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Barn Bella and Celebrity Ruth in NYSS at Batavia Wednesday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Two of the best 3-year-old trotting fillies on the Grand Circuit will be at Batavia Downs on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 6) in a division of the $108,200 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS). Barn Bella and Celebrity Ruth will go head to head in the second $59,100 division (carded as race four) of the NYSS in what looks to be a heavyweight battle for the ages with possible track record implications.

Barn Bella (Conway Hall-Bravissima) comes into the race as the second richest ($329,584) and third fastest (1:51.3) 3-year-old trotting filly in North America. She has scored 10 wins in 12 starts this year, making breaks the only two times she hasn’t finished first.  

Having campaigned exclusively in New York State this year, Barn Bella has won five legs of the NYSS as well as the $228,250 Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) at Vernon Downs in 1:51.3, which was her lifetime best effort.

In her last start on Aug. 18, Barn Bella was racing older male trotters in the overnight Open at Tioga Downs and made a break in the first turn while everyone was jockeying for position. This will be her first start back in 18 days and she looks to rebound with a big effort in the short six-horse field.

Barn Bella will be a big hometown favorite as all her connections are from only a few miles of Batavia Downs. Co-owner/trainer Steve Pratt, co-owner Wanda Polisseni and driver Jeff Gregory all call Batavia Downs their “home track” and will converge there with high expectations for their star performer.

Barn Bella has drawn post six and has been made the 8-5 morning line favorite.

Looking to spoil the homecoming is Celebrity Ruth (Archangel-Celebrity Obsession) who comes in fresh off a win in the $119,010 Hudson Trot final at Yonkers Raceway on Saturday (Sept. 2).

Celebrity Ruth was unraced at two but has made up for time lost this year. She has won three legs of the NYSS as well as the afore mentioned Hudson Trot. She also took a major check finishing second to Barn Bella in the EBC. In all, her five wins and five seconds have put $280,938 in her bank account this year. She has a lifetime mark of 1:53.4 taken at Tioga Downs but has been race timed in 1:52.1 at Vernon.

Trond Smedshammer trains Celebrity Ruth and has regular driver Jason Bartlett up once again and the pair will depart from post two, listed at 3-1.

In the first $59,100 division (carded as race three) Mamora Bay will start at Batavia Downs only four days after competing in the Hudson Trot as well where she finished third behind Celebrity Ruth.

Prior to Saturday, Mamora Bay (Chapter Seven-Giulie Bi) had been off since Aug. 1 as she was trying to get over the effects of a virus she has been dealing with all year, as reported by her trainer Sam Schillaci in a recent interview. With that said, she did look good qualifying twice at Northfield Park getting ready for that big stake.

In the Hudson, Mamora Bay got away sixth and was forced to come third-over in a dull outer flow and had to overcome a strong front-runner, the rain and a breaking horse around the last turn but still closed well to finish third, beaten less than four lengths.

With $66,331 on her card so far in 2017, Mamora Bay has only one win in six starts this year and her connections are hoping she gets back to her form of last year now that she is back in action.

Sam Schillaci is aboard once again and has been named the early favorite at 9-5 leaving from post three.

Looking to challenge for the spoils is Maewegonow (Deweycheatumnhowe-Mauresmo) who is the highest money earner in this leg with $91,220 banked. But she also only has one NYSS win to her credit.

Maewegonow has shown versatility racing on the front end as well as from behind and in this short field could be successful with either strategy. She has hit the board in seven out of 11 starts and took a lifetime mark of 1:55.3 in her last outing at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs in an overnight event.

Charlie Norris trains and drives Maewegonow who has drawn post two and is tabbed at 5-2.

The current track record for 3-year-old trotting fillies is 1:57.2 set by Cowgirl Hall in 2012 and matched by Bouncing Bax in 2013.

There are also two divisions of the $15,000 Excelsior A series on Wednesday that are programmed as races six and seven.

Post time for the first race Wednesday is 5 p.m.

Reminder: East Pembroke Fire District budget meeting is tonight

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Please take notice that a workshop meeting will be conducted by the East Pembroke Fire District from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5th at the East Pembroke Fire Hall, located at 2623 W. Main Road, East Pembroke.

Purpose of the meeting is 2018 Fire District Budget.

Oakfield parade participant falls from horse, sustains head injury, Mercy Flight called

By Billie Owens

A participant in the Oakfield Betterment Committee's annual Labor Day Parade fell off a horse and sustained a head injury. Oakfield fire responded along with Mercy medics. Mercy Flight was called and it just landed.

UPDATE 10:16 a.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, en route to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE: A witness emailed: "The participant on the horse in the Labor Day parade did not sustain a head injury. She was stepping on her horse, slipped and fell on the ground and landed on her back and was taken by Mercy Flight as a precaution."

Comedian and actor Frank Santorelli to make special appearance at Capish! Brick Oven Ristorante in Le Roy Oct. 8

By Billie Owens

Frank Santorelli’s character on HBO's classic “The Sopranos” was a bartender at the Bada Bing who ended up getting on his boss’s every last nerve. He got beat for it, of course.

You may recall the episode in which that character, Georgie Santorelli (yes, the same last name), bought “Tone” a phone answering machine that featured a singing fish.

When a call came in, the fish flipped its tail, then swung its head around and “sang” the Talking Heads’ “Take Me to the River.”

At first, Tone is amused by “Big Mouth Billy Bass” -- a novelty bought at Rite Aid by his bartender.

But the modern don’s thoughts quickly turn dark and he instead hears mockery in the fake bucketmouth's tune. So he yanks it off the desk and stomps into the bar and beats Georgie savagely with it.

The actor Frank Santorelli is a rarity -- with bragging rights that the late actor James Gandolfini (AKA Tony Soprano) clocked him with a gag gift.

The native of Cleveland is also a gifted comedian and he will bring his act to Genesee County on Sunday, Oct. 8, in a special appearance at Capish! Brick Oven Pizza Ristorante in Le Roy. Doors open at 2 p.m., show starts at 3; tickets are $20 each, with a two-drink minimum and a limited menu available.

You can get a sense of his humor by watching one of his routines on You Tube. (Like this one here. (Warning: Not Work Safe; adult material.))

He tells about his horrific experience cross-country skiing one New Hampshire winter with Olympic athletes. Wasn't a good idea. He shows us how idiotic it is to try and appear menacing at a bar with a troublemaker when you no longer drink, so your beverage is served with a big crazy straw. Deadpanning "Don't mess with me pal," while trying to manage a long straw fails to menace. So does breaking out the Chapstick and then smacking your lips together after saying "Don't even think about it."

He pokes fun at everyday life, the aging process (he's born in 1957 -- "the Chinese calendar's "Year of the Cock"), New Yorkers, hirsute Italian women who taught all the men in his family how to shave, riding the subway, whatever. It's a crack up."Capisci?!"

Capish! Brick Oven Pizza Ristorante is located at 49 Main St. in the Village of Le Roy. Parking in front and out back. Phone is (585) 768-1000. To buy tickets in advance go online to www.BrownPaperTickets.com

Labor Day activities aplenty at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of driver Drew Monti winning the 2014 race in the closest finish ever in the annual drivers' bike race (Photo courtesy of Paul White).

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

A full card of harness racing action, food specials and a drivers' bike race are all on tap as part of the annual Labor Day extravaganza at Batavia downs on Monday (Sept. 4).

The live harness racing kicks off at 1:15 p.m. with 12 exciting races. But there will also be something for the whole family to enjoy all day long and no one will go hungry for sure.

The featured meal deal is a $10.95 chicken barbecue provided by the Center Street Smoke House from noon to 3 p.m. in the clubhouse. The smell of the on-site prepared barbecue chicken with “all the fixin’s” will permeate the grandstand and come with a built in value. Every meal purchased comes with $10 in Batavia Downs Gaming Free-play to be used on the gaming floor after earning one base-point.

If chicken is not to your liking, there will also be $1 Sahlen’s hot dogs, $1 draft beer and $1 soda available on the track apron outlets from noon to 4 p.m.

Then after the seventh race, Batavia Downs will present the annual Driver’s Bike Race sponsored by Crazy Cheap Cars of Oakfield. This race features eight of the top drivers at the Downs competing in a race on bicycles that will then be given away to the fans who correctly picked the winner of the race.

Our live guests may place an entry in the box of the driver that they think is going to win in the Paddock Room from noon to 2:30 p.m. There will be eight names chosen from the winning driver’s box after the bike race is completed and each name drawn will receive one of the bikes used in the race. There is no purchase necessary, you must be 18-years-old or older to enter and you must be present to win.

This year’s competing drivers include (in post-position order) Larry Stalbaum, Mike Caprio, John Cummings Jr., Rock Vinci, Jim McNeight Jr., Shawn McDonough, Drew Monti and Denny Bucceri.

Caprio, Vinci, Monti and Bucceri have all won this race before and bragging rights are on the line for the next 12 months. 

Hitman Hill smashes track record at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens
 
Photo of Hitman Hill with driver Brett Miller.
 
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
 
The track standard of 1:53.2 for 2-year-old pacing geldings was lowered substantially on Friday night (Sept. 1) when Hitman Hill (American Ideal-Fox Valley Shaker) torched the Genesee County oval in 1:52.4 in the $106,000 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) at Batavia Downs. 
 
Leaving from post one in his $53,500 division, Hitman Hill (Brett Miller) shot right to the lead and dictated fractions that would put him in the record books. 
 
After stopping the clock at :27.3, :56.1 and 1:25.1, the only threat of the race came at the three-quarters when pocket-sitting Casual Cool (Drew Monti) pulled and advanced to within a neck. But Miller tapped the gas and Hitman Hill responded by pacing home in :27.3 to win by four lengths in 1:52.4 to set the new track record. 
 
The previous mark was held by Pointomygranson (Marcus Miller) who paced in 1:53.2 last year. 
 
"This colt, from the first time I sat behind him; I told (trainer) Chris Oakes the could be one of the best colts I've ever sat behind" said driver Brett Miller. "And I still feel that way."
 
Hitman Hill ($2.40) is now a perfect four for four this year and has earned $79,383 for his owners Tom Hill and Northfork Racing Stable. 
 
In the second $52,500 division, Jersey Jim (Artiscape-Jersey Pearl) matched his lifetime best clocking to score his third win of the year, two of which were in NYSS action. 
 
Jersey Jim (Jim Devaux) got away last as the heavily favored Paprike Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) led the way. But after Silver Arrow (John Macdonald) pushed the issue in the third quarter, Jersey Jim made a bold three-wide, three-quarter move and drew alongside Paprike Blue Chip at the head of the lane. From there he out-muscled the pace setter to the wire to win by a length in 1:54.1. 
 
Jersey Jim ($5.80) has now banked $62,933 in 2017 for owners Robert and Gail Sanders and trainer Perry Simser. 
 
There were also two $15,000 Excalsior A series contests on the card. 
 
In the first split, Real Rayenbow (So Surreal-R Reva Raye) won in 1:58.4 for Chuck Connor Jr. Real Rayenbow ($23.40) is owned by Janice Connor, Arden Homestead Stable and Crawford Farms Racing and is trained by Chuck Connor Jr. 
 
In the second leg, Major Sugar Rush (Art Major-Sugarcoated) registered a 1:56.2 victory for Ray Schnittker. Major Sugar Rush ($7.90) is owned by Ray Schnittker and Steve Arnold and is trained by Ray Schnittker. 

East Pembroke Fire District to hold a 2018 budget workshop Tuesday night

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Please take notice that a workshop meeting will be conducted by the East Pembroke Fire District from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5th at the East Pembroke Fire Hall, located at 2623 W. Main Road, East Pembroke.

Purpose of the meeting is 2018 Fire District Budget.

Robert C. Pfalzer

By Billie Owens
Robert C. Pfalzer, 76, of Darien, passed away Thursday, (August 31, 2017).
 
Bob was born January 22, 1941 in Darien, a son of the late Raymond and Frances Demmer Pfalzer. He was the brother of the late David Pfalzer.
 
Bob’s favorite thing to do was spend time with his granddaughter, Ashley. He also enjoyed refurbishing John Deere tractors, gardening and casinos. Bob was a mechanic for Tyler Truck Lines in Oakfield.
 
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Annette Bower Pfalzer; his children, Susan (Patrick) McCormack, Bobby-Jo Meyer and Tanya; grandchildren, Ashley McCormack, Lily and Sara; brothers, William (late Janet) Pfalzer, Frank (Annette) Pfalzer and Joseph (Peggy) Pfalzer. Many nieces and nephews also survive him.
 
Family and friends may call Monday, September 4 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main Street, Corfu. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, September 5 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good of Counsel Church, 10677 Allegheny Road, Darien Center. Burial will be in Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to A-T Children’s Project, 5300 W. Hillsboro Blvd. #105 Coconut Creek, FL 33073 or at atcp.org.

Teenage Nigerian soccer player pleads guilty to sexual misconduct in case involving 13-year-old girl

By Billie Owens

A 19-year-old Nigerian college soccer player was sentenced to time served today after agreeing to a plea bargain on a sex charge.

Hamma S. Yusuf Jr. has been incarcerated for 11 months (nine in Genesee County; two in North Dakota for reasons not explained). In Genesee County Court this morning, he pled guilty to a Class A misdemeanor -- sexual misconduct, on an "Alvord basis," meaning without a factual admission of guilt. The maximum sentence he could serve on that misdemeanor is one year.

He was originally charged with first-degree rape in a case involving a 13-year-old girl when he was 18. He was also granted "youthful offender" status today, which means in due time his crime can be expunged from his record, provided he does not commit another one.

But Yusuf is not home free. Although he was released today from Genesee County's custody, an immigration detainer was filed by the U.S. Immigration Service. Therefore, he will imminently be in their custody and his temporary visa status will be reviewed and possibly revoked.

Judge Charles Zambito clearly and articulately explained the proceedings to Yusuf and was careful that the client of defense attorney Michael D'Amico understood them and the impact the guilty plea may have on his immigration status.

D'Amico described the athletic teenager as articulate, thoughtful and a good soccer player who realizes "he got himself in a tough spot." When asked, the soft-spoken African said he completed two years of college and could write and speak English fluently.

Nothing was said about regrets.

Zambito agreed to issue the requested order of protection for the victim and fined Yusuf $175 plus a $25 mandated surcharge.

Then the orange-jumpsuited, handcuffed teen was led away to be processed and transferred to the custody of immigration authorities.

Child sex abuser found living with woman and her three kids, DA says

By Billie Owens

A registered sex offender and former resident of Chaddock Road, Bethany, was in Genesee County Court again today for a probation violation.

According to District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Christopher Joseph Campbell has been staying with a woman and her three children, which is a violation of his probation.

"He can't be around children, even if the mother has no objection," Judge Charles Zambito told the defendant and his attorney, Michael Locicero. "It's not up to her. It's up to me."

The mother, who was sitting in the gallery, was asked by the judge if she understood that. She said yes, and was asked to state her name for the record.

The defendant, with nearly shorn hair and sporting a Van Dyke (see photo, taken in February), was dressed in street clothes -- jeans, a gray T-shirt, and turquoise, gray and white zip-up fleece jacket. He looked over at his girlfriend and shrugged his shoulders a couple of times during the proceedings.

Although his attorney said he is employed full time, Friedman said that it is his understanding that Campbell was fired from his job.

Zambito said he will revoke Campbell's probation if he is found around children and he will be arrested. Period.

Last October, Campbell was charged with failure to report a change of address as required by law. It is a felony. He formerly resided on West Main Street Road in Batavia before moving to Bethany. But the state database for sex offenders, as of today, lists him as residing on West Main Street Road.

According to the state database, the 39-year-old, who is 5'10" and weighs about 190 pounds, was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse in 2007. He was a "non-stranger" who sexually abused two girls, ages 10 and 7, in the summer of 2005. Although force was not used, according to the record, he is listed as "sexually violent." He was arrested for the sex crimes by Monroe County authorities.

Campbell served two years in state prison.

Campbell is due back in court at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Man accused of beating and choking beagle and forcibly stealing a cell phone ordered to get full psych exam

By Billie Owens

A man accused of forcibly stealing a cell phone and beating and strangling a woman's beagle will get a thorough mental health exam to determine his fitness for court proceedings, Judge Charles Zambito ordered today in Genesee County Court.

Shawn Michael Twardowski is charged with one count of third-degree robbery, a Class D felony, for allegedly taking a cell phone from a woman on Jan. 26 on Bank Street in the City of Batavia; and one count of cruelty to animals, a Class A misdemeanor.

A possible plea deal was withdrawn, for now at least.

His attorney, Michael Locicero, told Judge Zambito that his client "displayed competency issues in his last court appearance" in August. Today, Locicero reiterated his concerns, saying a recent "mental forensic evaluation" does not address Twardowski's "competency per se" and he again expressed reservations about his client's "fitness to proceed," and comprehend a plea bargain.

Locicero said his client told him that at some point he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but nothing in his file confirms that diagnosis. He described his client as "non-responsive" in face-to-face dealings with him. Indeed throughout his brief appearance in County Court this morning, the tall, lanky Twardowski, handcuffed and wearing inmate orange, sat or stood slope-shouldered, staring vacantly at the table. 

The defense attorney once more asked for a "730 Exam" -- a comprehensive mental health evaluation of his client.

Last month, Assistant District Attorney Robert Zickl objected to that request and noted that no comprehension issue was raised when the defendant sought a judicial diversion. Zambito, who subsequently called for more information and specifics to be gathered in the intervening weeks, seemed reluctant to grant the 730 Exam request.

"I've reviewed the records," Zambito said. "There's nothing to indicate he's incompetent, but I have not dealt with him personally."

Zickl again objected to the request, adding that the plea offer would be withdrawn and if he is found competent, the case would go to trial.

"If he's (found) not competent to stand trial, he's not competent to consider a plea offer," Zambito said, making Zickl's point moot.

Zambito ordered a 730 Exam for Twardowski.

The case is on the docket again at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13.

Basic class on Alzheimer's disease offered free at Woodward library in Le Roy on Sept. 14

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a progressive and fatal brain disease that is the most common form of dementia.

“The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease” is a free class presented by the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter for anyone who would like to know more about the disease and related dementias.

The program will be offered in Le Roy at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14 at Woodward Memorial Library at 7 Wolcott St.

Attendees will learn:  

  • Symptoms and effects of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia
  • How Alzheimer’s affects the brain
  • Causes and risk factors
  • How to find out if it’s Alzheimer’s disease
  • The benefits of early detection
  • Treatment
  • Resources in your community, including the Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter  

There is no cost to attend this public presentation, but reservations are encouraged by calling 1.800.272.3900.

Free HLOM presentation: 'Notes from Armageddon: Popular Propaganda, Postcards, and the Great War'

By Billie Owens
Free presentation at HLOM:
 
"Notes from Armageddon: Popular Propaganda, Postcards, and the Great War"
 
Andrew Nicholls, Ph.D., SUNY Buffalo State
 
7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20
 
Notes from Armageddon explores popular sentiments prior to and during the First World war through the medium of postcards. Drawn from a collection of more than 5,000 images, the presentation considers how contemporaries viewed the "War to End All Wars."

If you would like to RSVP, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

HLOM free presentation: 'Thomas Jefferson and the Times that Shaped Him'

By Billie Owens
HLOM presents: 
"Thomas Jefferson and the Times that Shaped Him"
Featuring Greg Kinal & Don Reed
 
7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9
 
Free admission
 
The presentation will travel through the life of Thomas Jefferson and what molded him into the man that we know from history today.
 
Various topics of his life will include: his early life, life at Monticello, Revolutionary period, and his views on the social and political climate. The presentation will also focus upon bringing the thoughts of Thomas Jefferson into today's world and what relevance they truly have.

If you would like to RSVP, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

NYSS freshman pacers at Batavia Downs on Friday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Only 11 New York bred 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers will visit America’s oldest lighted harness track this year to compete for the $106,000 in purses available in the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS), but the quality over-rides the quantity that will race at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 1). 

The first $53,500 six-horse division goes in race three and features the undefeated Hitman Hill and Casual Cool.

Hitman Hill (American Ideal-Fox Valley Shaker) got a late start this year but he has made the most of his outings, winning three out of three so far this season. Starting and winning in the Excelsior A level, Hitman Hill moved up to the NYSS quickly and torched a lifetime best 1:50.4 over a sloppy track at Vernon Downs in only his second lifetime start. He has since won at Yonkers in 1:53.2 and very much looks like a speed horse to be reckoned with.

Hitman Hill has drawn post one for trainer Chris Oakes and the western New York native has assigned Brett Miller line duty for the night. The track odds maker has him pegged at 6-5.

Casual Cool (American Ideal-Sight To See) is almost perfect this year, winning four out of five starts; all in NYSS action. The horse has raced well on both big and small tracks and over wet and dry surfaces. His lifetime best came at Vernon Downs as well, where he won handily in 1:52.2 with a wicked :26.3 final quarter. He is also the highest money earner in this race with $80,303 already in the bank.

Trainer Linda Toscano has put the Downs leading driver Drew Monti in the bike behind Casual Cool for this outing and they will depart from post three at 3-1.

In the second $52,500 five-horse split that is carded as race four features three horses that are firing on all cylinders right now.

Paprike Blue Chip (Roll With Joe-Bliss N Vinegar) has won two out of four NYSS events including tying his lifetime best effort of 1:54.2 at Yonkers Raceway last week. The gelding has not missed the board in five starts, boasts the highest earnings of this group ($68,048) and doesn’t seem to mind who drives him.

This week Jim Morrill Jr., who won with him at Saratoga Raceway on August 8, is back in the bike for trainer John Butenschoen and they will start the race from post three at 8-5.

Jersey Jim (Artiscape-Jersey Pearl) has overcome an early season breaking problem and blossomed into a fleet-footed flyer. After taking his mark of 1:54.1 at Saratoga, Jersey Jim finished second off a trip at Vernon Downs in 1:50.4 behind Hitman Hill, pacing his mile in 1:51.3. Last week at Yonkers he overcame a slow start from post seven to close quickly and finish third and this short field plays right into his closing style.

Jersey Jim gets his regular driver Jim Devaux again and they will leave from post five at 9-5 for trainer Perry Simser.  

My Delight (Betterthancheddar-Kg Delight) hasn’t won since breaking his maiden in an overnight event in July, but he also hasn’t missed the board in any of his NYSS starts either. He’s shown the ability to leave but seems just as content to travel off a trip. He figures to get a good journey here and will be in a close stalking position to make a play at the end of the mile.

Trainer Homer Hochstetler has called upon Bret Miller to steer this week and they have drawn post two and are the early third choice at 5-2.

There are also two $15,000 Excelsior A series events on the program that will go as races six and seven.

Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.

Classy Lane Rose blossoms in Batavia Downs feature

By Billie Owens

Classy Lane Rose, driven by Drew Monti, pulls ahead.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Classy Lane Rose has been a shrinking violet with the Batavia Downs winner’s circle this meet having not won in four starts here. But the mare was in full bloom on Wednesday (Aug. 30) as she went gate to wire in convincing style to win the $9,500 Fillies and Mares Open pace.

Classy Lane Rose (Drew Monti) left with the gate and the field willingly settled in post-position order behind her. After letting her intentions be known, she then tempered her speed to the half, backing it down to :58 flat. No one made a move until the three-eighths pole when Susie’s Delight (Ray Fisher Jr.) came first-up and brought Kruella (Shawn McDonough) along with her.

Monti kept the challengers at bay, speeding up the third panel to :28.1 and from there the race was won. Despite horses fanning four-wide around the final turn, Classy Lane Rose was in full stride and paced home in a crisp :27.4 to win by a length.

Now with $60,300 in the bank on the strength of six wins this year, Classy Lane Rose ($3.30) is owned by Carl Monti and trained by Darrin Monti.

The co-feature $8,000 distaff Open II field was shortened to five starters after two late scratches and as a result, Mean Pauline (Shawn McDonough) got a perfect pocket trip behind the point-mare Hot Patootie (Larry Stalbaum) and then shot through the lightning lane to win by a length in 1:55.2.

It was the fifth win of the year for Mean Pauline ($11.80) and owner Harry Wortzman. McDonough also trains the winner.  

Drivers Drew Monti, Larry Stalbaum and Ray Fisher Jr. all had two wins on the card. Trainer Kim Asher also scored two victories on Wednesday evening.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 1) with post time at 6 p.m. Friday’s card features the $106,000 NYSS for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

Genesee County 4-H’ers participate in swine shows at NYS Fair

By Billie Owens

Pictured from left are: Melissa Keller, Benjamin Kron, Becky Kron and Katelynn Rumsey.

Submitted photo and press release:

Youth from the Genesee County 4-H program represented their local 4-H Swine Club while at the Great New York State Fair.

Genesee County swine club members competed against youth from across the state in the Youth Swine Shows held on Aug. 30. Local participants were: Melissa Keller, Becky Kron, Benjamin Kron and Katelynn Rumsey.

Local 4-H swine club members also competed in the Empire Swine Youth Scholarship contest. Participants of the contest compete in several different categories including: Showmanship, Pork Quality Assurance Plus, Skillathon, Interviews and more.

Melissa Keller won the contest for the second year in a row. Becky Kron placed 11th as a first-year participant and Benjamin Kron placed 15th.

We would like to congratulate these youth for their participation at the New York State Fair and for representing Genesee County 4-H!

Accident with injuries reported in Village of Elba

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the Village of Elba at 95 S. Main St. Elba fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 12:36 p.m.: A second ambulance is requested. Mutual aid from Byron's ambulance is called to the scene.

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