wow-Chapress) was much the best.

Chapercraz (Joe Bongiorno) sat in third, tracking fast first half fractions of :27.4 and :55.4 set by Wild Bill Kelso (Jim Morrill Jr.). Wild Bill Kelso took a three length lead into the second circuit but Bongiorno moved quickly from third with Chapercraz and by three-quarters they were on top. Chaprcraz crossed over in the last turn while Bongiorno bounced relentlessly in the bike into deep stretch where Chapercraz hit the light on top by 3-¾ lengths in 1:54. 

The winning time established a new lifetime mark for Chapercraz and was only one-fifth of a second shy of the Batavia Downs track record for 3-year-old trotting geldings. 

With the win, Chapercraz ($10.00) boosted his 2023 earnings to $336,632 for owners Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and Phillip Collura. Ron Burke trains the Chapercraz who was bred by Purple Haze Stable. 

The fillies went in two short fields and the first, valued at $57,000, was won by Usosweet Blue Chip (Devious Man-Twin B Kisses) who led from gate to wire. 

Usosweet Blue Chip (Marcus Miller) out-trotted Midwind Success (Jordan Stratton) for the lead and set up shop on the point just past the five-eighths. From there she rattled off three identical:29.2 quarters while Midwind Success and Five Fish Species (Mark Macdonald) attempted to keep up. Those efforts fell short and Usosweet Blue Chip turned for home and pulled away by 3-½ lengths to win as Miller sat chilly in 1:56.4. 

Usosweet Blue Chip ($5.00) is owned by the Erv Miller Stable and Douglas Overheiser and is trained by Erv Miller. Blue Chip Bloodstock bred Usosweet Blue Chip. 

The second set of trotting fillies were in pursuit of $58,100 and Royal Filly (Chapter Seven-Swinging Royalty) was absolutely peerless on this night. 

Jean’s Action (Kevin Cummings) advanced to the front by the eighth pole and led for a handful of pylons before Royal Filly (Tyler Buter) made a power move to the point and this lead was for good. Royal Filly stepped off quarters of :29.2, :58.3 and 1:27.1 while extending her lead from two to six to seven lengths at each station. With no one even remotely near her in the last turn, Royal Filly turned for home and completed her tour of the facility on top by 10-½ lengths in 1:56.2. 

Royal Filly ($2.20) is owned by Crawford Farms Racing, trained by Tony Alagna and was bred by Jonas Schlabach.

There were also four $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Kennebago (E L Titan-First Class Act) in 1:58.1 for driver Joe Bongiorno, trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi. The second went to Serendipity (Chapter Seven-Vida De Vie) in 1:58.1 for driver Marcus Miller, trainer George Ducharme and owners William Donovan, Jim Winske, Stephen Michaels and Joe Sbrocco. The third was won by Metro Matty (Met’s Hall-Order By Matilda) in 1:59.2 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer John Butenschoen and owner Bay Pond Racing Stable. And the fourth was won by Seven Over (Chapter Seven-Overpowering Lindy) for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Per Engblom and owners VIP Internet Stable, Rich Preziotti, Heritage Standardbreds and Timothy Drag.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 30) at 6 p.m. there will be a $8,813 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race. 

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.

The trotters were on full display under the Friday night (August 25) lights at Batavia Downs but the spotlight fell directly on driver Jim Morrill Jr., who choreographed the journeys of the winners of the top two events. 

In the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot, Morrill put Makadushin N Cheez on the point and then sat chilly for the next eight furlongs. Makadushin N Cheez put up easy fractions of :28.4, :58.2 and 1:26.4 before taking his 3-½ length lead into the last turn. Morrill stayed reclined behind Makadushin N Cheez as Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) tried to employ his patented late rally in the stretch. But there would be no change in the order this week as Makadushin N Cheez just cruised across the line in 1:56. 

It was the 23rd lifetime win in only the 67th lifetime start for the high percentage Makadushin N Cheez ($5.30) who is owned by Joe D’ Agostino, Molly D’Agostino, Phillip Kadushin and David Dewhurst, who also trains the winner. 

In the undercard $13,000 Open II trot, Morrill took no prisoners with Mugshots Bro, who grabbed an early lead and maintained a 1-½ length lead to three-quarters. CR Blazin Beauty (Dave McNeight III) and Good Boy (Ray Fisher Jr.) tried their best to catch the leader around the last turn, but when Mugshots Bro hit the top of the stretch, he bolted home to a 3-¾ length victory in a seasonal best 1:57.1. 

Mugshots Bro ($3.90) is owned by Herman Niedhammer and Herman Niedhammer Jr. and is trained by Rose Russo. 

Morrill ended the night with a total of three wins on the strength of his natural hat trick in races eight, nine and ten, but Dave McNeight III led all reinsmen with a grand slam. Also, trainers Rose Russo and Lee Dahn both scored doubles. 

The biggest win mutuel of the year so far occurred in race four when Coco Hall (Jim McNeight Jr.) out-trotted the heavily favored Crews Hilltopper (Jim Morrill Jr.) to the line by a head in 1:59.3 and paid $129.00 to win. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (August 26) at 6 p.m. there will be a $7,322 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race. 

Also on Saturday, Batavia Downs will host its richest card of racing this summer when a total of $467,400 in purses will be up for grabs. The card features both colt and filly divisions of New York Sire Stake and Excelsior 3-year-old trotters with total purses of $294,900 and the $75,000 Kane Memorial Invitational Pace, which is Batavia Downs signature race. 

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.

The richest night of harness racing all summer will be held at Batavia Downs on Saturday (August 26) when total purses of $467,400 will be in play for participants of the heavily stake-laden card. Post time for the first of 15 races is at 6 p.m.

The New York Sire Stakes will be back in Genesee County, this time featuring both colt and gelding and filly divisions of 3-year-old trotters. Those three races alone are worth $234,900 and coupled with three $20,000 divisions of NYSS Excelsior events, total $294,900 in purses for the state-bred trotters.

Also on the card is Batavia Downs’ signature event, the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace which has attracted some of the best Open pacers currently racing in North America.

The feature races start with one division of NYSS 3-year-old male trotters going to post for a jackpot of $119,800 and includes two top trotters from their division going postward.

Kierkegaard K (Chapter Seven-Gone Baby Gone) has four wins this year including two NYSS events and an elimination of the MGM Yonkers Trot. But he also won the Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon Downs in 1:50.3. That mark has him tied as the fastest 3-year-old trotter of either gender to this point of 2023 with Hambletonian winner Tactical Approach and Hambletonian Oaks winner Heaven Hanover. As if that line on his resume isn’t enough, with his earnings of $209,351, Kierkegaard K is also the 11th highest earner in North America among all 3-year-old trotters. After making a break in his Hambletonian elimination at the end of July, Kierkegaard K came back with a NYSS win and a third-place finish in the Beal Memorial at Mohegan Sun Pocono last week, bringing him into this race off two solid efforts and looking like the one to beat.

Kierkegaard K starts from post three with Mark Macdonald in the bike for trainer Ake Svanstedt.

Chapercraz (Crazy Wow-Chaperess) has also had a big year with three wins, including two NYSS outings. But the gelding was only a little over two lengths away from having three more wins and all in very big races. Chapercraz finished second by a head in the MGM Yonkers Trot elimination, second by three-quarters of a length in that final and second by 1-1/4 lengths in the Zweig Trot at Vernon. But all those seconds still paid well and as a result,  Chapercraz is currently the seventh richest 3-year-old trotter in North America. After not missing the board in eight consecutive starts, Chapercraz got stung last week at Saratoga, parked four-deep into turn one before getting the lead past the :27.1 quarter. But he never saw the pylons until the three-eighths and that took its toll at the end of the mile and gave him his first out since May.

Chapercraz looks to rebound from post four with Joe Bongiorno in the bike for trainer Ron Burke.

Next are two NYSS divisions for 3-year-old trotting fillies. The first group goes for $57,000 and none of the five fillies have won a NYSS event this year.

Five Fish Species (Chapter Seven-Stylemaker) comes into this race on a tear, winning three out of her last four starts including two Excelsior races. She is making her first NYSS start here for trainer Megan Scran who has Mark Macdonald in the bike from post three.

Usosweet Blue Chip (Devious Man-Twin B Kisses) finished second in the NYSS at Yonkers last week, has one Excelsior win earlier this year and is the highest 2023 earner of this group. Marcus Miller will drive from post two for his father, trainer Erv Miller.

On The House (Chapter Seven-On Your Tab) has drawn terribly in her last three NYSS events but still was able to grab two checks. Prior to that she was a willing winner from post one in an overnight at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Here she drew post four for trainer Ake Svanstedt who has Jim Morrill Jr. In the sulky.

The second division is a six horse affair going for $58,100 and Royal Filly (Chapter Seven-Swinging Royalty) looks to get the most attention from the bettors.

Royal Filly is a four-time winner this year, including a victory in the Empire Breeders Classic and three NYSS races, two of which came in her last three starts. Her $190,697 in earnings has her the fifth richest and her mark of 1:52 has her the eighth fastest 3-year-old trotting filly in North America to this point. Royal Filly has drawn post one and trainer Tony Alagna has Tyler Buter back in the bike for this outing.

Woolco (Chapter Seven-Upside Hanover) is also a four-time winner and they were at both NYSS and Excelsior levels. And aside from one unfortunate break, Woolco has been first or second six out of her seven starts this year. Leaving from post six, trainer Bob Krivelin has Jim Morrill Jr. at the lines for the second time this year. The first outing with Morrill was a win.

Canterbury Hanover (Chapter Seven-Charmed Life) is another consistent performer with a win, second and third in her last three starts and all in NYSS action. She is the second-highest earner among this group and is poised to make a strong statement. It will be a homecoming of sorts for trainer/driver Jeff Gregory who started his career at Batavia Downs. Canterbury Hanover drew post four.

Finally, the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace has drawn what appears to be, the toughest overall field in the 17-year history of the race.

Covered Bridge ships in fresh off a win in the 64th Gold Cup and Saucer Pace at Red Shores in Charlottetown, PEI last week. After winning his elimination in 1:51.2 by four lengths, Covered Bridge came back in the final from post nine and won the final in 1:50.3 after being parked out four-deep at three-quarters. Covered Bridge also took a seasonal mark of 1:49.4 at Yonkers in June. His 13 wins this year have earned him $390,985 and he is likely to become a millionaire by the end of business on Saturday night as he is only $5,325 shy of that mark now.

Jordan Stratton will be at the lines again for owner/trainer Mark Ford and will start from post five.

Rocknroll Runa A (Rock N Roll Heaven-She’s A Runa) has excelled on half-mile tracks since landing in North America and you needn’t look any further back than his last three starts for proof as he has been dominant in the Open at Yonkers. He also finished second in consecutive weeks at Plainridge Park while chasing two track records in those races. His extreme tactical speed and middle-of-the-pack draw makes him very dangerous in here.  

Jason Bartlett will drive Rocknroll Runa A from post six for trainer Larry Stalbaum.

The field of eight also features millionaires This Is The Plan ($3,082,603) and None Bettor A ($1,145,227), 12-time 2023 winner Idealsomemagic A and last week’s Batavia Downs Open winner and recent import, Mirragon A.

The Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace is named in honor of the former chairman of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTB) and his vision for a defunct racetrack. In 1998 Robert Kane saw the opportunity for WROTB to keep harness racing alive in Western New York and convinced the group to purchase the shuttered Batavia Downs. He then worked diligently for four years to obtain a racing license from the state of New York in order to re-open the track in 2002.

With the improvement of the live racing product, multiple expansions of the gaming floor, and the addition of the top-rated hotel in the years since the acquisition, what once was an empty building is now the pre-eminent attraction in all of Genesee County and that is due to the vision of Robert J. Kane.

Families are encouraged to bring the kids early on Saturday to have their picture taken with one of the Budweiser Clydesdales, who will be on hand from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a track-side meet and greet. Also, there will be a Kane Memorial T-Shirt giveaway that night. You must be a Players Club member and swipe your card (starting at 4:30 p.m.) to receive a slip redeemable after the seventh race. 

The last time she was at Batavia Downs in 2021, Racine Bell set the track record of 1:51.3 for aged pacing mares after destroying her competition by eight full-lengths. On Wednesday night (August 23), the million-dollar mare returned to the Downs and won again in the $15,000 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace. 

Anne Bonney N (Cory Kreiser) took an early lead while Racine Bell (Kevin Cummings) rolled three-wide at the eighth pole on her way to the front at the :27.1 quarter. After crossing over, Cummings settled Racine Bell down and backed off the middle half to a tepid :58.4 as Oaxacan Dream N (Matty Athearn) and Waitforever N (Jim Morrill Jr.) were one out and one back in the breeze. Waitforever N made a three-wide move in turn three and found herself only a length behind the leader as they made their way around the final bend. But that was as close as she'd get as Racine Bell maintained that margin all the way to the line under Cummings urging to win in 1:55.1. 

It was the 33rd lifetime win in only 89 lifetime starts for Racine Bell ($3.40) and owners Chris Lawton and Dale Lawton. David Dewhurst was the winning trainer. 

Besides Racine Bell, Kevin Cummings also won with Tullow N (1:57.1, $2.60), Confidence Man (1:57.1, $9.40), Louie The Lilac (1:55.1, $4.30),

 and Pepin Coolie (2:01.2, $4.90) to round out his five bagger on Wednesday. 

Earlier in the $13,000 fillies and mares Open II Handicap, Diamondtequilashot (Jim Morrill Jr.) sat the pocket behind American Jazz (Denny Bucerri) through quarters of :28, :57.1 and 1:26 while Bet I’m Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) and Mcdelicacy (Kevin Cummings) pushed the issue on the outside from the half to the top of the stretch. It was there that  Diamondtequilashot found the passing lane and paced by them all to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:56. 

Diamondtequilashot ($2.60) got her 49th lifetime win and third of the year for owner Rick Senger and trainer Bill Rhoades.

Jim Morrill Jr. also won with TImeless Virgin (1:58.1, $2.50), Kandy Sweet (1:58.4, $2.20), and Mildrix (1:56.2, $3.00) to complete his grand slam. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 25) at 6 p.m. there will be a $6,582 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race. 

On Saturday (Aug. 26), Batavia Downs will host the richest card of racing in 2023 when a total of $450,600 in purses will be up for grabs. The program features both colt and filly divisions of New York Sire Stake and Excelsior 3-year-old trotters with total purses of $305,100 and the $75,000 Kane Memorial Invitational Pace, which is Batavia Downs signature race. 

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 was the fourth different track that the recently landed Australian import Mirragon A has competed over since starting his North American career in June, but it didn’t dissuade this Aussie from winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace on Saturday night (August 19).

Despite being assigned the outside in the field of six, Jim Morrill Jr. wasted no time pushing Mirragon A off the gate and to the lead, a position he controlled at the :27.2 quarter. With the field in single file, Mirragon A took the group to the half in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:24.2 without any challenges to that point. But trouble was coming and his name was The Longest Yard (Kevin Cummings), who had pulled from fifth at the five-eighths and was making up ground very quickly heading into the final turn. As they entered the stretch, Mirragon A was in control by 1-¼ lengths and The Longest Yard was still over three lengths behind, but he persevered and kept closing the gap as the wire drew near. Not giving into the pressure, Mirragon A maintained his lead while holding off The Longest Yard and a late-charging Stranger Things (Shawn McDonough) to win by one-quarter length in 1:53. 

It was the fourth win in only seven North American starts for Mirragon A ($13.00) who is owned by his trainer Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner and John Manning. 

Morrill ended the night with a driving grand slam after also winning with Rock N Blue (1:55.3, $2.30), Reggiano (1:56.3, $4.20), and Just A Wrangler (1:57, $3.20). 

The $13,000 Open II pace provided the biggest upset of the day when the overlooked Sporty Deal took full advantage of a class drop to score his sixth win of the year and reward his backers with a premium payout. 

Sporty Deal (Keith Kash Jr.) was almost 10 lengths off at the quarter while Passe-Grille Beach (Ray Fisher Jr.) skated unabated through quarters of :27.1, :55.3, and 1:24.4. It was at that last station where Kash tipped Sporty Deal three-wide from sixth, circled the field and took the lead just as they hit the turn. Kash high-lined Sporty Deal and tried to put some real estate between themselves and the competition and it worked. Sporty Deal hit the stretch and paced away to a convincing 1:54.1 victory, which was a new seasonal mark. 

L’Emmur Stable owns Sporty Deal ($43.20) who is trained by his driver, Kash. 

Kash had a training/driving double as he also won with Starsnstripes GB (1:55.4, $7.10).  

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 23) at 6 p.m. there will be a $5,601 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race. 

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.