horse racing

Saturday (October 26) at Batavia Downs means double-feature night and two Open Handicaps valued at $13,000 each went to post with full fields.

The Open pace was first and Lanjo Lee (Kyle Cummings) drafted to his 25th career victory.

Lanjo Lee was sent to the front and got there by the quarter before letting Vel Mr Nice Guy (Joe Chindano Jr.) come right back and be leader of the pack from there. After passing the half in :56.2, Lip Reader A (Drew Monti) came first up and pressured Vel Mr Nice Guy from there to the top of the stretch, while Lanjo Lee was getting the perfect pocket trip. When they straightened for home, Cummings shot Lanjo Lee into the passing lane and blasted to the lead by a half length at the line in 1:54.1.

It was the second straight win and sixth win of the year for Lanjo Lee ($4.30) who is owned by Gordon Swift and trained by Jeff Sorenson.

Cummings ended the night with a grand slam after also winning with Catch A Lefty A (1:57.1, $6.10), Dougadougadew (1:58.3, $13.80) and Beach Boogie (1:56.2, $3.40).

Then later in the Open trot, Valentine Express (Joe Chindano Jr.) put in a big effort to claim his second consecutive win.

Valentine Express, Credarena (Dave McNeight III) and Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) sprinted three across the track off the gate and to the :28 quarter where Biscoe took command with Credarena and Valentine Express settling in behind. But Chindano had Valentine Express out and moving again at three-eighths and drew near the leader by the half. As they made their way around turn three, Valentine Express and Biscoe continued to spar all the way up the backstretch before Valentine Express was able to take the lead at three-quarters. Once in front, Valentine Express opened up two lengths at the top of the stretch and made his way down the lane with a four length advantage and won in 1:55.4, which was a new seasonal mark.

It was the sixth win of the year for Valentine Express ($6.40) who is owned by Rock 01 Stable and trained by Jerry Nugent Jr.

In the night’s third race. 13-year-old YS Lotus (1:55.4, $5.60) scored a 3-½ length victory to register his 60th career win. Kevin Cummings drove for trainer Sam Smith and owner Mike Torcello.

Several horse people scored doubles on Saturday including drivers Joe Chindano Jr., John Cummings Jr., Kevin Cummings and Drew Monti and trainers Tammy Cummings and Mike Deters.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 30) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $1,244 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

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.

Great Unknown has lived up to his name recently concerning winner’s circle visits, as he hasn’t been to one since May 8 at Harrington Raceway. But his 12 start drought ended on Friday (October 25) night at Batavia Downs when he was a willing participant and jogged home first in the $9,500 trotting feature.

John Cummings Jr. left with Great Unknown and then strung out Crazy Ritz (Jim McNeight Jr.) before releasing him to the front at the quarter in :28.1. Now with the pocket trip, Great Unknown followed Crazy Ritz to the half in :58.3 and three-quarters in 1:28.1. At that point, Paya Tuesday (Joe Chindano Jr.) was trotting alongside Great Unknown third heading into the last turn, and Famous Dan (Kyle Cummings) had joined the group three-deep around him, leaving Great Unknown locked in the box halfway through the bend. But Paya Tuesday began to fade, leaving room for Great Unknown to get out between Crazy Ritz and Famous Dan. At the top of the stretch, Great Unknown was trotting up a storm with his tail flagging with every stride. He bolted to the lead by two lengths and won impressively in 1:57.4.

Great Unknown ($5.00) is owned by Marissa Russo and trained by Dave Russo, who had two winners on the card.

Joe Chindano Jr. scored a grand slam at the lines on Friday, winning with Machaholic (1:55, $6.20), SS Tys Aflyin (1:59, $17.80), Lootable (1:54, $3.10) and Chumlee A (1:56.4, $21.60).

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (October 26) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $1,659 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and a $963 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.

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.

Batavia Downs leading driver, Drew Monti, showed why he is on top after winning five more races on Wednesday (October 23) night. That included the featured $12,000 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares with Dance Ticket, who waltzed her way back to The Downs after two unsuccessful starts at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

During a torrential downpour, Monti put Dance Ticket on the point and she became the commander of fractions for the entire mile. After pacing through panels of :28, :57.1 and 1:25.2 with a gapped advantage and no credible challenges from behind, Dance Ticket rounded the final bend, entered the stretch with a 2-½ length lead and easily made her way to the line where she won in 1:54.3, only one-fifth of a second off her lifetime mark.

It was the seventh win of the year for Dance Ticket ($11.40) who is owned by Mike Flynn and trained by Garry Merner Jr.

Monti rounded out his five-bagger with wins behind VJ Panderosa (1:57.4, $29.00), Silverhill Blaze (1:57.2, $2.10), Our Night Fury (2:01.3, $6.40) and Shake Me Loose (1:56, $3.10).

After Wednesday night's action, Monti now has 75 wins at the current Batavia meet and sits ahead of his nearest competitors Joe Chindano Jr. (69), Kevin Cummings (64) and Dave McNeight III (60).

Another Merner trainee, Shesasharpshooter (Jim McNeight Jr.), won the first of two $9,500 mid-level condition races by going gate to wire in 1:54. Shesasharpshooter ($6.90) is owned by Gino Toscani.

The other division was also won in gate to wire fashion by Celia Bayama (Joe Chindano Jr.) who pulled away by three and tripped the beam in 1:56.2. Celia Bayama ($3.20) is owned by Jean Reid and trained by Chris Petrelli.

Chindano ended the night with three wins while Petrelli bagged two of his own.

Trainer Andy Torre also had two wins on Wednesday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (October 25) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $656 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 12th race.

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.

Two Opens totaling $26,000 were on tap at Batavia Downs on Saturday (October 19) night and a show of force was displayed by both winners.

The $13,000 Open pace went first and was scratched down to a five-horse field that Livonjaxsandqueens (Jim McNeight Jr.) beat from start to finish.

McNeight pushed Livonjaxsandqueens to the fore and settled on the lead passing the :28 quarter. With Comet Crusader N (Shawn McDonough) following from second, Livonjaxsandqueens got to the half in :57.3 and three-quarters in 1:26.2 where the top two lost touch with the rest of the field. Livonjaxsandqueens spun through the final bend and at the top of the stretch, Comet Crusader N pulled and tried to catch the leader. But he came up a half length short as Livonjaxsandqueens crossed first in 1:54.3.

It was the sixth win of the year for Livonjaxsandqueens ($5.70) who is owned by Howard Ouriel and trained by Jim Rothfuss.

Then in the $13,000 Open Handicap trot, El Toro Loco (Kevin Cummings) poured it as he thumped the competition.

City Of Hope (John Cummings Jr.) grabbed the lead at the quarter but almost immediately, El Toro Loco took it from him and for all intents and purposes, the race was over at that point. El Toro Loco had an easy 1-½ length advantage to the half in :57.1 and three-quarters in 1:26.3. Then coming out of the last turn, El Toro Loco bolted from the field and stretched out to a 5-½ length margin at the beam that he broke in 1:56.2.

El Toro Loco ($7.90) is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

Kevin Cummings ended the night with a total of three wins while Sam Smith concluded the card with two. Darrin Monti also had two wins and joined Smith as the top trainers for the night.

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta was hit the last race. The single unique combination of 1-6-9-5-2 returned $7,090.10 for a 20-cent wager.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 23) with post time at 6 p.m.

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.

Making his second start at Batavia Downs since competing in the Ontario Sire Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park over the summer, the 3-year-old Slayin Theday Away took on older foes and found the local winner’s circle for the first time after he won the featured $9,500 trot on Friday (October 18) night.

Slayin Theday Away (Drew Monti) grabbed the lead at the quarter and led the group of seven to the half in 1:01. It was there that Run Like Hill (Joe Chindano Jr.) pulled from fifth and made his way to the lead passing the five-eighths pole. Run Like Hill had the lead, but could not cross over as Slayin Theday Away continued to fight up the backstretch.

Run Like Hill tripped the timer in 1:29.1 at three-quarters with Slayin Theday Away still second on the pegs and a half length behind. As they spun through the last turn, Slayin Theday Away got back even with Run Like Hill and at the top of the stretch, completed a stellar comeback by taking the lead and keeping it by 1-¼ lengths at the light in 1:59.1.

It was the eighth win of the year for Slayin Theday Away ($2.70) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Dr. Michael Miller. Maria Rice trains the winner.

Monti, Rice and Vogel and Wags Nags also teamed up to win with Jacked (1:57.3, $2.90) earlier in the card.

The top drivers on Friday were Jim McNeight Jr. and Joe Chindano Jr. who both registered three wins during the proceedings. Jim McNeight got two training wins to match Rice as top conditioner.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (October 19) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $4,853 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 12th race.

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.

Forgot Thewallet A made quick and easy work of her six female foes after walking away with a victory in the $11,000 conditioned pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 16) night.

Dave “Triple Sticks” McNeight III flew off the wings with Forgot Thewallet A and set a tempo no one in the race could compete with. Forgot Thewallet A set fractions of :27.2, :57.2 and 1:25.1 while maintaining a growing lead at each station. After rounding the last bend under no duress whatsoever, Forgot Thewallet A paced home under wraps to win by 2-¼ lengths in 1:54.4 on a very chilly night in Genesee County.

It was the ninth win of the year for Forgot Thewallet A ($3.30) who is owned by Dr. Michael Miller and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice trains the Australian expatriate.

When the 12-year-old pacing gelding Angelo J Fra ($4.60) won the seventh race in 1:58.1, he registered the 60th win of his stellar career while pushing his lifetime earnings to $640,688. Angelo J Fra is owned by Eva Saintcross and Megan Wilson and trained by Shawn McDonough.

Drew Monti was the leading driver on Wednesday, scoring a grand slam during the night. Monti won with Naked Truth (1:58.2, $4.10), Millie’s Spirit (1:59, $13.60), Madison Queen (1:58.4, $3.90) and Mako Me rich (1:58.2, $8.60).

On the training side, Chris Petrelli also had a big night. He saw three from his stable go for win pictures, namely Artistic Spirit (1:57.2, $3.60), the aforementioned Mako Me Rich and Michelle’s Jazz (1:57.1, $5.20).

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (October 18) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $4,287 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

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.

Nimble New Zealand-breds took center stage at Batavia Downs as they won the top two paces of the week on Saturday (October 12) night.

In the night’s main event, Vulcan Star N (Kevin Cummings) got his second straight at The Downs in the $13,000 Open Handicap pace.

Vulcan Star N sat second behind Livonjaxandqueens (Jim McNeight Jr.) through quarters of :27.4, :57.1 and 1:25.1 while post time favorite Lip Reader N (Drew Monti) applied outside pressure to three-quarters. Lip Reader N’s bid fell apart in the final turn, leaving Livonjaxandqueens in front by 1-½ lengths heading into the stretch. But Cummings tipped Vulcan Star N off his cover and aggressively drove him down the lane to eventually catch Livonjaxandqueens by a head in the shadow of the wire in 1:54.

Vulcan Star N ($16.80) is owned by his trainer Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner, John Spindler and Michael Paulson.

Then in the $12,000 Open II pace, Melanion N (Drew Monti) turned a second-half move into a romp at the line.

Melanion N got away fourth as Carrythetorchman (Joe Chindano Jr.) led to the half in :56.1. That is where Monti pulled Melanion N into the breeze and started a methodic march towards the leader. Incrementally reeling in Carrythetorchman up the backside, Melanion N drew alongside his target in the last bend and edged ahead of Carrythetorchman as they straightened for home. From there, Melanion N bolted to the wire as Monti sat chilly and won by 4-¼ lengths in 1:53 , giving the gelding a new lifetime mark.

Melanion N ($3.20) is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Dr. Michael Miller. Maria Rice trains the winner.

Horse people scoring two wins on Saturday include drivers John Cummings Jr., Kevin Cummings, Kyle Cummings, Drew Monti and Kyle Swift and trainer Maria Rice.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 16) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $3,618 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

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.

Press Release:

A pair of $9,500 conditioned trots were featured Friday (October 11) at Batavia Downs on a night that saw winds gusting over 40 mph down the lane.

In the first contest, All About Thechase (Jim McNeight Jr.) sat second while Franks Watching (Ray Fisher Jr.) did all the heavy lifting during the mile. After getting to the half in 1:02.2, Franks Watching was under siege from Slayin Theday Away (Drew Monti) from the half to three-quarters, who was joined by Famous Dan (Kevin Cummings) moving three-wide in the final turn. But it was the tripping All About Thechase who quietly ducked into the passing lane and out-trotted them all to the line where he won by a neck in 2:01.3.

It was the second win in a row for All About Thechase ($11.20) who is owned by the Caprio Stable and trained by Alana Caprio.  

The second group saw the off-time favorite Skyway Professor (Dave McNeight III) get away sixth early. But he also got underway quickly at three-eighths in pursuit of the loose leader Rough Tuff Tested (Jim McNeight Jr.), who was rolling to the half in :59. Skyway Professor advanced to second on the outside next to Hellrider (Mike Caprio), but was still 2-3/4 lengths behind the leader at three-quarters. However Skyway Professor started cutting into that lead around the last turn and drew alongside Rough Tuff Tested in the stretch. From there, Skyway Professor got the advantage in deep stretch and won by three-quarters of a length in 1:59.1.

It was the ninth win of the year for Skyway Professor ($4.00) who is owned by the Out In The Country Stable and Daniel Tybor and trained by Jim Rothfuss.

Driver Joe Chindano Jr. had a grand slam during the night, winning with Arrakis (2:00.4, $3.90), Run Like Hill (2:01, $3.70), Lootable (1:56.1, $83.00) and Tidal shark (1:58.1, $2.90). Arrakis and Run Like Hill were trained by Francis Guillemette, who led all conditioners for wins on Friday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (October 12) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $641 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and also a $3,207 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 12th race.

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.

Summer Slash took advantage of a step back from last week’s Open into a lower conditioned event at Batavia Downs, where she power-moved to victory in the $12,500 fillies and mares pacing feature on Wednesday (October 9) night.

Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) took the lead passing the quarter and took the field to the half in a pedestrian :59. That prompted True That (Kevin Cummings) to move to the outside and summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) took advantage of the cover from fifth. As the field bunched at three-quarters, Fisher tipped Summer Slash three-wide in the last turn and when they hit the stretch, she was gone. Summer Slash paced to the line clear by two in 1:57 over the rain-soaked track rated as good.

It was the fourth win of the year for Summer Slash ($8.80) who is owned by Ilovemyharnesshorsesummer and trained by Ryan Swift.

There were also two $9,500 conditioned paces for distaff competitors.

In the first, NY Hardcore (Bradley Jackson) sat behind Casie’s Believer (Joe Chindano Jr.) for seven-eighths of the mile before tipping into the passing lane and brushing to the line first by a half length in 1:58.3. Casie’s Believer ($5.20) is owned by Sonia Joly and trained by Francis Guillemette.

The second was won by Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) who pulled first-over at the half to take the lead from Lookatmyart (Kevin Cummings) and then pull away from the field in the stretch by four lengths to win in 1:55.4. Won Surreal Deal ($6.60) is owned by Parsimonious Racing Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson.

Driver Kyle Cummings and trainer Chris Petrelli each scored a hat trick to lead their respective categories on Wednesday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (October 11) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $2,699 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

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.

Driver Kyle Cummings was on point Saturday (October 5) night at Batavia Downs after winning both the $13,000 Open Handicap trot with Double Class and $13,000 Open Handicap pace PL Quarantine in convincing fashion.

First in the trot, Cummings took Double Class off the gate and trailed from fifth as Power And Grace (Drew Monti) led the field to the half in a tepid :58.4. But that tempo would soon pick up when Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) came calling first-over with Double Class drafting one out and one back. These positions remained unchanged to three-quarters and around the last turn where Double Class tipped three-wide heading into the stretch and then trotted home alone while Cummings high-lined and broke the beam in 1:57.2.

It was the second win in the last three starts and eighth win overall this year for Double Class ($20.40) for owner/trainer Jim Clouser Jr.

Then in the pace Cummings took immediate control of the race with PL Quarantine, who led at every stage of the race. After setting quarters of :28.2, :57.4 and 1:26, PL Quarantine broke away by 2-½ lengths around the last turn and then bolted home on top by three in 1:53.3.

It was the seventh consecutive win for PL Quarantine ($3.60) who is owned by Jane Stanley and his trainer Joe Alba.

Cummings also won with Catch A Lefty A (1:57, $3.00) to complete his hat trick.

A notable win came in the $11,000 mid-level conditioned trot where the venerable trotter Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) employed one of his patented come-from-behind brushes to hit the line first in 1:59 and chalk-up the 65th win of his career. The now 10-year-old Lougazi ($35.20) has now earned $573,259 for his owner Mary Warriner and trainer Ryan Swift.

Mike Deters was the top conditioner on Saturday, sending two from his stable to the winner’s enclosure.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 9) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $1,940 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.

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.

When Drew Monti won the first race at Batavia Downs on Friday (October 4) night with Heavens Fury (2:00.4, $5.10), he reached a major milestone by registering the 2,500th win of his career and he did it on his 30th birthday. The win was only the first of four that Monti had during the evening, putting an exclamation mark on his accomplishment. He also won with Hudsonandbernard (1:57.2, $9.90), I’m Already Gone (1:56.4, $6.10) and Seasiderocket (1:58.4, $7.20).

Monti started driving at New York fairs in 2012 at the age of 17 and won his very first start behind Super Grover at Waterloo, NY. A year later, he got his first pari-mutuel win at Batavia Downs in the fall of 2013 behind Right Back At You who was a heavy favorite at 1-9, and Monti has remained a favorite of trainers and bettors alike on several circuits ever since.

Although racing full time at Batavia Downs where he won the driving title in 2016 and 2018, Monti has also been a regular reinsman at Plainridge Park since 2019 where he has finished in the top five among that driver colony on four different occasions. Over the years, Monti has also competed at The Meadowlands, Yonkers, The Meadows, Woodbine-Mohawk Park, Northfield, The Red Mile and Buffalo.

For his career overall, Monti now has 2,503 wins, 2,393 seconds and 2,253 thirds from a total of 16,957 starts and just under $19.5 million in purses as a result.

Monti’s big night Friday also vaulted him into first place for wins at the current meet at Batavia, as he now sits on top of the list with 55 wins ahead of Kevin Cummings (53), Joe Chindano Jr. (53) and Dave McNeight III (52).  

The one race Monti did not win was the $9,500 featured trot where Makes Me Charlie (Jim McNeight Jr.) grabbed the lead past the half and won boldly by 2-¾ lengths in 1:58.1. Makes Me Charlie ($2.90) is owned by Amy Butler and Margaret Butler, who also trains the winner.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (October 5) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $1,473 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.

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.

Despite his current sharp racing form, Louie The Lilac was grossly overlooked at the windows and sent off at 21-1. However the punter’s snub didn’t faze “Louie” as she blew up the tote board after winning the $13,000 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 2) evening.  

Louie The Lilac (Shawn McDonough) got away fourth as Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings), It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Oaxacan Dream N (Dave McNeight III) all left and paced three abreast around the first turn. As they headed up the backstretch, It’s Corona Time opted out to third while Oaxacan Dream N forged ahead for a long journey as Won Surreal Deal owned the lead at the pegs and wasn’t going to relent. These top two paced to the half in :55.1 before Oaxacan Dream N began to tire from the airing.

As the race approached five-eighths, Louie The Lilac tipped out from third and drew alongside It’s Corona Time as both were still chasing Won Surreal Deal heading to three-quarters. Won Surreal Deal opened up two lengths in the last turn, where Louie The Lilac pulled ahead of It’s Corona Time and then went back to the pylons. At the top of the stretch, McDonough dipped Louie The Lilac into the passing lane and bolted past the tiring Won Surreal Deal to win by a length in a season’s best, 1:54.1.

Louie The Lilac ($45.80) is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

McDonough, Smith and Torcello also won the $11,000 with True That, who came from nowhere to swoop the group.

True That got away sixth while Shooting Brooke (Joe Chindano Jr.) marched off quarters of :27.3, :56.4 and 1:25.4. At that last station, Dark Eclipse N (Drew Monti) tipped from second to go after the leader and True That was still sixth and third-over in the outer flow. At the top of the stretch, Dark Eclipse N took the lead and looked like a winner. But True That came from the clouds, five wide in the middle of the track and zoomed by everyone to win at the line in 1:55.3.

It was the third win in a row for True That ($11.20).

Besides the two top paces, the owner/trainer combination of Torcello and Smith also lit up the board two other times on Wednesday, as their barn continues to be red hot. Joining their stablemates Louie The Lilac and True That in victory were Scenic Adventure (1:55.1, $3.60) and Stonebridge Hypnos (1:56, $3,50).

Drew Monti was a wizard at the reins on Wednesday, scoring a grand slam during the night, including a natural hat trick in races 12, 13 and 14. Monti won with Bet I’m Lucky (1:56, $17.60), Embrace The Rust (2:01.4, $8.70), Shake me Loose (1:57.1, $5.20) and the already mentioned Stonebridge Hypnos.

Monti now sits one win shy of career win 2,500, which he has an excellent chance of getting this Friday (October 4) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs at 6 p.m. Friday will also feature a $1,115 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.

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.

With no one hitting the Pick-5 wager again at Batavia Downs on Saturday (September 28) night, there is a $2,112 carryover for that wager in the first race on Wednesday (Oct. 2) night at The Downs and track management has announced that pool will be guaranteed at $7,500 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 6 p.m.

As part of the program, Trackmaster is offering free full past performance programs on the USTA website through this link (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv1002x.pdf).

The Pick-5 at Batavia Downs is a 50-cent minimum wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. If all five winners aren’t selected, the carryover amount will then move to the Friday (Oct. 4) night program.

And as always, 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.

There was a pair of $13,500 Open Handicap races highlighting the Saturday (September 28) night card at Batavia Downs and the winners of each put in stout efforts in victory on a rain-soaked night in Genesee County.

The Open pace was up first and won by Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.), who was challenged at every step of the mile.

Villiam took the lead off the gate and crossed-over to the pylons in the first turn. But before he could get to the quarter, Melanion N (Drew Monti) had worked his way up from seventh and was pacing alongside the leader. Melanion N took the lead at three-eighths, but Villiam didn’t allow him enough room to clear so the parked pacer was forced to remain in the breeze. Villiam and Melanion N matched strides to the half in :55.4 and continued to battle onto the second circuit.

As they passed five-eighths, Mirragon N (Shawn McDonough) had moved into contention from the back of the pack and tipped three-wide around Melanion N at three-quarters. As Melanion N started to fade, Mirragon N took the lead from Villiam, but once again Villiam refused to let the horse clear. The pair paced step for step around the last turn until Villiam pulled ahead by a length at the top of the stretch and maintained that advantage to the wire where he won in 1:53.1, which was a new easonal mark.

Villiam ($5.40) got his fifth win of the year for his owner Anthony Evgenikos and trainer Maggie Chindano.

Chindano finished the night with a total of three driving wins.

Three races later, the Open trot was won by the only mare in the field of eight, Power And Grace (Drew Monti), who led at every step of the way to turn away all her male rivals.

Power And Grace left from post seven, grabbed the front and proceeded to dictate the rest of the race. After going comfortable quarters of :29.1, :58.4 and 1:28 without any serious challenge from behind, Power And Grace entered the home stretch and simply pulled away from the field by 2-½ lengths in 1:57.4.

It was the 11th win of the year -- and 67th lifetime -- for Power And Grace ($4.20) who is owned by Hartel Maintenance, Lorner McClure, Brett MacDonald and Reg Higgs. Ronald MacDonald was the winning trainer.

Kevin Cummings was top dog in the bike on Saturday, scoring a grand slam at the lines. Cummings won with Dry Ridge Ace (1:57, $3.10), Dogfight (1:56.1, $17.00), Bet Eightthirtyone (1:57.1, $7.80) and Parmesan N (1:57.1, $3.00).

Ryan Hall was the top conditioner, sending two winners postward.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 2) with post time at 6:00 p.m.  

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.

The marquee event at Batavia Downs on Friday (September 27) night was a $10,000 conditioned claiming trot where Curry Hanover (Shawn McDonough) turned in one spicy performance to dominate his seven rivals.

Curry Hanover moved right to the lead from post one and then would not relinquish it for the duration. With Cartier Zette (Joe Chindano Jr.) trying to keep up in second, Curry Hanover trotted moderate quarters of :29.2, :59.1 and 1:28.2 before coming off the turn last and bolting for home by 5-½ lengths in a season’s best, 1:58.

It was the sixth win of the year for Curry Hanover ($3.60) who is owned by Franklin Meier and trained by Angelo Nappo.

Jim McNeight Jr. put on quite a show in the bike on Friday by winning four races on the card, including a natural hat trick in races two, three and four. McNeight won with Smart N Sassy (1:56.3, $10.60), Batting Stats (1:58.3, $11.40), Catch The Wave (1:58.3, $3.80) and Makes Me Charlie (1:57.3, $3.70).

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (September 28) with post time at 6 p.m.  

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.

Center Attraction was in perfect position to run down her competition in a thrilling stretch drive in the featured $13,500 Distaff Open at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (September 25) night.

Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) got away second from post one behind Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) who set the pace in :28, :57.1 and 1:25.2. It was at that last station where Marathon Mary (Drew Monti) pulled from third and advanced towards the leader. The top three mares broke away from the field and when they entered the stretch, Center Attraction slipped into the passing lane while Marathon Mary continued to pressure Won Surreal Deal on the outside. The three sidewheelers paced three abreast all the way to the line where Center Attraction edged ahead by a half length and won in 1:54.3.

It was the fourth win of the year for Center Attraction ($7.50) who is owned by her trainer Robert Anderson, in partnership with Pamela Schieber.

Dave McNeight III and Drew Monti both had driving hat tricks while Chris Petrelli was the top trainer with two wins on the card.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (September 27) with post time at 6 p.m. 

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.

Saturday (September 21) night at Batavia Downs featured $13,500 Open Handicaps for both the pace and trot and this week, upset winners prevailed in each contest.

The pacers went first and Lip Reader A (Drew Monti) got his third win at Batavia this meet.

Lip Reader A got away sixth while Admiral Hanover (Kyle Swift) led to the quarter in :27.4, where Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) then blasted by him to take control. As Villiam crossed-over at the top of the turn, Monti was pulling Lip Reader A off the pegs and pushing him through the breeze as the long march to the front began. When Villiam reached the half in :57, Lip Reader A drew alongside his flank and before reaching three-quarters, the pair was locked in a duel. Villiam and Lip Reader A pulled away from the field by three lengths in the final bend and both drivers were highly animated in the urging of their mounts. Villiam and Lip Reader A paced stride for stride all the way down the lane until Lip Reader A got the advantage by a quarter length and won in 1:53.4.

It was the ninth win of the year for Lip Reader A ($11.60) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing Maria Rice trains the winner.

Lip Reader A was one of four winners for Monti on Saturday. He also won with P L Quarantine (1:54.1, $12.40), Heir Of Southwest (1:57.2, $8.10) and Leave And Roll (1:56.1, $19.60).

The trot was the very next race and Biscoe (Jim McNieght Jr.) got his second win in a row while being overlooked by the betting public, despite winning the Open last week.

Biscoe got off to a slow start and was 10 lengths behind the frontrunning Treasured Tee (Joe Chindano Jr.) at the :27.4 quarter. Then as the leader passed the half, Biscoe started moving up on the outside. Treasure Tee looked strong on the point rolling through the backstretch and Biscoe appeared to stall at that same time. But as the race neared three-quarters, Biscoe got it in gear and was trotting up a storm as they headed into the last turn. Treasure Tee was able to hold Biscoe at bay until they reached the top of the stretch, where Biscoe simply trotted away from the field by 3-½ lengths and won in 1:57.

Biscoe ($28.20) got his seventh win of the year for his driver McNeight, who also owns the horse. Jim McNeight does the training.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (September 25) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $1,290 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.

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.

Double Class has been an Open trotter at Batavia Downs since his first win there in 1:55.3 in July. On Friday (September 20) at The Downs, the trotter essentially made a double class drop to a mid-level condition event and got back to his winning ways in the $10,000 co-featured race of the night.

Sent off at 7-1, Double Class (Dave McNeight III) got away last and 10-½ lengths in arrears as the heavily favored Cartier Zette (Joe Chindano Jr.) coasted through fractions of :28.3 and :58. As they motored in front of the stands, McNeight had Double Class out and moving and quickly advanced towards the leader. Double Class drew alongside Cartier Zette at three-quarters and then they matched strides around the final bend. At the top of the stretch, Double Class showed his, as he swelled up and bolted home under a line drive on top by 1-½ lengths in 1:57.2.

It was the seventh win of the year for Double Class ($16.20) who is owned and trained by Jim Clouser Jr.

In the other $10,000 split of the same class, Bj’s Smitty (Mike Baumeister) sat second behind Simonthediamond (Dan Yetman) through quarters of :29.1, :59.1 and 1:28.4 before sneaking into the passing lane and snapping the leader by a neck at the light in 1:59.3.

Bj’s Smitty ($18.80) is owned by Jennifer Signor and trained by Jacob Baumeister.

Kevin Cummings had a big night in the bike, winning a total of four races during the proceedings. Cummings won with Rearview Blue Chip (1:58.3, $4.60), P L Notorious (1:57.1, $22.40), Mcdelicacy (1:57.1, $6.40) and Pennant Seelster (2:00.2, $5.20).

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (September 21) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $920 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

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.

A patient drive by Kyle Swift helped Dance Ticket register her sixth win of the year in Batavia Downs' $13,500 fillies and mares Open pacing feature on Wednesday (September 18) night.

Forgot Thewallet A (Dave McNeight III) blasted off the gate from post seven and took a lead that would last to the :56.2 half. It was there that Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) charged the frontrunner, followed by Marathon Mary (Drew Monti) and Dance Ticket, as Forgot Thewallet A had no answers for the takeover.

With new leadership in place for the second time around, Won Surreal Deal paced sharply to three-quarters where Marathon Mary tipped to take her shot in the last turn. That left Dance Ticket right behind Won Surreal Deal and that mattered at the top of the lane. Marathon Mary got to the front and looked to be a clear winner, but Dance Ticket dove into the passing lane and flew to the line first by a neck to win in 1:54.2. The time was a new lifetime mark for the mare.

Dance Ticket ($10.20) is owned by 716 Standardbreds and trained by Courtney Wright.

In the $10,000 mid-level conditioned event for female pacers, Imprincessgemma A (Drew Monti) set fractions of :28.2, :59.2 and 1:27.4 before turning for home and hanging on by three-quarters of a length in a 1:57 win.

Elite harness Racing owns Imprincessgemma ($4.20) who is trained by Rachelle Mungillo.

Drew Monti and Joe Chindano Jr. both ended the night with three wins while trainers Rachelle Mungillo and Sam Smith had two wins apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (September 20) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $636 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

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.

Back-to-back $13,500 Handicap Opens for both gaits topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Saturday (September 14) night and fast miles were produced in each by pylon position participants.

In the trot, Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) was a dominant winner after leading at every station in unfettered fashion.

The seven-horse field was scratched down to a five horse start that saw Treasured Tee (Joe Chindano Jr.) leave and cross-over before entering the turn while Biscoe seated from post one. But shortly after passing the eighth pole, McNeight pulled Biscoe and rolled to the front before the quarter. Biscoe then cut the breeze with fractions of :28.3, :58.2 and 1:27.4 with Treasured Tee trying to stay close. When the race came out of the last turn and entered the top of the stretch, Biscoe swelled up and bolted home on top by 5-¼ lengths in 1:57.2, matching his fastest previous win at The Downs this year.

It was the sixth win of the year for Biscoe ($3.90) who is owned by his driver, McNeight Jr. Jim McNeight trains the winner.

Then in the pace, Tiger Baron (Dave McNeight III) also left from the invisible rail and set a tepid pace of :58 to the half. That prompted a lot of action from behind as a multi-horse outer-flow rolled into contention led by Better Take It (Kevin Cummings). As the race headed up the backstretch Tiger Baron picked up the pace, Better Take It stalled in the race, and Mirragon A (Shawn McDonough) moved three-wide in haste, drawing alongside Tiger Baron at three-quarters in 1:26. Mirragon A took the lead in the last turn and held it until the top of the stretch. That’s where Tiger Baron took back control under a highly animated drive by McNeight, and forged ahead by a half length to win in 1:53.3, tying his seasonal mark.

Tiger Baron ($9.10) got his seventh win of the year for owner Courtney McNeight. Dave McNeight Jr. trains the winner.

It was one of three wins for McNeight III on the card.

Drew Monti was the leading driver on Saturday, scoring a grand slam in the bike. Monti won with RD Skippy (1:55, $3.90), Lana’s Desire (1:54, $2.60), Duck Dynasty (1:54.3, $22.60) and Admiral Hanover (1:54.3, $4.60). Monti also had a second and two thirds from his 11 drives.

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in the last race. The single unique winning combination of 2-9-4-6-7 returned $3,832.60 for the 20-cent wager.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (September 18) with post time at 6 p.m.

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.