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Sportsmuffler silences rivals; Morrill wins five at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Sportsmuffler with driver Jim Morrill Jr. in the forefront.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Sportsmuffler has not missed the board in the weekly distaff pacing feature since the start of the meet and Wednesday (Aug. 23) was no exception as she scored her second win in the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open pace at Batavia Downs.

Voltina (Kevin Cummings) and Exotic Beach (Larry Stalbaum) slugged it out for the lead through the first quarter mile with Voltina gaining the advantage at that station in :27.2. With Exotic Beach’s nose right on Cummings helmet and the rest of the field strung-out behind her, Voltina rolled to the half in :56.1 with no one looking to pull.

At the three-eighths pole Sarah Cola (Drew Monti) came first-up and advanced towards the leader with Sportsmuffler (Jim Morrill Jr.) on her tail. Cummings popped the plugs on Voltina as Sarah Cola sidled her and the two paced as one around the far turn. At the head of the stretch Sarah Cola took the lead as Voltina faded, but Sportsmuffler tipped three-deep around her and started driving down the lane. With heavy urging from Monti, Sarah Cola gave all she could but Sportsmuffler shuffled right on by to win by a length in 1:55.3.

It was the seventh win in 30 starts this year for Sportsmuffler ($5.10) and it raised her 2017 earnings to $38,244 for the Lav Racing Stable Inc. The 5-year-old daughter of Sportsmaster is trained by Steve Kiblin.

In the co-featured $8,000 Fillies and Mares Open II pace, Squeeze This (Jim Morrill Jr.) made quick and easy work of the field going from gate to wire while the competition scrambled behind her, winning by a length in 1:56.1. It was the fourth win of the year for Squeeze This ($5.10) but her first of the current Batavia meet. The winner is owned by Garth Bechtel and is trained by Jim Graham.

Jim Morrill Jr. did his best to tighten up the driving derby at the Downs by winning five races on the card Wednesday. He scored with Sportsmuffler (1:55.3, $5.10), Alexa’s Hope (1:58, $3.50), Squeeze This (1:56.1, $5.10), Roll With Sparky (1:57.3, $2.70) and Mystical Danica (1:58, $4.10).

Drew Monti also had a driving double while trainers Steve Kiblin scored three wins and Jim Graham captured two.

When the lights went down after Wednesday’s card, Drew Monti holds the dash driving lead for the meet with 33 wins, Ray Fisher Jr. is second with 29 and Jim Morrill Jr. is third with 25.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 25) with post time for the first race set a 6 p.m. 

Tickets on sale for Blue Devils season opener at Carrier Dome

By Howard B. Owens

The three-peat Section V champs Batavia Blue Devils get to play in another big-time stadium in their first game of the season Sept. 3 and boosters are hoping for a big local turnout.

The Blue Devils will face Johnson City at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. Kickoff is 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at Batavia High School in the Athletic Director's Office. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $8, or $10 at the door. Checks for tickets bought locally should be made out to Batavia Coaches Association.

Students are encouraged to sign up in the AD office. A ticket and a ride on the spectator bus will be $10.

League bowling meetings set for tonight in Batavia, Thursday in Mount Morris

By Mike Pettinella

Informational meetings for secretaries of leagues in the Genesee Region United States Bowling Congress association are scheduled for 6:30 tonight at T.F. Brown's in Batavia and 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Mount Morris Lanes.

Supply kits will be distributed at the meetings, which also will feature complementary pizza, wings and refreshments courtesy of the GRUSBC. All Genesee Region USBC league secretaries or their representatives are required to attend one of the two meetings.

"These meetings are extremely important as they set the stage for a successful 2017-18 season," said GRUSBC President Tom Fluker. "Not only will we be handing out the league supplies, but we also will be sharing pertinent information about dues structure, the certification process, our extensive awards program and our association tournaments."

Fluker noted that two meetings are scheduled in different parts of the association in an effort to accommodate secretaries of leagues throughout the GLOW region. Supply kits for all leagues will be available at both sessions.

The Genesee Region USBC has jurisdiction over all USBC-certified leagues at 11 centers -- Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield, Legion Lanes in Le Roy, Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Medina Lanes, Bennington Lanes, Perry Bowling Center, Letchworth Pines, Mount Morris Lanes and Livingston Lanes in Geneseo.

Byron-Bergen student captures four medals at Indigenous Games in Toronto

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School sophomore Siomara Caballero travelled to Toronto in July to compete with more than 5,000 other young athletes from across the United States and Canada at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). As part of Team New York, a group of girls and boys representing the state’s Haudensaunee Confederacy, Caballero won Bronze medals in the 1200m, 2000m and the 3K cross-country races in her age group. She took the Silver Medal in the 800m race. Her team collected a total of 13 medals throughout the games.

The NAIG is the largest sporting and cultural gathering of indigenous peoples in North America. It hosts 14 sport competitions, including track and field, lacrosse, archery, baseball, basketball, and soccer, in a variety of world-class venues during the week. It is also a celebration of a rich cultural heritage, featuring indigenous artists, music, foods, and history.

“It felt good to be a part of a movement that is trying to increase awareness for indigenous youth in sports,” Caballero said. “I felt that I learned more about my family's history and culture. I enjoyed getting to know the other kids on my team, and representing the Haudensaunee people.” (Haudensaunee tribes include the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca.)

Caballero is an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Wolf Clan. She became interested in NAIG in 2014, and qualified for the team in 2016.

“I put in a lot of time preparing for the games and I feel that my hard work payed off,” she said.

At Byron-Bergen, she runs varsity cross-country in the fall, plays JV basketball in the winter, and participates in varsity track and field in the spring. She has been a Genesee Region All-Star in XC and track and field for the past two years.

“My favorite memory from the games was trading pins with other athletes,” she said. “We all started with a set of team pins designed to represent the areas and tribes we were from, and we traded throughout the week. I was able to collect pins from kids from all over the U.S. and Canada. It was a great way to interact with people that I might not have otherwise spoken to. I had a lot of fun!”

She looks forward to a busy year at Byron-Bergen, with athletics and a full academic schedule. She is taking classes at Genesee Community College as part of the STEM accelerated degree program, and is in several clubs, including PageTurners, Spanish Club, and Math League.

“After I graduate from high school,” she said, “I would like to major in math or science in college. I want to be a role model for my younger sister and brother, so they can know that anything is possible with hard work.”

She hopes that her sister will join her at the next NAIG in 2020.

“I would like to thank my parents and family for their support and for spending the week in Toronto cheering me on,” she said.

Men's basketball league wraps up inaugural season with championship game

By Howard B. Owens

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The champions of the inaugural season of the Lady Irish Men's Basketball League is 585 Showtime after the squad beat Hickory 70-58 at Notre Dame High School yesterday.

Members of 585 Showtime: Jalen Smith, Justin Washington, Ballard Maye, Dashawn Suber, Tajzay Powell, David Andrews, Chezeray Rolle, Adam Brasky and Ryan Hogan.

Smith led all scorers with 36 points.

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Fireyourguns still undefeated at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Fireyourguns with driver Mike Caprio.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

In a race that provided more moves than United Van Lines, Fireyourguns once again showed his local dominance as he won his third $10,000 Open Handicap victory at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 19).

Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) left and tucked in behind last week’s Open winner Believe This Bob (Drew Monti) by the eighth pole. But before they got to the quarter, Caprio decided to pull and take the lead himself and all that action only took :26.3 seconds. Despite the race proceeding at a crisp pace, the newly imported Australian Teo Enteo A (Larry Stalbaum) who had gotten away fourth, was already out and rolling at the three-eighths and grabbed the front by the half in :54.4.

Teo Enteo A continued to motor along up the backside when Believe This Bob popped out from third and tried to push the issue. He got up to second on the outside and eventually drew even with the leader at the top of the stretch. But as those two continued to battle, Teo Enteo A tired and started to drift allowing the pocket-sitting Fireyourguns a clear path to the wire. Caprio raised the lines and drove hard and Fireyourguns did the rest, winning by a neck in 1:53.1.

It was the fifth win in 11 starts this year for Fireyourguns ($3) and third win in as many starts at Batavia Downs. Now boasting $376,456 in lifetime earnings, Fireyourguns is owned by Jennifer and Robert Lowe and Terrence McClory, who also trains the winner.

In the co-featured $9,000 Open II pace, Shady City (Larry Stalbaum) who hasn’t left in the last four weeks, shot off the gate and took the lead then never looked back; winning by two-lengths in 1:54. Shady City ($7.80) captured his ninth win of the year for owner/trainer Larry Stalbaum.

Driver Ray Fisher Jr. had three wins on the night.

The guaranteed $5,000 USTA Strategic Wagering Pick-5 pool produced a $3,308.50 payout for the 4-1-6-4-7 combination.

Live racing resumed at Batavia Downs this afternoon (Aug. 20) with a post time of at 1:15.

Edom Up Blue Boy rings the bell at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Edom Up Blue Boy with driver Rock C. Vinci.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

On a night when overlooked horses took the spotlight, Edom Up Blue Boy ground-out a hard earned, first-over victory in the $10,500 Open Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 18) despite being dismissed by the betting public at 37-1.

Osprey Vision (Dave McNeight III) played give-and-go with the always front running Lutetium (Drew Monti) and seated the latter for the first time since March. Osprey Vision then marched out quarters of :28.2 and :59.1 before Edom Up Blue Boy (Rock C. Vinci) pulled first off the stodgy second quarter. Edom Up Blue Boy eventually pulled alongside Osprey Vision past three-quarters and the two then matched strides from there until the wire.

Osprey Vision held a short advantage over Edom Up Blue Boy all the way down the stretch while BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) and Empire Earl N (Larry Stalbaum) were surging and gaining three and four wide. As the wall of horseflesh hit the wire, Edom Up Blue Boy snuck ahead of Osprey Vision while turning away the late closer’s best his efforts to win in 1:59.1.

It was the fifth win of the year for Edom Up Blue Boy ($57.50) and second Open trot victory at Batavia Downs in the past month. Driver Rock C. Vinci also owns and trains the winner.

In the co-featured $8,000 Open II trot, Corleone Hall (Mike Caprio) pulled from fourth at three-quarters to overtake the front-running Winky’s Pride (Drew Monti) and win by one-half length in 1:59.3. The winning time was a seasonal mark as it was the first win of the year for Corleone Hall ($16.00) who is owned and trained by Perry Wilson.

Mike Caprio and Drew Monti both scored driving doubles on the card.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs tonight (Aug. 19) with a $5,000 guaranteed early Pick-5 pool as part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program. The early Pick-5 starts with the first race and runs through race five.

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

Muckdogs-Scrappers game postponed due to rain

By Billie Owens
Thursday’s game between the Batavia Muckdogs and Mahoning Valley Scrappers was postponed due rain and unsafe field conditions. The game will be made up as part of a double-header on Monday, Aug. 28th.
 
The Muckdogs will play two seven-inning games, with the first game starting at 5:05 p.m. Gates will open at 4 p.m. Any person with tickets to the Aug.17 game can exchange their tickets for any other regular season game, subject to availability.

Two in a row for All Charged Up at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

All Charged Up with driver John MacDonald.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The Canadian owned, central New York based All Charged Up has been plying her trade in Western New York for three-weeks now and on Wednesday evening (Aug. 16), she just captured her second straight $9,000 Mares Open Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs.

All Charged Up (John MacDonald) left, but yielded to Little Santamonica (Larry Stalbaum) who wanted the front and got her way. From there she did all the heavy lifting, setting fractions of :27.2, :56.2 and 1:25.1. At that station MacDonald started to roll All Charged Up to the outside and the mare paced right around the leader. She had command before they hit the stretch and then paced away to an easy five-length victory in 1:53.1, which was only one-fifth of a second off the track record for aged pacing mares (Xenia Hanover 1:53, 2013).

It was the 25th lifetime win for All Charged Up ($4.40) and it pushed her career earnings total to $236,532 for owner J P Stables. The 6-year-old daughter of Ponder is trained by “The Prime Minister” John MacDonald.

MacDonald doubled his fun by winning the co-featured $8,000 Mares Open II pace with Drea’s Good Powow. Getting a similar two-hole trip, Drea’s Good Powow sat behind Voltina (Kevin Cummings) until the top of the stretch when he pulled her and paced right by to win by a length in 1:55.2.  

It was the second win in three starts for Drea’s Good Powow ($3.80) and the second win of the night for owner J P Stables and trainer/driver MacDonald.

The biggest win mutual of the meet so far was realized in the eighth race on the card. Ray Fisher Jr. took advantage of a fast :55.3 half and swooped the field from worst to first with Canthelpbutwin at 54-1. When the dust had settled from the tote board being blown up, the win price displayed was $101.50 for a $2 wager. That prompted a $2 “7-2” Exacta that paid $1,129, a $2 “7-2-all” Trifecta that paid $1,646 and a $1 “7-2-all-all” Superfecta that returned $464.50.

John MacDonald wasn’t the only horseman to capture two driving and training wins on the night. Shawn McDonough and Larry Stalbaum also attained the same achievement.   

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday with post time at 6 p.m. The early Pick-5 on Friday starts with a $1,500 pool and goes as races one through five.

No more openings in Muckdogs youth baseball camp

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Due to a tremendous response from the community, the Muckdogs 2017 Youth Baseball Clinic to be held on Aug. 30th is completely filled up and registration is now closed. We will accept any mailed registration forms postmarked on or before Aug. 16th.

For those who did not sign up in time, please keep an eye out for the Muckdogs’ Youth Clinic in 2018.

$2,500 guaranteed Pick-5 pool at Batavia Downs today

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

This afternoon (Aug.13) Batavia Downs early Pick-5 wager has a carry-over of $1,022 and the track will be offering a guaranteed pool of $2,500 for that bet today. America’s oldest lighted harness racetrack presents the early Pick-5 wager in races 1-5 and post time for the first race is 1:15 p.m.

The early Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager. There is no consolation payoff, therefore if no one selects all five winners the entire pool (minus takeout) moves to the next racing program which is Wednesday, Aug. 16.

Believe This Bob scorches foes in Batavia feature

By Billie Owens
 
Photo of Believe This Bob with driver Drew Monti.
 
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
 
Tioga Downs shipper Believe This Bob didn't miss a beat on the half-mile track and put on a show in winning the $10,000 Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 12).
 
Believe This Bob (Drew Monti) left from post one and had the lead as soon as the gate released the field, opening up a two-length lead he would maintain the whole race.
 
Working through fractions of :27.2, 55.3 and 1:23.2, Believe This Bob went unchallenged the whole way and for good reason; the trailing horses had trouble keeping up. 
 
At the top of the lane, Lucky King (Ron Beback Jr.) who had gotten a perfect pocket trip, launched a mild bid at the leader. But Believe This Bob kept his eye on the prize and finished a wrapped-up winner in 1:52.3.
 
It was the fourth win of the year for Believe This Bob ($4.20) and 43rd of his career. The 9-year-old gelded son of Beach Romeo is owned by Mary Ann Larrimore and is trained by Joe Skowyra. 
 
In the co-featured $9,000 Open II pace, Sir Ziggy's Z Tam (John Cummings Jr.) was hopelessly locked in fifth at the top of the far turn but found room along the pylons heading down the lane and brushed late to capture the win in 1:54.2. Sir Ziggy's Z Tam ($13.80) is owned by Tessa Roland and trained by JD Perrin. 
 
Drew Monti and Kevin Cummings both had a driving hat trick on Saturday while John Cummings Jr. and Jim Morrill Jr. each had driving doubles. 
 
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs this afternoon (Aug. 12), with post time set for 1:15.

Batavia Area Jaycees to hold 31st annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk on Sept. 4 at MacArthur Park

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Batavia Area Jaycees are proud to announce their 31st Annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk, to be held on Sept. 4 at MacArthur Park in Batavia.
 
Participants should check in from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Race time is 10 a.m. The registration fee for runners is $25 if pre-registered and $30 afterward, including the day of the event. Walkers can register for $20. Runners and walkers 17 and younger is $15.
 
Awards will be presented to the top finishers.
 
Registration forms are available online at www.bajny.com and this year you can register online at Score-This. A direct link is: 
https://register-this.com/?raceid=20170904BAJC

Empire Earl N takes feature; Monti wins half the card at Batavia

By Billie Owens

Photo of Empire Earl N with driver Larry Stalbaum.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After three near misses in the resident top trot, Empire Earl N got the job done in winning the $10,500 Open Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Aug. 11).

Striker Ace (Drew Monti) and Osprey Vision (Dave McNeight III) butted heads for the lead for almost a quarter mile before Striker Ace finally took control, but the :27.3 first quarter would take a toll on both later in the race. Past the half Edom Up Blue Boy (Rock Vinci) pulled first-over with Empire Earl N (Larry Stalbaum) right behind.

Edom Up Blue Boy made a steady advance and took over the lead by the top of the lane. But his shadow Empire Earl N kept coming, eventually swung clear in the stretch and trotted away to a relatively easy win in 1:59.2.

Empire Earl N ($9.40) now has earnings of $45,905 on the strength of five wins this year for his owner Larry Stalbaum. Kim Asher does the training.

Batavia Downs defending dash driver Drew Monti had the hot-hand on Friday, winning half the races on the card. His quintuple conquests included Rollovin (1:55.4, $3.10), Tenor Duharas (1:59.1, $3.30), Winky’s Pride (1:59.2, $3.10), Lutetium (1:57.2, $8.40) and Skyway Tia (1:57.3, $6.90).

With those five wins Monti vaulted himself back into the dash driving lead once again this year, now with 18 tallies. That is one ahead of Ray Fisher Jr. (17) who also had a driving triple on Friday, and two ahead of Jim Morrill Jr. (16) who was at Tioga Downs driving in New York Sire Stakes action.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on tonight (Aug. 12) with post time set at 6 o'clock.

Car wash fundraiser today for BHS cross-country team

By Steve Ognibene

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Some members of Batavia High School's cross-country team would like you to slide into their carwash today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Empire Tractor, 5072 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

There is no set price per vehicle but donations will be accepted to help toward their annual New York City trip coming up this fall.

Batavia Downs reports shortage of dogs with short legs for big race

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

Batavia Downs officials are reporting a shortage of Wiener Dog entrants into the famous Weiner Dog races, which are to be held in conjunction with their annual Family Fun Day at the track on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 27.

All entered dogs receive a Doggie Gift Bag courtesy of Genesee Feeds. The owners of all dogs receive gaming free play, and the top three in the championship race, receive clubhouse buffet certificates and additional Free Play for the gaming floor.

The winner’s total prize package including the gaming free play is valued at $200.

Dachshund owners wishing to participate should call Batavia Downs’ Wiener Dog race coordinator Arna Tygart at 585-343-3750, ext. 6437, and leave a message. Staff will call back to confirm. The races are limited to the first 80 dogs that register.

All Charged Up was electric at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of All Charged Up with driver John Macdonald.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After just missing off a perfect two-hole trip last week in the top distaff pace, All Charged Up bounced back and got the job done in winning the $9,500 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap at Batavia Downs on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 9).

All Charged Up (John Macdonald) hit the pylons early and let the unsuspecting Jolt Of Jo (Dave McNeight III) dictate the quarters. Taking on the challenge, Jolt Of Jo then went in :28 and :57.3 before the sleeping giant, All Charged Up pulled first over past the stands.

The race proceeded up the backside with All charged Up advancing on Jolt Of Jo and eventually taking command with only a quarter of a mile to go. She cleared the front in the final bend and paced away down the lane to open up a two-length advantage, coasting home to a wrapped-up win in 1:54.3, which was a new seasonal mark.

It was the first win in only her fifth start of the season for the late-starting All Charged Up ($3.10) and owner J P Stables. John Macdonald also trains the winner.

In the co-featured $8,500 Mares Open II, Susie’s Delight (Ray Fisher Jr.) made easy work of seven foes as she went gate to wire without much effort in 1:55.3, which was also a new seasonal mark for the winner. Susie’s Delight ($6.90) is owned by the Swift Racing Stable and is trained by Ryan Swift.

Ray Fisher Jr. found himself being photographed four times on Wednesday as he shooed home Mintiliscious (1:55.1, $3.60), Sin City Shark (1:55.3, $3.90), John’s Jesse Bird (1:58.2, $3.40) and the aforementioned Susie’s Delight. 

Jim Morrill Jr. and Larry Stalbaum both chimed in with driving doubles while trainer Maria Rice registered two winners as well.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 11) with post time set at 6 p.m. 

STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark rescheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 16

By Billie Owens

Come on down to the Batavia Muckdogs game and enjoy a safe summer night with us! STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark is happening on Wednesday, Aug. 16, gates opening at 6 p.m. The Batavia Muckdogs are playing the Williamsport Crosscutters.

(This game was originally scheduled last Friday, Aug. 4, but was canceled due to rain.)

Genesee County STOP-DWI and the Genesee County Youth Bureau are hosting this family event. 

The first 300 youth under the age of 16 get in free and there are Muck Bucks given to the first 200 youth to use toward items in the ballpark. There are an additional 500 giveaways and prizes for everyone. Fun and interactive education booths and displays will be on hand. Participating agencies include the Sheriff’s Office, City Police, Le Roy Police, Probation, the Genesee County Youth Bureau and Genesee County STOP-DWI.

A grand prize giveaway, a youth bike, sponsored by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle will be on display and drawn that evening. So join us for a great night at the ballpark and the Friday night fireworks!

Sponsors that are helping make this event possible include: Genesee County Sheriff’s Department Assoc., NYS Assoc. of Chiefs of Police, UMMC, Batavia Police Benevolent Assoc., Le Roy Moose Family Center, Batavia Lions Club, Western NY Assoc. of Chiefs of Police, GCASA Prevention, Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Polish Falcons Nest, Gerace Realty LLC and Tops Friendly Markets.

Pictured above: Matt Landers, STOP-DWI coordinator; ; John Roche, owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle; and Jocelyn Sikorski, STOP-DWI Board chair, and Chelsea Green with the Genesee County Youth Bureau.

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