horse racing

Indiana-campaigned but locally owned, It's Corona Time made her western New York debut one to remember as she mare-handled the competition while winning the $13,500 Open Handicap distaff pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Monday (Sept. 2) afternoon.

Leads changed a number of times after the start as It's Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Arco N (Dave McNeight III) swapped the front. After they passed the :27.4 quarter, It's Corona Time finally settled on the point and really got down to business.

It's Corona Time paced to the half in :56.4 with a two-length lead that she extended to four by three-quarters. She continued to pull away around the last turn and was separated from the field by 5-½ lengths when they hit the straight. Heading down the lane, Chindano was in full recline as It's Corona Time bolted home wrapped-up and stopped the clock in 1:54.2.

A 4-year-old daughter of the former Batavia Downs all-time pacing track record holder Aracache Hanover, It's Corona Time ($2.30) is owned by Bill Switala and James Martin (who also bred the mare) and trained by Maggie Chindano.

Joe Chindano Jr. ended the day with three driving wins.

In the undercard $11,500 upper-level conditioned pace for fillies and mares, despite being overlooked by the betting public after being off over a month, Dance Ticket (Kyle Swift) made quick and easy work of her seven foes after taking the lead and setting unchallenged fractions of :28.4, :59.1 and 1:28. Dance Ticket then rounded the last turn and darted for the line on top by 2-½ lengths in 1:57.2.

It was the third win in the last five starts and fifth win of the year for Dance Ticket ($20.80) who is owned by 716 Standardbreds and trained by Courtney Wright.

Dave McNeight III also had a driving hat trick on Monday while 11 different trainers each scored one win apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 4) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,306 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race.

Just one week ago, Dave McNeight III had a brilliant night at Batavia Downs as he won five races on the card. On Saturday (Aug. 31), McNeight one-upped himself at The Downs as he won six races during the program and now sits a solid second for dash wins this meet.  

“Triple Sticks” won with The Downtown Bus (1:55, $4.00), Lana’s Desire (1:55.2, $16.20), Daylight Rush (1:55.1, $9.10), American Rascal (1:55.2, $41.20), Remember The Beach (1:56.1, $6.80) and My Mind Is Made Up (1:55.2, $2.90).

Mcneight now has 27 wins and is second to Jim Morrill Jr. who tops the leaderboard with 31 wins after Saturday’s action. Also as a result of his big night, McNeight is now only four wins away from 1,700 lifetime.

Two races McNeight didn’t win on Saturday were the pair of $13,500 Opens that were both taken by gate to wire winners who each reached double-digit wins for the year.

Saratoga Raceway regular Topville Somebeach, traveled west on the 90 to compete at Batavia and didn’t have to worry about paying the toll to get home after he won the $13,500 Open Handicap pacing feature in the fastest overnight clocking of the season.

Jim Morrill Jr. sent the front-loving Topville Somebeach right to the point and rated a moderate half in :57.1. As they made their way into the clubhouse turn, Melanion N (Drew Monti) was rolling up the outside and got as far as the pocket-sitting Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) at the 1:24.3 three-quarters. Topville Somebeach took his 1-½ length lead into the final bend as Melanion N and Villiam continued to track from behind, but both had work to do. The chase continued into the stretch where Villiam got the closest before the line, but came up a half length short as Topville Somebeach won in 1:52.3.

It was the fifth win in a row and tenth of the year for Topville Somebeach ($6.70) who is owned by Stephen Picarazzi, Darryel Bullard and Bret Derue, who also trains the winner.

Then in the $13,500 Open Handicap trot, Power And Grace showed her speed and class and she dominated the field of seven male rivals.

Drew Monti put Power And Grace on the lead and then put the field to sleep with a :59.1 half. As the race made its way around the turn three, Monti hit the gas and Power And Grace started to pull away up the backstretch, opening up a 2-½ length lead at three-quarters. She continued to gap the field rounding the final bend and had a four length lead at the top of the stretch. Power And Grace turned for home all by herself and cruised to the line under no urging whatsoever to win in 1:56.3.

It was also the tenth win of the year for Power And Grace ($5.50), as well as her 66th career victory. Hartel Maintenance and Lormer McClure, Brett Macdonald and Reg Higgs own Power And Grace who is trained by Ronald Macdonald.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs with a special Labor Day matinee on Monday (Aug. 31) with post time at 1:15 p.m.

A pair of $10,000 conditioned trots topped the card at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 30) night and both winners were heavily backed at the windows.

In the first split, Keeper Of Secrets (Kyle Cummings) sat third behind the front-running BJ’s Smitty (Drew Monti) to the half in 1:00.1, where he made a first-over move heading into turn three. Keeper Of Secrets gained a narrow lead on the outside over BJ’s Smitty at three-quarters, who then fought back to the front at the top of the stretch. But when they turned for home, Keeper Of Secrets got back in gear and cleared the field by 1-¼ lengths to win in 1:59.

It was the second win in the last three starts for Keeper Of Secrets ($4.80) for owner Lawrence Barnett and trainer James Rothfuss.

Kyle Cummings ended the night with three driving wins.

Then in the second division, Curry Hanover (Kevin Cummings) took the lead from post one and was pressured on the outside by Jacked (Dave McNeight III) through quarters of :28.2, :57 and 1:27. As they trotted into the last turn, Jacked dropped out, leaving a clear path for the pocket-sitting Four Wheelin (Drew Monti) to make a dash. Four Wheelin closed all the way to the wire, but Curry Hanover was tough and hung on by a neck in 1:58.1.

It was the fifth win of the year for Curry Hanover ($4.70) who is owned by Franklin Meier and trained by Angelo Nappo.

Joe Chindano Jr. also scored a driving hat trick while trainers Marc Shuttleworth and Chris Petrelli each registered two wins apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 31) at 6 p.m. and there are two carryovers of note. The Pick-5 in the first race has a $706 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race will see the pool start with $1,154 on Saturday.

Record breaking, total domination is the only way to describe the performance put on by My Debt Collector (Chapter Seven-Magic Presto) at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 28) night who was absolutely peerless while winning the $102,500 New York Sire Stake for 2-year-old trotting fillies.

My Debt Collector’s time of 1:56.4 gave her a new lifetime record, set a new Batavia Downs track record for 2-year-old trotting fillies, and established a National season’s mark for 2-year-old trotting fillies over a half-mile track. The previous mark of 1:58 was set by Chapvious in NYSS action at Yonkers Raceway on June 25.

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. sent My Debt Collector right to the front and extended his lead with every stride after that. My Debt Collector hit the quarter in :28.4 up by 2-¾ lengths, flew by the half in :57.4 leading by six, and extended that bulge to nine lengths as she passed three-quarters in 1:27 flat. With the other four fillies clearly no match, Morrill had My Debt Collector wrapped up and cruising as she hit the line in front by seven in 1:56.4.

It was the second straight win and third victory of the season – all in NYSS races – for My Debt Collector ($2.40) and increased her 2024 bankroll to $185,259, which now makes her the second richest 2-year-old trotting filly in North America behind only Canadian trotting standout, Monalishi ($273,125). My Debt Collector is owned by David Mc Duffee, Melvin Hartman and Little E, who also bred the filly in partnership with Herb Liverman.

There were also two $20,000 Excelsior races on the card.

In the first, Flashchap (Chapter Seven-Wing Flash) won in 2:00.3 for driver Tyler Buter, trainer George Ducharme and owner Purple Haze Stable. John Cummins bred the winner.

The very next race, K J Title (E L Titan-Aren’t I  Hanover) also won in 2:00.3 for driver Drew Monti, trainer Alex Giuliani and owner/breeder Scott Woogen.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 30) at 6 p.m.

With no one hitting the Pick-5 once again on Saturday (Aug. 24) at Batavia Downs, there is a carryover that has grown to $3,558 for that bet in the first race on Wednesday (Aug. 28) and track management has announced the pool will be guaranteed at $10,000 through the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.

Free full past performance programs for races one through five are now available at the USTA website (ustrotting.com) under the handicapping tab.

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

The last New York Sire Stake stop of 2024 at Batavia Downs will be on Wednesday (Aug. 28) evening when five 2-year-old trotting fillies will compete in one division for $102,500 in purse money.

That division’s leading points (137) and earnings ($130,509) leader is My Debt Collector (Chapter Seven-Magic Presto) and she will be the one to beat when they line up on Wednesday.

My Debt Collector has four starts in the NYSS with two wins, one second and a third with her lifetime mark of 1:57.4 coming in her very first stake start at Tioga Downs in July. She has won from off the pace and also on the point so her versatility in this short field will make her hard to beat. Currently, she is also the seventh highest earning 2-year-old trotting filly in North America.

Leaving from post four, Jim Morrill Jr. will be in the stirrups behind her for trainer Nifty Norman.  

The biggest threat to her looks to be Calculus Risk (Devious Man-K Squared Hanover) who also won her first NYSS event this year in a lifetime mark (2:00.1), however it was also her only win this year and she has been beaten by My Debt Collector twice. That said, she has not missed a single check in her five NYSS outings to date.

Trainer Perry Simser has Jordan Stratton back in the bike and they will depart from post six.

Inn Of The Stars (Chapter Seven-Mel’s Inn) has the fastest win time in this field when she trotted to victory in 1:57 at Tioga Downs in July. But it came in an Excelsior race. She made her first foray into NYSS action last week at Monticello Raceway, but fell short behind both My Debt Collector and Calculus Risk. Wednesday she will start inside both and has a very good shot to improve her standing.

Tyler Buter drove her for both Excelsior wins and will be back aboard for trainer John Butenschoen.

The New York Sire Stake will go as race six. There are also two $20,000 Excelsior events on Wednesday, carded as race seven and eight. Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 6 p.m.

Sophomore trotters of both sexes were on hand to compete for their share of $233,300 in purses in the New York Sire Stakes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 24) night and a new track standard was established in the first set.

In the $115,600 division for fillies and mares, Sister Mary Maude (Crazy Wow-Perfect Mass) took a new lifetime mark and shattered the track record for 3-year-old trotting fillies after tripping out to victory.

Senorita Palema (Tyler Buter) shot to the front while Sister Mary Maude (Joe Bongiorno) settled in the garden spot for the duration. Senorita Palema led the single file, short field of six to through fractions of :28, :57.1 and 1:26.1 before heading into the final turn. It was there that Bongiorno tipped Sister Mary Maude from the pocket and drew alongside Senorita Palema at the head of the stretch. From there, they battled all the way to the line where Sister Mary Maude lunged to the lead by one-quarter length and stopped the clock in 1:54.2.

The time of 1:54.2 supplants the old standard of 1:55.1 set by Love A Good Story in 2020 which was also set in New York Sire Stake competition.

Sister Mary Maude ($3.90) pushed her seasonal earnings to $275,190 on the strength of her fourth win of the year for owners Burke Racing, Bill Switala, James Martin and Weaver Bruscemi. Ron Burke trains the David Hanson-bred filly.

Later in the $117,700 colts and gelding division, Keep Asking (Chapter Seven-Sensibility) pulled victory from the jaws of defeat as he rallied from sixth to take the win.

Fly By (Jason Bartlett) had a brief lead before Super Duper Cooper (Jim Morrill Jr.) came three-wide to take control at the quarter in :28.1. With the field in line, Super Duper Cooper backed down the half to a tepid :59, forcing an outer-flow to form led by Mister Melby (Jordan Stratton) who was followed by Crazy Brother Jim (Joe Chindano Jr.).

Positions remained unchanged as they made their way to three-quarters and at this point, Keep Asking (Tyler Buter), who was still sitting sixth, pulled off the pylons and went three-deep and was flying around the last turn. At the top of the stretch, Keep Asking was fourth as the favorite Fly By made a break from second, leaving Super Duper Cooper the one to catch. Keep Asking continued to gain on Super Duper Cooper, who was starting to give way. Morrill and Buter were both urging their mounts but in the shadow of the wire, Keep Asking got up and won by one-quarter length in 1:57.1.

It was the second NYSS win this year for Keep Asking ($16.20) who is owned by Bill Donovan, Joe Sbrocco, Jim Winske and George Ducharme, who also trains the filly. Donovan, Sbrocco and Winske also bred the winner.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 28) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $3,558 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and that pool will be guaranteed at $10,000 through the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.

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 driver Matt Kakaley paid big dividends for Desperate Man, who won the $100,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 24) night.

Typhoon Banner N (Joe Bongiorno) and Coaches Corner (Jason Bartlett) traded leads to the :26.4 quarter while Desperate Man traveled a close fourth. After Coaches Corner finally settled on the lead, Buzzsaw Russ (John De Long) pulled first-over early at three-eighths and Desperate Man followed closely behind his cover.

They were in two rows heading up the backstretch with Buzzsaw Russ drawing alongside Coaches Corner and just as he was ready to cross over at three-quarters, he made a break, causing Kakaley to grab up Desperate Man as they made their way into the turn. Coaches Corner was clear by two lengths with Typhoon Banner right behind and Desperate Man now back in gear in the breeze. At the top of the stretch, Desperate Man was in full flight and making up ground with every stride and in deep stretch, Desperate Man bolted home on top by 1-¼ lengths in 1:51.3.

It was the third straight win and 25th career victory for Desperate Man ($3.70) who increased his lifetime bank to $1,320,279 for owner Kathy Cecchin. Travis Alexander trains the 6-year-old gelded son of Shadow Play-Dreamlands Latte.

Driver Dave McNeight III started Friday (Aug. 23) night in fifth place for dash wins at Batavia Downs. But when the dust had settled after the 13th race, “Triple Sticks” found himself tied for second place after he won five races on the card.

McNeight won with My Mind Is Madeup (1:54.4, $3.70), Hellrider (1:59.4, $9.70), Black Is Back (1:55, $9.30), Doyoukissfirstdate (1:58.2, $3.00) and Tullow N (1:55.4, $3.60).

Jim Morrill Jr. currently sits in first place with 25 wins, but had the night off. McNeight III started Friday with 14 wins, but moved up to 19 after his big outing. That ties him with Kevin Cummings, who also has 19 wins after his driving double on Friday.

One of Cummings wins two came in one of the two $10,000 divisions of mid-level conditioned trotters with Burrow, who scored his second gate-to-wire victory in only three Batavia outings.

Burrow took the lead from Credarina (Dave McNeight III) as they passed the quarter in :28.4 before hitting the brakes to the half in only 1:00.1. While he maintained his 1-¼ length lead, Burrow got to three-quarters in 1:29 before turning for home and bolting to a 2-½ length win in 1:58.3.

Burrow ($2.20) is owned by Redracer, Redline Racing Stables and Rachel Leonard. Matt Rosiek trains the winner.

The other split went to Hellrider (1:59.4, $9.70) who was driven by McNeight III and trained by Alana Caprio for Caprio Stable and Maryanne Arena.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 24) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $912 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and a $1,498 carryover in the Super Hi-5 in race 15.

Also on Saturday, the Downs will host its biggest card of the meet that includes two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotters of both genders that total $233,300 and the $100,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial pace with some of the best older Open male pacers in North America. The card has a total purse value of over a half million dollars and has the capacity to produce a new all time track record.

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 will be a New York Sire Stake double-header at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 24) night when both colt and gelding and filly divisions of 3-year-old trotters take the track to compete for a total purse of $233,300.

The fillies go first for a purse of $115,600 and Sister Mary Maude (Credit Winner-Perfect Mass) leads the way.

Sister Mary Maude is the current leader for points (200, tied with R Melina) and earnings ($206,600) in her class, numbers that were driven by two NYSS victories and nine board hits from her nine starts this year. One of those wins provided a new lifetime mark when she trotted in 1:56.3 at Monticello Raceway in July. Four of Sister Mary Maude’s second place finishes this year came to R Melina, who is currently the second richest ($340,109) and second fastest (1:51.1) 3-year-old trotting filly in North America and she is not in this race.

Trainer Ron Burke has Joe Bongiorno in the bike, starting from post one.

Sadbirdstillsing (Chapter Seven-Fade Into You) has only one win this year, but it was in a NYSS race at Yonkers. However she has been very busy in other stakes action including the Empire Breeders Classic where she finished third, and the Hambletonian Oaks eliminations where she finished fourth. Her last start was a third in the NYSS at Saratoga and she looks ready to be a contender here.

Regular reinsman Jason Bartlett will be aboard from post two for trainer Tony Alagna.

Senorita Palema (Chapter Seven-Tosca) was the NYSS 2-year-old champion last year but has yet to win a race in 2024. That being said, she has also been racing very well against Grand Circuit fillies in the Del Miller, Hambletonian Oaks and Continentalvictory.

Senorita Palema has post five with Tyler Buter aboard for trainer Ake Svanstedt.

The colts and geldings will vie for a purse of $117,700 with Fly By (Chapter Seven-Fly Angel Fly) listed as the early choice.

Fly By has two NYSS wins this year, the fastest mark in this race this year (1:53.3 at Tioga) and the highest overall earnings ($149,732) in this field. He has also seen action in several Grand Circuit events including the MGM Trot, Zweig and Muscle Hill, where he garnered checks in all three.

Alagna and Bartlett team up again with Fly By who has drawn post five.

Keep Asking (Chapter Seven-Sensibility) won six times in 2023 including the $150,000 final of the Massachusetts Sire Stakes. This year he has only one win, but also has a pair of seconds and a third and all came in NYSS races, placing him second for points (108) in this division. Keep Asking is in a good spot here and may be able to start stacking more wins to add to this year’s total.

Tyler Buter will drive from post six for trainer George Ducharme.

Super Duper Cooper (E L Titan-Pink Power) has one NYSS win as well, but also hasn’t missed a check and that puts him second for earnings ($84,508) in this division. He took a new lifetime mark of 1:55.1 at Mohegan Sun Pocono earlier this year and he looks like he’ll be a factor here.

Trainer John Butenschoen has Jim Morrill Jr. up to drive and they drew post seven.

There are also four $20,000 Excelsior trots on the card.

Another feature on the card is the $100,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace with some of the best older Open male pacers in North America. Saturday’s card has a total purse valued at over a half million dollars and has the capacity to produce a new all time track record.

The New York Sire Stake events are carded as races eight and 11. The Excelsiors will go as races four, six, seven and 12. The Kane is race 10. Post time for the first race is 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.

One five-horse field of 2-year-old trotting males lined up for $102,500 in the New York Sire Stakes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 21) evening and BJM’s Lil Man was solid from start to finish and grabbed the winner’s share of the purse.

Driver Tyler Buter put BJM’s Lil Man right on the point and became a passenger for the ride. With no opposition from behind and under no urging whatsoever, BJM’s Lil Man put up solid fractions of :28.2, :58.4 and 1:27.4 before making his way into the final turn. With Variegated (Braxton Boyd) and Karinchak (Mark Macdonald) trying to make inroads, BJM’s Lil Man turned for home unbothered by their challenge and trotted away to a 1-3/4 length victory in 1:57.1.

It was the fifth win in the last six outings for BJM’s Lil Man ($3.50) and it pushed his career earnings to $146,700 for owner Joseph Meaney. John Berger trains the colt by Devious Man-Vixen who was bred by Donald La Page.

There were also two $20,000 Excelsior trots for freshman colts and geldings on the card.

The first went to Low Inside (Devious Man-Nowerland Kristen) who won in 2:01.1 for trainer/driver Dan Daley for owners Ann-Mari Daley, Todd Van Alstyne and Margaret Waterbury. Cherry Hill Farm bred the winner.

The second was won by Habanero Blues (E L Titan-Habanero Honey) who trotted the mile in 1:59.4 for driver Tyler Buter, trainer Travis Alexander and owner/breeder Fiddler’s Creek Stable.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 23) at 6 p.m.

On Saturday (Aug. 24), Batavia Downs will host its biggest card of the meet which includes two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotters of both genders that total $233,300 and the $100,000 Kane Memorial pace with some of the best older Open male pacers in north America. The card has a total purse value of over a half million dollars and has the capacity to produce a new all time track record.

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 finest group of pacers ever assembled to compete at Batavia Downs will go to post in the $100,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace on Saturday (August 24). The top-flight field of eight has a combined lifetime earnings of just under $6.5 million and include millionaires Hellabalou, Covered Bridge, and Desperate Man.

Hellabalou ($1,446,071) won the $457,000 MGM Borgotta final at Yonkers Raceway in April and is coming off a lifetime-best 1:48.3 effort at Harrah’s Philadelphia on August 4. He is also currently the second richest older male pacer in North America.

Covered Bridge ($1,344,523) is the defending Kane Memorial Pace champion after winning this race in 1:52 at The Downs last year. He comes into this race -- as he did in 2023 -- after winning the $100,000 Gold Cup and Saucer at Red Shores in 1:50.4, making him a two-time champion there as well. Covered Bridge is also the winningest horse in this field with 51 career victories.

Desperate Man ($1,270,279) was the 2021 $790,000 North American Cup winner in his lifetime best 1:49.3 at Woodbine Mohawk Park where he defeated Bulldog Hanover, Perfect Sting and Abuckabett Hanover. Earlier this year, he won all four of his legs in the MGM Borgotta before finishing third in the $457,000 final. Since then he has owned the Invitation at Yonkers where he’s won his last four starts there, including his last two outings coming into the Kane.

Also in the race is Coaches Corner, who is coming off a 19-win season last year and is currently the highest earning older pacer of either gender in North America ($435,345). Those earnings were driven by one win and four second place finishes in the MGM Borgotta legs and a second place finish in that final to Hellabalou this spring. He also won the $250,000 Joe Gerrity Memorial at Saratoga Raceway in a lifetime best-tying 1:49.3 in July.

Rocknroll Runa A has won a total of 20 races and earned just shy of $500,000 in his two years of racing in North America since being imported from Australia and only three weeks ago, took his lifetime mark of 1:47.3 at the Meadowlands while winning the $220,000 Sam McKee Memorial pace. He finished seventh in the Kane at Batavia last year, but did win at The Downs in 1:51.2 last September, which was his only Batavia victory in six tries to date.

Buzzsaw Russ is a Hoosier Park invader that has been throwing some very big miles in Indiana. Most recently back-to-back wins in 1:48 and change before finishing second in the $315,000 Dan Patch at Hoosier in 1:49.2 and second in the $100,000 #Senditin Invitational that went in 1:48 at Scioto Downs. He did race in the $300,000 Carl Milstein Memorial at Northfield Park in 2023 and finished third while pacing in 1:49 flat, and that was his only lifetime start over a half mile track.

Natameri comes in off very solid back-to-back wins at Saratoga Raceway and Tioga Downs and took his seasonal mark of 1:49 at Plainridge Park earlier this summer. He is just shy of having a 50% win percentage lifetime as he has won 23 of his 50 career outings.

Typhoon Banner N Strung four consecutive wins through June and July at Mohegan Sun Pocono and Yonkers and took his lifetime mark of 1:48.4 at Pocono as well this year. Bongiorno is no stranger to Batavia as he won the 2022 edition of the Kane with American Dealer N in 1:50.2, which still stands as the current all-time track pacing record at Batavia Downs.

Here is the complete draw with post positions:

1. Buzzsaw Russ John De Long Melissa Essig
2. Coaches Corner Jason Bartlett Per Engblom
3. Desperate Man Matt Kakaley Travis Alexander
4. Rocknroll Runa A Larry Stalbaum Larry Stalbaum
5. Covered Bridge Jordan Stratton Jeffrey Gillis
6. Typhoon Banner N Joe Bongiorno Joe Bongiorno
7. Hellabalou Jim Morrill Jr. Ron Burke
8. Natameri Jason Bartlett Jessica Okusko

Saturday’s card will also feature the New York sire Stakes 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters and 3-year-old filly trotters who will each go one division for purses totaling $233,300 and four $20,000 Excelsior trots. With the overnight features, the 15-race card purse value is over $500,000.

The Kane Memorial will go as race 10 with post time at 9 p.m. The NYSS events are carded as races eight and 11 with post times of 8:20 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.

Free programs can be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab. 

The New York Sire Stakes returns to Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 21) and brings with it a field of five first-year male trotters who will compete in one dash valued at $102,500.

The most successful horse in the field is BJM’s Little Man (Devious Man-Vixen) who has won four of six lifetime starts with one third, has amassed $95,450 as a result and has a lifetime mark of 1:56.4 at Tioga Downs. However only one of those wins was in a NYSS event while three came in Excelsior action. And that third place finish in his last outing came at the hands of two of his rivals who he will also face again in this race.

BJM's Lil Man, who drew post three, is trained by John Berger and has regular driver Tyler Buter back aboard.

Karinchak (Chapter Seven-Sianna Hanover) has started in seven NYSS races this year and has only one win as well. But that came in his last start where he defeated BJM's Lil Man at Monticello Raceway. The win time of 1:59.2 was also his lifetimark and he comes into this race in top form and looking to repeat.

Mark Macdonald will drive from post two for trainer Ray Schnittker.

Variegated (Chapter Seven-White Cheetah) finished second in that race at Monticello behind Karinchak and ahead of BJM's Lil Man, and it was his second straight second place finish as well. And although he has not won a race all year, he has also not missed a check in his five lifetime starts and has been very competitive in all of his outings.

Braxton Boyd will sit between the wheels for trainer Marcus Melander from post four.

The NYSS competition is carded as race six. There are also two $20,000 Excelsior trots that will go as race seven and eight. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.

Free full card past performance programs for Wednesday, as well as every live card of racing at Batavia, can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab.

Co-features valued at $13,500 each topped the card at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug.17) night and the victorious parties of both events were no stranger to the winner’s circle.

First in the Open trot, Treasured Tee (Joe Chindno Jr.) tripped out to his second consecutive score at this level.

Crazy Ritz (Jim McNeight Jr,) was the leader through fractions of :28.3, :59 and 1:28.1 while Treasured Tee followed each step from the pocket and nobody from behind made any aggressive moves. At three-quarters, Chindano pulled Treasured Tee and matched strides with Crazy Ritz around the last turn and into the stretch. Then five pylons in, Treasured Tee bolted and won by a length in 1:57.

It was the eighth win of the year for Treasured Tee ($8.80) who is owned by his trainer Francis Guillemette in partnership with Stephane Geoffroy.

Two races later in the Open Handicap pace, The Longest Yard (Jim Morrill Jr.) went to the front and hung on in a squeaker.

The Longest Yard took control off the gate while Lip Reader A (Drew Monti) dropped in second for the mile. The Longest Yard set solid fractions of :28, :57.2 and 1:26 with Lip Reader A breathing down his neck and the rest of the field trying to keep pace. Lip Reader A tipped coming off the last turn and drew even with The Longest Yard as the pair hooked up in a duel to the wire. Lip Reader A tried hard, but The Longest Yard refused to lose and hung on by a neck in 1:54.1..

That made it two in a row for The Longest Yard ($4.30) and pushed him over the $300,000 mark in lifetime earnings ($303,468) for owner Mike Torcello, Sam Smith trains the winner.

Drivers Jim Morrill Jr. and Joe Chindano Jr. each had a grand slam in the bike while trainers Sam Smith and James Rothfuss won three races apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 21) 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.

The Last Martini served up the first career loss to Cowgirl Hanover after she went gate to wire in the lone $102,500 division of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies on Wednesday (Aug. 14) evening at Batavia Downs.

Sent off as the prohibitive 1-9 betting favorite, Cowgirl Hanover (Doug McNair) got away third as stablemate The Last Martini (Jason Bartlett) grabbed the lead and got to the quarter in :29. With the short field following in single file, Bartlett throttled down the half even more to a :59.1 saunter and still didn’t get any opposition from behind until well into the second circuit.

Halfway up the backstretch, McNair finally pulled Cowgirl Hanover, who quickly made her way to second in a now up tempo 28 flat third panel. As the pair made their way around the last turn, Cowgirl Hanover got to within one-half length of The Last Martini, but that would be as close as she would get. The Last Martini paced furiously down the lane and refused to give up any ground at all to Cowgirl Hanover and won by one-half length in a 1:54.4 mile that featured a :27.3 final quarter.

It was the second straight win for The Last Martini ($19.80) and it pushed her earnings to $110,399 for owner Glenview Livestock. Jared Bako trains the winner who was bred by Crawford Farms.

There were also four $20,000 Excelsior stakes on the card and these are the winners in order of race.

Huntingfortreasure (Huntsville-Worldly Treasure) won in 1:57.4 for driver Mark Macdonald, trainer Ray Schnittker and owner/breeder Steve Jones.

Fashion Terror (Huntsville-High Fashion Model) won in 1:58.1 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Mark Ford and owner/breeder All Star Racing.

Beantown Deuce (Huntsville-Don’t Think Twice A) won in 1:58.2 for driver Brett Beckwith, trainer George Ducharme and owner Michael Goldberg, who bred the filly with Andrew Harris.

Fansville (Huntsville-Caviart Elena) won in 1:55 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Joe Bongiorno and owner Chain Lightning Stables. Eric Tadeo bred the winner.

Jason Bartlett added one overnight victory and ended his night with a grand slam in the bike.

Another big winner on Wednesday was Huntsville, who sired all five NYSS and Excelsior winners and also 10 of the 15 horses who hit the board in those same five races.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 17) 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.

Dave McNeight III, aka “Triple Sticks”, doubled his nickname on Tuesday (Aug. 13) night after he struck six wins on his opponents at Batavia Downs. McNeight won with Italia Seelster (1:57.2, $4.00), Arco N (1:56.3, $3.50), Molly Kool (1:56.2, $12.40), Arnold (2:00.2, $17.20), Alexander Hanover (2:01, $10.20) and Bettor B Sawyer (1:57.3, $10.20). And from the 12 races he drove in, McNeight also finished second three times and third once, giving himself a stellar .667 UDR for the evening.

McNeight started the night in sixth place for wins among all drivers at the Downs for the current meet and jumped past Joe Chindano Jr. (9) and Drew Monti (10) into fourth with his current count (12) and now sits right behind Jim McNeight Jr. (13). The top two drivers are Jim Morrill Jr. (19) and Kevin Cummings (14).

The one race McNeight didn’t win was the $13,500 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares that went to Tioga Downs based Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) who made her second start at Batavia Downs a winning one as she wreaked havoc on her opponents.

Won Surreal Deal took the lead off the gate before momentarily yielding to Summer Lovin (Kevin Cummings) at the :28 quarter. But as soon as that one cleared, Won Surreal Deal was out again and charged back to the front, where she would remain for the rest of the mile. Won Surreal Deal kept the pace honest to the half in :56.4 but then turned on the heat up the backstretch, where she pulled away to a three length lead as she passed three-quarters in 1:25 flat. Around the last turn, Won Surreal Deal kept tightening the screws and entered the lane on top by 4-½ lengths. As she made her way down the stretch, Won Surreal Deal swelled up and torched the field by seven wrapped-up lengths and tripped the light in 1:53.4.

It was the third win of the year for Won Surreal Deal ($5.50) who is owned by Parsimonious Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Tuesday (Aug. 13) 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.

Wednesday (August 14) night at Batavia Downs, one five horse field consisting of 2-year-old pacing fillies will line up in the New York sire Stakes for their shot at the winner’s share of the $102,500 purse that is available for this small but select group.

Headlining that field is Cowgirl Hanover (Huntsville-Code One Hanover) who comes in undefeated lifetime and is anticipated to be the prohibitive post time favorite.

Cowgirl Hanover has been peerless in her first five career starts, all of which were victories in NYSS events by as many as three open lengths. Her 1:53.3 lifetime best effort at Yonkers on July 11 came despite dealing with broken equipment at the end of the race. She is the leader in points (250) and earnings ($207,500) in her division of the NYSS and will certainly add to those totals here.

Trainer Jared Bako will have Doug McNair between the wheels again and they will depart from post one on Wednesday.

One of Cowgirl Hanover’s main threats appears to come from her stablemate and another Bako trainee, The Last Martini (Huntsville-Martinique) who is coming off a lifetime mark (1:54.1) of her own last week at Saratoga Raceway. She has two less starts than the rest of this field this year, but seems to be rounding into form nicely off that last outing.

The Last Martini will have Jason Bartlett at the lines and they will start right next to Cowgirl Hanover in post two.

Another one to watch here is Send It Down Slim (Huntsville-Rockinsangria), who has not missed the board in five NYSS starts with two wins, two seconds and one third. And those efforts have her sitting second for points (162) and earnings ($120,581) behind Cowgirl Hanover. But she has also lost to both Cowgirl Hanover and The Last Martini in her last two starts, despite having post one in both outings. Here she drew post five, but her gate speed may very well give her the advantage she needs anyway.

Trainer Ray Schnittker once again has Mark Macdonald in the bike, who has driven this filly all year.

The New York Sire Stake event will go as race six. There are also four, $20,000 Excelsior stakes that are carded as races two, four, eight and 10. Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 6 p.m.

Driver Kevin Cummings had his biggest night of the meet so far at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 10) evening after winning a total of five races on the program. His most notable victory came in the $13,500 Open Handicap pace with The Longest Yard, who closed late for the win.

Vel Mr. Nice Guy (Joe Chindano Jr.) cut the mile while The Longest Yard sat chilly in the garden spot with the trip. After the race passed the half in a tepid :57, Melanion N (Drew Monti) pulled first-over in turn three and marched towards the leader up the backstretch. After the pace picked up with a 1:25.2 third quarter, Melanion N got to within a length of Vel Mr. Nice Guy and closed that gap a bit more in the far turn.

When the group straightened out for home, The Longest Yard shook loose at the pylons and the three horses dashed to the wire. In deep stretch, Vel Mr. Nice Guy faded but Melanion N and The Longest Yard forged ahead and hit the light in unison, taking a photo to determine that The Longest Yard won by a nose in 1:53.3.

It was the fourth win of the year for The Longest Yard ($3.60) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

Cummings’ other wins came with Better Take It (1:54.3, $4.60) and Ys Lotus (1:55.4, $3.60) who were also owned by Torcello and trained by Smith, with Kyuquot (1:57.4, $6.60) and Thor De Vie (1:56.2, $2.30) rounding out his quintuple.

The co-featured $13,500 Open I-II Handicap trot was won by Treasured Tee (Joe Chindano Jr.) who led from start to finish. After stopping the clock at :27.4, :58.2 and 1:27.4, Treasured Tee rounded the final bend and then headed for home, stretching out to a 1-½ length upset victory in 1:57.4.

It was the seventh win of the year for Treasured Tee ($29.20) who is owned by Stephane Geoffroy and Francis Guillemette, who also trains the winner.

Chindano had a solid night in the bike himself after scoring a hat trick. One of those three wins was Keystone Doral, who was last at three-quarters before circling the field to win by 1-½ lengths in 1:57.4 at 49-1. Keystone Doral paid $100.50 to win.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Tuesday (Aug. 13) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $1,902 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and a $280 carryover in the Super Hi-5 in race 13.

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 $105,000 New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old male pacers were at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 7) and both divisions were won by heavy favorites.

The first $52,500 division went to Thirsty Thursday (Huntsville-Tequila Monday) who equaled his lifetime mark with an impressive outing.

Thirsty Thursday (Matt Kakaley) took the lead from Courts On Fire (Greg Merton) passing the :28.4 quarter and never looked back from there. After getting to the half in :57.4, Thirsty Thursday faced challenges from Oogleville (Jason Bartlett) and Holt Hanover (Mark Macdonald) going to three-quarters, but he turned back both by the top of the lane. As they straightened for home, Thirsty Thursday was under Kakaley wraps and coasted home clean in 1:54.3.

Thirsty Thursday ($2.30) is now three for three lifetime for owners/breeders Flying A Racing Stable and Chuck Pompey. Travis Alexander trains the winning colt.

The second $52,500 split went to Fast Choice (Courtly Choice-Fashion Guru) who also remained undefeated.

Fast Choice (Doug McNair) got away third as Groovin Will (Greg Merton) marched to the half in a very pedestrian 1:01. As the race advanced to the five-eighths, Fast Choice pulled first-over and cleared the front in a :28.2 third panel. From there, Fast Choice bolted home on top by two lengths in a :27.2 closer to win in 1:56.4.

It was the third straight win for Fast Choice ($3.40) who is owned by Ashley Bako and Randy Zane and trained by Jared Bako. Winbak Farm bred the winner.

There were also three $20,000 Excelsior stakes on the card.

The first was won by Southpaw (American Ideal-Love You Bye) in 1:57.1 for driver/trainer/owner/breeder Jimmy Whittemore.

The second went to Digging For Gold (Huntsville-Gold Orchid N) in 1:56.3, driven by Tyler Buter for trainer George Ducharme who co-owns with Jim Winske and Dr. Megan Moschgat. Bamq bred the winner.

The third was won by Invictus (Huntsville-Dark Force) in 1:56.4, driven by Jim Morrill jr. for trainer Roland Mallar and owner Jeffrey Nanna. James Crawford IV bred the winner.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 10) 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.

After winning on the front-end just last week, Center Attraction completely changed strategies but still got the same results in the $13,500 Open pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs on Tuesday (Aug. 6) evening.

Jim McNeight Jr. got away last with Center Attraction while Imprincessgemma A (Shawn McDonough) was on the point, jousting with Forgot Thewallet A (Kyle Swift) through quarters of :27.2 and :55.3 over a rain affected track listed as good. When the race came out of turn three, the field started to bunch and Center Attraction had made her way to fifth, second-over on the outside.

Forgot Thewallet A stalled at three-quarters so Center Attraction tipped three-deep around her in the last turn. At the top of the lane, Center Attraction drew even with Imprincessgemma A and then confidently pulled away to the line where she won by a length in 1:56.1.

It was the third win of the year for Center Attraction ($10.80) who is owned by her trainer Robert Anderson, in partnership with Pamela Schieber.

Leading all drivers for wins on Tuesday were Joe Chindano Jr., who had a natural hat trick in races one, two and three and Dave McNeight III, who matched Chindano's output with a natural hat trick of his own in races eight, nine and 10.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 7) 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.