horse racing

The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs have announced that Drew Monti and Sam Smith are the top driver and trainer for the summer/fall race meet at the Genesee County oval whose season will conclude on Saturday (Dec. 7).

Monti entered the final week of racing at Batavia with an insurmountable lead in the dash driving race with 117 wins, 19 ahead of Joe Chindano Jr. (98) and 24 ahead of Kevin Cummings (93). He also has had 86 seconds and 79 thirds from 562 starts that gives him a .340 UDR, the highest among all drivers at the current meet who have started 150 times or more. And those starts have earned the horses he has driven $790,221 in purses with two race days left in the meet.  

Monti also hit two career milestones during the Batavia meet. He scored his 2,500th win and surpassed $20 million in lifetime earnings.

While he also drives full time at Plainridge Park, Monti has posted one of the best overall years of his career to date. After 1,606 starts he has won a total of 235 races with 234 seconds and 196 thirds with $2,211,936 in purses, a total which by the end of the meet will be his third highest haul ever.

This is the third driving title Monti has won at Batavia Downs after taking it in 2016 and 2018.

Similarly, Smith came into the last two days of racing well in front of his competition after already having posted 67 wins, which is 24 ahead of Chris Petrelli (43) and 40 ahead of Shawn McDonough (27) and Maria Rice (27). Smith also had 42 seconds and 53 thirds giving him a .302 UTR and $469,988 in purses.

For all of 2024 including starts at other tracks, Smith has put up career numbers across the board. His horses have made 803 starts with 151 wins, 118 seconds and 115 thirds, giving him a UTR of .317 and earnings of $1,158,721. It’s the single best year in Smith’s training tenure.

This is the second consecutive training title for Smith at Batavia Downs.

Drew Monti and Sam Smith will be presented their awards trackside during the UNY-USHWA Night of Distinction that will be held at Batavia Downs on closing night, Saturday (Dec. 7).

Winter hit Batavia Downs hard on Saturday (Nov. 30) night and a spate of scratches due to weather related transportation issues shortened many of the fields. But the horses that did show up went dashing through the snow and that included the winners of the night’s two feature races.

The $14,000 Open Handicap pace went to post first and Melanion N made it two straight wins with another impressive outing.

Melanion N (Drew Monti) wrestled the lead from Mirragon N (Shawn McDonough) at the :27.2 quarter and then settled on the point in the turn to lead the abbreviated five-horse field to the half in :56.4. Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) moved first-over at that point, drew near the leader at three-quarters and then stayed close around turn four. But when they straightened for home, the race was over quickly as Melanion N swelled up and bolted for the line on top by 5-½ to win in 1:53.3.

It was the fifth win of the year for Melanion N ($3.30) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Dr. Michael Miller. The winner was trained by Maria Rice who also won with Lip Reader A (1:57.1, $8.20) earlier in the card.

Melanion N was one of four winners driven by Monti on Saturday whose grand slam included a natural hat trick in races six, seven and eight. Monti’s other winners were Mayweather Hanover (1:58.2, $22.40), Lip Reader A and U Bake The Cake (2:00.1, $7.90).

The $14,000 Open Handicap trot was u p next and Bisco tripped out to a late victory.

Mucho Macho (Joe Chindano Jr.) commanded the early fractions of :29 and :59.1 while Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) sat in the garden spot. At the half, El Toro Loco (Kevin Cummings) and Dougadougadew (Kyle Cummings) advanced one-two in the breeze with El Toro Loco eventually taking the lead at three-quarters, Dougadougadew moving into second and Biscoe getting briefly shuffled to fifth before shaking loose and moving quickly into third.

Around the last turn, El Toro Loco and Dougadougadew were trading leads while Bisco was sneaking closer with every stride. When the straightened for home, Dougadougadew took the lead from El Toro Loco, but Biscoe came flying down the center of the track and collared Dougadougadew in the shadow of the wire to win in 1:57.4.

It was the eighth victory of the year for Biscoe ($6.60) who is owned by his driver McNeight Jr. and trained by Jim McNeight.

Driver Dave McNeight III also had a grand slam on Saturday, winning with Starlitcresentroll (1:57.4, $7.10), Pepper Guy (1:58.1, $29.40), Mach Le More A (1:56, $3.10) and Skyline Blue Chip (1:56.3, $13.80).

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 4) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $1,149 in the Pick-5 in the first race and a carryover of $4,138 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th 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.

There are only two nights of live racing left in the 2024 meet: Wednesday (Dec. 4) and Saturday (Dec. 7). However Batavia Downs will return after the Holidays on Monday (Jan. 6) for the start of the 15-day 2025 winter meet. Racing will be held every Monday and Thursday through Monday (Feb. 24) with all cards having a 3 p.m. post.

Despite not finishing worse than second in her last four starts, Oaxacan Dream N was overlooked by the betting public and sent off at 20-1. That turned out to be a mistake as the 8-year-old mare turned in a winning effort in the $12,000 conditioned pacing feature for fillies and mares on Wednesday (November 27) night.

Dave McNeight III sent Oaxacan Dream N to the front from post seven and settled on the lead heading towards the quarter. But before they got to that station, Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) came from second to claim that mantle and headed into turn two on top by a length. Positions remained unchanged as the leader paced to the half in :57.1 and three-quarters in 1:26.2 with Oaxacan Dream N tracking from second and no viable threat looming from behind.

Summer Slash continued to control the race around the last turn but when they straightened for home, that was about to change. McNeight dipped Oaxacan Dream N into the passing lane and aggressively drove from there. Oaxaca Dream N responded with a quick turn of foot that propelled her past Summer Slash by a half length at the light where she won in 1:55.1.

It was the 10th win of the year for Oaxacan Dream N ($42,80) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags and trained by Maria Rice.

Earlier in the $10,000 condition pace for female participants, Hurrikane Msrodine (Kevin Cummings) took the lead and paced through quarters of :28.2, :57.1 and 1:27.1 with Atlantic Star (Kyle Swift) pushing the issue the entire way, before turning for home and rebuffing the tripped-out It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) by a half length in 1:56.4.

Hurrikane Msrodine ($5.60) is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

Four horsemen scored hat tricks on Wednesday. They were drivers Joe Chindano Jr., Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III and trainer Sam Smith.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 30) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $3,658 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th 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 $13,000 Open Handicap for both gaits topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 23) night and each event was won with opposing race strategies.

The pacing feature went to Melanion N who went gait to wire in impressive fashion.

Drew Monti sent Melanion N forward off the gate and got the lead on the outside at the :27.3 quarter. Melanion N then crossed over and backed off the half to a tepid :58 before turning on the jets during the second circuit. Mirragon A (Shawn McDonough) made a first-over move from fifth and pushed the third quarter in 1:26 while getting to within a length of the leader. But that leader, Melanion N, turned the other cheek and simply paced away. Melanion N opened up a 1-½ length margin at the top of the lane and then stretched that out to 3-½ at the line as he bolted home in a snappy :27.3 to win in 1:53.3.

It was the fourth win of the year for Melanion N ($3.20) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Dr. Michael Miller. Maria Rice trains the winner.

Melanion N was one of three winners for Drew Monti on Saturday.

Later, the top trot went to Dougadougadew, who came from way off the pace to score in a thrilling finish.

Kyle Cummings took Dougadougadew off the gate to seventh and trailed by 8-¾ lengths as Power And Grace (Drew Monti), El Toro Loco (Kevin Cummings) and Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) battled three-deep to the quarter in :28 flat. Biscoe finally cleared, but El Toro Loco was hung out to dry and trotted in the breeze next to the leader to the half in :57 and three-quarters in 1:27. It was at that station that Cummings tipped Dougadougadew four wide, which was a position he would remain in throughout the final turn. When they entered the stretch, Dougadougadew was trotting up a storm, made up ground on Biscoe with every stride and eventually went right by him in deep stretch to win by 1-¾ lengths in 1:58.

It was the 11th win of the year for Dougadougadew ($16.20) who is owned by Doug and Tyra Ackley and trained by Tammy Cummings.

Dougadougadew was also one of three winners for Kyle Cummings and one of two winners for Tammy Cummings during the night.

One of Kyle Cumming’s other wins came in the fourth race with the 7-year-old trotter Discus Hanover, who brushed late and won by a head in 1:58.4 to claim his 50th career victory. Owned by Phil Hale and his trainer Dave Dewhurst, Discus Hanover now shows earnings of $296,238 as a result of his milestone and boasts a lifetime best clocking of 1:53.4 at Vernon Downs two years ago.

The top dash driver on Saturday was Joe Chindano Jr. who got a grand slam with wins behind Prairie Panther (1:56.2, $3.30), American Trademark (1:57.1, $6.70), Vel Mr Nice Guy (1:54.4, $9.20) and Lyons Johnnyjnr (1:55.1, $6.90).

Trainer Mike Deters also had two wins on Saturday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November 27) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will also be a carryover of $2,812 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th 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.

After scoring an upset win from an outside post last week at Batavia Downs, Mucho Macho moved up in class and did the exact same thing at The Downs in the $9,500 featured trot on a wet and chilly Friday (Nov. 22) night over a track rated sloppy.

John Cummings Jr. left from post seven and shot right to the front with Mucho Macho, who got to the half in 1:00.2 while BJ’s Smitty sat smartly in the pocket. Entering turn three, Jacked (Joe Chindano Jr.) came first-over from third and made his way alongside the leader under a highly animated drive. When they passed three-quarters, Cummings popped the plugs on Mucho Macho and the trotter began to pull away from the field. Coming off the final turn, Jacked faded and BJ’s Mitty dropped into the passing lane at the top of the stretch, trying to make up ground. But Mucho Macho refused to give way and trotted home the best to win in 1:59.

It was the eighth win of the year for Mucho Macho ($14.40) who is owned and trained by Julie Wagonblott.

Joe Chindano Jr. led all drivers on Friday with three victories during the card while Sam Smith was top trainer, winning two.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 23) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $2,386 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.

It was no vacation for Scenic Adventure after high winds and heavy rain blew into Genesee County prior to her race. But the mare treated it like a day at the beach after handling her peers in the featured $11,000 pace for female sidewheelers at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November 20) night.  

Scenic Adventure (Drew Monti) took a quick, easy lead and marched to the half in :58.3 while Truly (Jim McNeight Jr.) tracked from second. With no one applying any pressure from the rear, Scenic Adventure continued to pace smartly and broke away from the field as she passed three-quarters in 1:27.4. Scenic Adventure continued to extend her lead around the last turn and was clear by 3-1/2 lengths as she turned for home. Scenic Adventure then paced to the line unfettered to win by two in 1:57.1.

It was the seventh win of the year for Scenic Adventure ($23.00) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

The win was one of four for driver Drew Monti, who registered a grand slam during the evening. Monti also won with Bee Still My Hardt (1:55.1, $5.60), Vondell Kemp (2:00.2, $3.30) and Big Bad Mosa (1:57, $14.80) who paced away to a 16-¾ length victory.

Matching Monti for driving wins on Wednesday was Shawn McDonough, who also had a four-bagger in the bike, including a natural hat trick in races seven, eight and nine. McDonough scored with Always B Mimi (1:55.3, $35.00) who is also trains, Keystone Phoenix (1:58, $3.80), R U Talkin (1:58.2, $48.40) and Hurrikane Msrodine (1:58, $8.70).

Sam Smith was the leading trainer on Wednesday after sending three of his students to the winner’s enclosure.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 22) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will also be a carryover of $1,481 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.

Batavia Downs leading driver, Drew Monti, added to his already considerable lead on Saturday (November 16) night after bagging five more winners during the proceedings. Monti won with Soul Assassin (1:55.2, $6.70), Actor Hanover (1:56.1, $22.60), Parmesan N (1:56, $4.10), Stratosphere (1:55.4, $2.60) and Power And Grace (1:58.3, $6.90) who will be further covered later.

Monti now has 102 wins for the summer and fall meet at Batavia Downs and sits 16 wins ahead of Joe Chindano Jr. (86) and 17 ahead of Kevin Cummings (85) after Saturday’s action with only seven days of live racing left in the meet.

For the year as a whole including action at other tracks, Monti has now won 215 races and over $2.2 million in purses in 2024.

One race Monti did not win on Saturday was the featured $13,000 Open Handicap trot where Makes Me Charlie (Mike Baumeister) claimed his first top class event at Batavia Downs after having won his way up the class ladder since late September.

Makes Me Charlie was on a mission as he blasted off the gate and opened up a three length lead that he maintained to the quarter in :27.4 and the half in :57.3. And there was no let up in sight as he swung onto the second circuit as Makes Me Charlie stretched out to a six length advantage at three-quarters in 1:25.2. With the field mostly scrambling for minor spoils at this point, Makes Me Charlie entered the stretch still up by six and made his way to the line first in 1:55.3 to take a new lifetime mark.

It was the fifth win of the year for Makes Me Charlie ($14.00) who is owned by Margaret and Amy Butler and trained by Tom Mays.

There were also two $11,000 upper-class conditioned races, one on the trot and one on the pace, that also yielded impressive front-end winners.

In the first, the lone mare in the race, Power And Grace (Drew Monti), went gate to wire to defeat her seven male rivals by 1-½ lengths in 1:58.3. It was the 68th career victory for Power And Grace ($6.90) as well as her 12th of the year and it pushed her 2024 bankroll over the century mark, now sitting at $103,804 for owners Hartel Maintenance, Lormer McClure, Brett Macdonald and Reg Higgs. Ronald Macdonal trains the winner.

Then later in the pace, Youmakemyheartsing (Kyle Cummings) also went right to the front and paced unchallenged until deep stretch, where he turned back Ideal Artillery (Dan Yetman) and won in 1:55.2. It was the 40th career win for Youymakemyheartsing ($5.40) who is owned by his driver, Kyle Cummings, in partnership with his trainer, Tammy Cummings.

Sam Smith led all trainers on Saturday after three from his stable scored wins.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November 20) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will also be a carryover of $1,053 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.

Benefitting from post one and a perfect trip, Crazy Brother Jim (Rock Vinci) scored an easy victory in the $9,500 featured trot at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 15) evening.

Longshot Alan (John Cummings Jr.) left from post seven and bolted to the lead in easy fashion. With Crazy Brother Jim following from second, Alan set easy fractions of :29.4 and 1:01.2 to the half. From there, Jacked (Joe Chindano Jr.) pulled first-over from third to push the tempo and the top three horses broke from the field by nine lengths heading to three-quarters. Jacked continued to push Alan while Crazy Brother Jim laid in wait as they rolled around the final turn. When the trio reached the stretch, Vinci dipped Crazy Brother Jim into the passing lane and trotted right by Alan to win by a length in 1:59.4.

It was the eighth win of the year for Crazy Brother Jim ($8.40) who is owned and trained by his driver, Vinci.

Shawn McDonough scored a double-triple on Friday, by winning three races as both driver and trainer. McDonough won with Free To Dream (1:57, $3.40), Maczaffair N (1:56.1, $4.50) and Angelo J Fra (1:58, $11.00), who scored her 81st lifetime win and all three winners hailed from the McDonough stable.

Kevin Cummings also drove three winners on Friday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 16) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will also be a carryover of $703 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.

A $23,931 carryover and $75,000 guaranteed pool through the USTA Strategic Wagering Program for the Pick-5 wager at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November 13) night generated $79,508 new money, producing a $102,701 total pool that yielded the biggest mutuel payout ever in the history of Batavia Downs going all the way back to 1940.

After the prohibitive favorite, Raylan Drew ($3.10) won the first race, the longshots followed fast and furious. La Always Amartini ($15.20), Mason Street ($68.50), Batting Stats ($9.60) and Venue ($22.20) filled out the winning combination of 2-5-4-4-1 that returned $41,412 for a 50-cent wager.

Even after "price" horses won three of the first four races, the savvy punters who wager at Batavia Downs had all but two numbers covered in the fifth race, with a total of two winning tickets being sold.

The feature race on Wednesday came right after the huge payout in the fifth race, where Won Surreal Deal (Drew Monti) won the $11,000 fillies and mares feature and continued the string of premium payouts.

Monti put Won Surreal Deal on the point and led by 1-¼ lengths through splits of :28.3, :58.1 and 1:26.4 while the favored Mcvera (Shawn McDonough) tracked from the pocket. After spinning off the final bend, Won Surreal Deal was not to be caught and pulled away to a 1-½ length margin of victory in 1:54.3 with a snappy :27.4 final panel.

It was the second win in the last three starts and seventh win of the year for Won Surreal Deal ($13.80) who is owned by Parsimonious Racing Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 15) 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.

With no one hitting the Pick-5 wager again at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 9) night, there is a $23,931 carryover for that wager in the first race on Wednesday (Nov. 13) night and track management has announced that pool will be guaranteed at $75,000 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program.

As part of that program, Trackmaster is offering free full past performance programs on the USTA website under the Strategic Wagering heading listed on the Handicapping tab.

This will be the largest guaranteed pool ever offered in the history of Batavia Downs.

The Pick-5 at Batavia Downs is a 50-cent minimum wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 6 p.m.

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.

An Open pace and an Open trot, both valued at $13,000, were center stage at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 9) night and the winners of both events went gate to wire to do it.

In the pace, Shipsaway (John Cummings Jr.) got his third win since shipping to Batavia.

Shipsaway initially got away second behind Bluesville (Dave McNeight III) but made a move past the eighth and had the front by the :28.2 quarter. Cummings then throttled the horse down to a :57.4 half where Primo Uomo (Joe Chindano Jr.) made a first-over move and was able to get to second and drop back to the pylons for the final turn. Shipsaway was pacing smartly on the lead when Chindano took his best shot with Primo Uomo at the top of the stretch. Shipsaway responded and never gave way, winning by two lengths in 1:53.2.

It was the ninth win of the year for Shipsaway ($8.10) who is owned by 716 Standardbreds and trained by Courtney Wright.

The very next race was the trot and El Toro Loco (Kevin Cummings) got back to his winning ways.

El Toro Loco and Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) got away first and second and gapped the field by about five lengths heading up the backside to the quarter. The field remained in single file fashion to the half in a soft :59.2 where Discus Hanover (Drew Monti) pulled first to take a shot. Timing is everything and El Toro Loco's :28.2 third quarter turned back Discus Hanover’s bid and Biscoe was the last one to have a shot at the leader. But that challenge never materialized as El Toro Loco swelled up in the lane and trotted home, clear by 1-½ lengths in 1:56.3.

El Toro Loco ($3.90) is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

Kevin Cummings led all drivers with three wins on Saturday while trainers Ryan Hall and Sam Smith each won two races during the proceedings.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November 13) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $23,193 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and Batavia Downs will guarantee the pool at $75,000 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering program. Free programs for races one through five will be available on the USTA website under the Strategic Wagering heading listed on the Handicapping tab.

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 Starlitcresentroll made his first start at Batavia Downs on October 18, he was claimed by Lucky Label Stable and he hasn’t lost a race since. On Friday (November 8), Starlitcresentroll won his third straight for his new connections after taking the featured $9,500 trot at The Downs.

Dave McNeight III got away fourth with Starlitcresentroll as BJ’s Smitty (Mike Baumeister) battled HP Maestro (Kyle Swift) for the lead and took control passing the :29.3 quarter. BJ’s Smitty then motored down to the half where Crazy Brother Jim (Rock Vinci) made a first-over move and brought Starlitcresentroll with him. Positions remained unchanged to three-quarters but as they trotted into the turn, Crazy Brother Jim took the lead on the outside while Starlitcresentroll went three-wide around him to position for the stretch run. At the top of the lane, Starlitcresentroll was in full stride and reeled in Crazy Brother Jim with every stride and won by a head in 1:59.4.

It was the fifth win of the year for Starlitcresentroll ($4.10) who is trained by Taylor Fritz.

Two drivers had hat tricks on Friday. Kevin Cummings won three races including the seventh with Stranger Things (1:57, $3.40) who notched his 40th career victory and Drew Monti who also scored three and sat behind Stay Safe (1:58.4, $2.50) in the ninth, who won her 30th lifetime outing.

Trainers Angelo Nappo, Jim Rothfuss and Sam Smith all had two wins during the evening.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 9) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be two carryovers on the card. First, there is a $6,551 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and Batavia Downs will guarantee the pool at $12,500 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering program. Free programs for races one through five will be available on the USTA website under the Strategic Wagering heading listed on the Handicapping tab. And there will also be a carryover of $682 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.

With no one hitting the Pick-5 wager again at Batavia Downs on Friday (Nov. 8) night, there is a $6,551 carryover for that wager in the first race on Saturday (Nov. 9) night and track management has announced that pool will be guaranteed at $12,500 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. As part of that program, Trackmaster is offering free full past performance programs on the USTA website under the Strategic Wagering heading listed on the Handicapping tab.

The Pick-5 at Batavia Downs is a 50-cent minimum wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. Post time for the first race on Saturday is 6 p.m.

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. 

It was a huge Wednesday (November 6) night for Shawn McDonough at Batavia Downs after he accounted for a total of six wins consisting of a driving grand slam -- featuring a natural hat trick in races six through eight -- and a training double.

One of McDonough's driving wins came in the $11,000 distaff pacing feature with Celia Bayama, who despite winning just two starts ago, was completely dismissed by punters and went off at 54-1. But the mare made those speculators regret their collective decisions after she rallied late to win and pay $111.50.

Celia Bayama got away a distant sixth as Forgot Thewallet A (Dave McNeight III) out-dueled Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) to the quarter in :27.1. Now on the point, Forgot Thewallet A backed off the half to :56.2 before It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) came first-over to challenge heading onto the second circuit.

It’s Corona Time eventually got the lead from Forgot Thewallet A at three-quarters and then started to separate. Right behind the new leader was Summer Slash, who tipped out around the fading Forgot Thewallet A, Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) who was two deep around her and Celia Bayama, who was in full flight and four-wide heading into the last turn. It’s Corona time was on top by two, but Celia Bayma was second and closing fast as the stretch drew near. Celia Bayama battled It’s Corona Time all the way to the wire where she edged in front and won by a half length in 1:55.2.

It was the fifth win of the year for the Jean Reid owned Celia Bayama and one of two training wins on Wednesday for Chris Petrelli.

McDonough completed his slam with No More Sweets (1:59.3, $7.60), Mcvera (1:55.3, $11.40) and Gracious Triumph (2:00.4, $3.60). No More Sweets and Gracious Triumph are both trained by McDonough.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 8) with post time at 6:00 p.m. with a $1,209 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and a carryover of $414 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..

Impressive efforts were put in by pacer Mirragon A (Shawn McDonough) and trotter Dougadougadew (Kyle Cummings) as they each captured their respective divisions of $13,000 Open Handicaps featured at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 2) night.

The pacers went first and Mirragon A got away sixth and almost 10 lengths behind as Blazing Light (Kyle Cummings) was leading the way through early quarters of :28 and :57.3. As they moved into turn three, Soul Assassin (Drew Monti) was advancing first-over in the breeze and eventually made his way to second and they rolled past three-quarters.

The field was beginning to bunch in the final bend, but Mirragon A was still last, third-over and parked. At the top of the lane, Blazing Light found himself pacing even with Soul Assassin on his right and Virgil N (Mike Baumeister) on his left. But it was Mirragon A who was five deep in the middle of the track that came flying home to win by 1-½ lengths in 1:55.

It was the eighth win of the year for Mirragon A ($5.40) who is owned by his trainer, Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner and John Manning.

The trot was the following race and Dougadougadew was taken off the gate to fourth as Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) took the field to the quarter in :28.2 before Power And Grace (Brett Macdonald) traded her pocket trip for the lead. Power And Grace trotted to the half in :58 and three-quarters in 1:27.1 as El Toro Loco (Kevin Cummings) was slowly making up ground on the outside and was second alongside Power And Grace at the top of the stretch. At that same point, Cummings had slipped Dougadougadew off the pylons and into the center of the track where he swelled up and passed the leaders while holding off an equally fast-closing Biscoe by a quarter length to win in 1:57.1, which was a new lifetime mark for the winner.

Dougadougadew ($11.60) hit double digits with the victory and has now scored 10 wins this year for owners Doug and Tyra Ackley and trainer Tammy Cummings.

The meet’s leading driver, Drew Monti, was also the top reinsman on Saturday after he scored a hat trick in the bike. Trainers Mike Deters, Aaron Hall and Darrin Monti all tied as top conditioner for the evening as they each had two wins apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (November  6) 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.

It was lights, camera, action for Famous Dan on Friday (November 1) night after he muscled his way to the top and then cruised home a winner in the $9,500 featured trot at Batavia Downs.

Kevin Cummings and Famous Dan fought with Arrakis (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Topolino (Dave McNeight III) to the quarter in :28.2 before crossing-over to the lead he would maintain for the remainder of the race. Once in control, Famous Dan trotted to the half in :59.4 and three-quarters in 1:29.3 where he started to pull away from the field. Unchallenged from there, Famous Dan swung around the final bend, entered the top of the lane and found his way home the best by five in 1:58.4.

Famous Dan ($3.00) is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

There was a major upset in the last race on the card when Bolt Of Beauty (1:58, Kyle Cummings) made a three-quarters, three-wide move to victory at 40-1 and paid $82.50 to win. It also triggered a single unique Jackpot Super Hi-5 combination of 8-9-5-3-1 that returned $2,910.30 for a 20-cent wager.

Dave McNeight III topped all drivers on Friday with three wins while trainers Betty Clegg and John Leggio each won two.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 2) 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.

Press Release:

After getting some class and post relief from her last two starts, Won Surreal Deal impressively toured the facility at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 30) evening en route to her sixth win of the year in the $12,000 upper-level conditioned pace for fillies and mares.

Kyle Cummings and Won Surreal Deal grabbed the initial lead from their pylon-position start before Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) overtook them at the eighth pole. But Won Surreal Deal didn’t want the trip and re-took control before the :28.1 quarter. From there, Won Surreal Deal got to the half in a measured :57.1 half where Hes Express (Drew Monti) pulled first-over to challenge as they made their way onto the second circuit.

Hes Express drew alongside Louie The Lilac, but second was as far as he got as Won Surreal Deal continued to chug along on the engine and started to separate at three-quarters as Louie The Lilac tried to keep pace, which she did. But she could not make up any ground on Won Surreal Deal as the cruising leader won in-hand by 1-¾ lengths in 1:54 flat.

Won Surreal Deal ($3.50) is owned by Parsimonious Racing Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson.

Later in the $9,500 conditioned event for fillies and mares, Oaxaca Dream N (Dave McNeight III) took the lead at the quarter from Shooting Brooke (Joe Chindano Jr.), who then sat the trip behind the leader through quarters of :28.4, :58.2 and 1:27.1. At the top of the stretch, Shooting Brooke pulled the pocket and blasted down the lane, gaining on Oaxacan Dream N with every stride. The race went down to the wire where Oaxacan Dream N hung on by a neck and won in 1:55.4.

It was the ninth win of the year for the heavily-backed Oaxacan Dream N ($2.90) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags and trained by Maria Rice.

In the fourth race, 10-year-old Prairie Panther (Drew Monti) finished first in 1:56 and chalked up his 75th career victory for owners Joel Warner and Mike Deters, who also trains the habitual winner.

Brett Beckwith was visiting from The Spa and left as the leading driver on Wednesday after he won three races during the night. Two of those winners were conditioned by Chris Petrelli, who tied Maria Rice for top trainer honors with a double.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 1) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $1,621 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

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.