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Prep Football Roundup: Week 7

By Howard B. Owens

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  • In overtime, Le Roy fell to archrival Cal-Mum in the final game of the season, 30-22. Le Roy still makes sectionals, with a first ground game against East Rochester. Josh Laurie was 10-17 passing for 86 yards, gained another 21 on the ground. Dom Filio had 13 rushes for 22 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Boyce caught two passes for 55 yards, Nate Flint, five or 32 and Reece Tresco, three for 15. Justin DiFalco has 12 tackles and two sacks. (Game photos by David Boyce. (For more, click here))
  • Batavia won a triple-overtime thriller over Clyde-Savannah, 40-34, to finish the regular season at 7-0 behind big nights for Jerry Reinhart and Ray Leach. Reinhart was 18-26 passing for 321 yards and one TD. He also ran the ball into the end zone once himself. Leach, who sat out most of the first half, scored four times on 14 carries for 167 yards. Chandler Baker had 66 yards receiving and Andrew Mruczek pulled in passes for 100 yards. Anthony Ray led the defense with eight tackles and a sack.
  • In a matchup of undefeated Class D teams, Alexander prevailed over C.G. Finney, 48-7. Finney opened the game with a nine-minute drive for a score, but the rest of the game belonged to Alexander. Dane Heberlein had 11 carries for 141 yards. P.J. Brennan completed six of seven passes for 141 yards and four TDs with no interceptions. Derrick Busch had four catches for 111 yards and three TDs. On defense, Mitch Gordon had 16 tackles. Heberlein, 11, Zach Jasen, 13 and Ryan Mileham had five tackles and a fumble recovery. Erik Scharlau also had a fumble recovery. (Game photos by Rick Franclemont (for more, click here))
  • York/Pavilion fell to Canisteo-Greenwood, 20-34.
  • Pembroke beat Nichols, 42-22.

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Alexander Varsity Football goes undefeated for the first time since 1977

By Rick Franclemont

It was Senior night in Alexander Friday and the Alexander Trojans took the field against Finney/Northstar in a battle of the unbeatens.

Finney came out strong, running the ball on every play and moving the chains in small increments, eating up all but about 3 minutes in the first quarter when they finally punched it in.

The Trojans marched down the field and responded 2 minutes later with a Brennan to Schmeider pass for the score and then didn't look back.

 

Heberlein ran one in. Brennan hit Busch for another 3. McClinic took one almost 50 yards into the end zone. Paolucci hit the extra points.

As the offense was firing on all cylinders, the defense figured out the Finney misdirection plays and shut them down. 

More pictures can be found here: http://francletography.photoshelter.com/gallery/2016-10-14-CJ-Finney-Varsity-at-Alexander/G0000J78IrLrhjns/C0000f1tHYlmnDIE

Congratulations to the team and coaches on the first undefeated season in 39 years and special recognition to Seniors:

Dane Heberlein

Brian George

Derrick Busch

PJ Brennan

Ryan Mileham

Hannah Paolucci

Jacob Bykowski

Nic Caldwell

Zach Jasen

Kyle Perl

Josh Hylkema

Tommy DeSalvo

Dustin Scmeider

Ryan Dunbar

And the Senior Cheerleaders:

Sara Webster

Alexis Earsing

Alynn Franclemont

Dominique Mooney

Yahaira Brown-Diaz

Kaylee MacIntyre

(Hopefully I named everybody!)

On to playoffs....

 

 

Noble Legend takes Batavia Downs feature, Morrill wins five

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Noble Legend with driver Shawn Gray.)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After finishing second in the top local trot twice last month, Noble Legend ($25.40) blew up the tote board along with his rivals in winning the $10,500 Open trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 14).

After taking last week off, Noble Legend returned to the track with a new attitude and approach. Driver Shawn Gray sent Noble Legend right to the front and took no prisoners from there. He lead the troops by two open lengths through fractions of :28.1, :57.3 and 1:26.2 while the trailers were struggling to keep up.

At the top of the lane, Noble Legend was cruising under mild urging from Gray when Studio City (Dave McNeight III) who was second the whole mile, drifted off the pegs in an attempt to collar the leader. But all that did was allow BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) to slide up inside him and get into the action. Noble Legend trotted on to win in 1:56.4 by a length over the fast-closing BZ Glide and Studio City, who finished second and third respectively.

It was the eighth win of the season for Noble Legend who increased his 2016 bankroll to $55,983 for owners Vogel & Wags Nags and Jack Rice. Maria Rice trains the 4-year-old son of Kadabra. 

In the co-featured $10,000 Open mares pace, Dontch Remember ($26.20) shook off a two-month winless streak and led the ladies wire-to-wire by gapped lengths to win her eighth race of the year in a new lifetime mark of 1:54.4. Gerry Sarama trains the 6-year-old Western Terror mare for owner Mike Torcello.

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. continued his torrid pace at the Downs, winning another five races on the card. He scored with Love U Forever ($3.70, 1:58.3), The Bronx Bumper ($7.10, 1:58.4), Keystone Wild Card ($4.10, 2:02), Dontch Remember ($26.20, 1:54.4) and Son Of Nordic ($9.90, 1:58.3). The five wins and one second in eight starts gave Morrill a .694 UDR for the night.

Drew Monti had a driving double and Mike Ohol had two winners on the training side.

The dash driving leader board continues to be tight. Kevin Cummings, despite not visiting the winner’s circle on Friday, remains on top with 67 wins. Drew Monti is second with 62 and Jim Morrill Jr. vaulted into third on the strength of his performance with 61 victories.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 15) at 6:15.

Team New Era traveling baseball to hold tryouts to fill one, maybe two, roster spots

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Team New Era will hold an open tryout to fill one, or potentially as many as two, roster spots on its 12U, 14U and 16U teams.

Interested players at those ages are welcome to attend either of the following free tryouts: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25th, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29th, at our Depew location training facility -- 3950 Broadway, Depew. For more information contact Rich Wozniak at email@newerapark.com or 716-681-3001 or see www.teamnewerabaseball.com.

Applications now being accepted for Batavia Jr. Blue Devils Boys Basketball Saturday Program

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Jr. Blue Devils Boys Basketball Saturday Program will be offered from Nov. 12 to Dec. 17 at John Kennedy School's gym. It is only open to boys in grades one through six who attend school in the Batavia City School District.

The Satruday program is FREE but there will be a fee for league play to cover the cost of uniforms/gym use, etc.

  • Grades 3-4 will meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
  • Grade 5-6 will meet from 10:30 a.m. to noon
  • Grades 1-2 will meet from noon to 1 p.m.

The program will focus on the offensive fundamentals of the game including shooting, passing, dribbling, and ball handling, with a major emphasis on shooting. There will be contests with full-court and half-court games.

Participants will have the option to join our youth league from January until early March. Practices will start after Winter Recess and will be held twice per week in the evening. Games are played on the weekends, either on Saturday or Sunday or both.

A parent or guardian must fill out an application that includes: name, address; age; grade; school; phone number; medical concerns; and signature.

If you want yopu child to play on one of the teams that competes in the league, which is for grades 3-6 only and runs January through early March, you will have to choose a jersey size -- Youth S-XL and Adult S-XL, and it is advised that you order a size up as they run small.

Batavia City Schools are not responsible for injury that may happen during the program.

Refer questions to Coach Jim Fazio at (585) 356-0901. Email:     jfazio@gvboces.org

Fazio is the Jr. Blue Devil youth director and he coaches current Blue Devil players.

Kaitlyn Akeeper double up in Batavia Downs feature

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

For the second week in a row, Kaitlyn Akeeper shown best in winning the $7,800 mares Open II/optional claiming feature race at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 12).

Rather than bolt for the lead as he had done over the last three weeks, Jim Morrill Jr. took Kaitlyn Akeeper off the gate and allowed Mondatta (Dave McNeight III) and Terrorcam (Wade Tomaszewski) to duke it out for the front. When they had finally settled, Morrill tipped Kaitlyn Akeeper early and took the lead from them before the three-eighths pole. From there the race was history.

Kaitlyn Akeeper got to the half in :58.1 and three-quarters in 1:26.4, all the time with horses in two-rows behind her. With a gapped two-length lead going around the far turn, the win looked assured and the race would be for minor spoils. As they headed down the lane, Mayabelle (Kevin Cummings) shook loose from behind the fading Mondatta and made a run at the leader, but Kaitlyn Akeeper hung on to win in 1:55.4 by a diminishing two lengths.

Mayabelle was second and Mondatta hung on for third.

It was the seventh victory of the year for Kaitlyn Akeeper ($2.60) and it raised her purse total to $45,272 for owner Mike Torcello. The winner was trained by Gerry Sarama.

Kaitlyn Akeeper was also claimed out of the race for $21,750 by Mark Jakubik.

Jim Morrill Jr. scored a driving triple on Wednesday night while Kevin Cummings, Shawn Gray and Dave McNeight III all had two wins apiece. Trainer Dave McNeight Jr. also conditioned two winners on the card.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 14) with post time at 6:15 p.m.

Drew Monti wins five, and the cannolis at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Beechwood Wayne and driver Drew Monti (wearing helmet), winners of the "Run for the Cannolis" Italian drivers' race held on Columbus Day (Oct. 10) at Batavia Downs.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The temperature was cool for the final matinee card of racing at Batavia Downs for 2016 but Drew Monti was red hot, winning five races on Monday afternoon (Oct. 10) including the special Columbus Day featured $5,000 “Run for the Cannolis” Italian drivers' race.

The Run for the Cannolis is an annual tradition at the Downs to honor the large Italian population in the City of Batavia. It was started decades ago and has continued each year on Columbus Day.

In this year’s edition, Monti drove Beechwood Wayne to a three-length win in 1:58.1. After getting away second, Beechwood Wayne followed closely as Goddess’s Justin (at the pylons) and First Of Fun (outside) battled side-by-side for the lead for over a quarter mile. When First Of Fun finally failed, Beechwood Wayne popped the pocket at three-quarters and blew right by Goddess’s Justin.

But the race wasn’t over.

Rock C. Vinci, who has won this race for the last two years, had tracked Monti’s move around the far turn and was now breathing down Beechwood Wayne back at the head of the lane. As both drivers went to the stick in the dash to the wire, “Drivin’ Drew” had the jump and got Beechwood Wayne there first to claim the cannolis for 2016.

It was the ninth win of the year for Beechwood Wayne ($3.60) and third in a row during his current streak. The 9-year-old gelded son of Western Terror is owned by Tessa Roland and trained by JD Perrin.

Monti also won with Big unit ($7.50, 1:58), Quick Silver ($9.40, 1:58.4), Mystical Valentine ($4, 1:56.4) and Girls Luv Diamonds ($4.10, 1:57) to complete the five-bagger. His wins combined with a second and two thirds saw Monti’s UDR soar to .519 for the day.  

Ray Fisher Jr. had a driving triple on Monday and Kevin Cummings scored a double. And the wins recorded by all three drivers have made the dash competition at the meet extremely close. After Monday’s races, Cummings sits on top with 62 wins, Monti is second with 60 and Fisher is third with 56. With 28 racing days left, the driving crown is definitely up for grabs.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs tonight (Oct. 12) with post time set for 6:15.

Drew Monti wins five, and the cannolis at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Beechwood Wayne and driver Drew Monti (wearing helmet), winners of the "Run for the Cannolis" Italian drivers' race held on Columbus Day (Oct. 10) at Batavia Downs.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The temperature was cool for the final matinee card of racing at Batavia Downs for 2016 but Drew Monti was red hot, winning five races on Monday afternoon (Oct. 10) including the special Columbus Day featured $5,000 “Run for the Cannolis” Italian drivers' race.

The Run for the Cannolis is an annual tradition at the Downs to honor the large Italian population in the City of Batavia. It was started decades ago and has continued each year on Columbus Day.

In this year’s edition, Monti drove Beechwood Wayne to a three-length win in 1:58.1. After getting away second, Beechwood Wayne followed closely as Goddess’s Justin (at the pylons) and First Of Fun (outside) battled side-by-side for the lead for over a quarter mile. When First Of Fun finally failed, Beechwood Wayne popped the pocket at three-quarters and blew right by Goddess’s Justin.

But the race wasn’t over.

Rock C. Vinci, who has won this race for the last two years, had tracked Monti’s move around the far turn and was now breathing down Beechwood Wayne back at the head of the lane. As both drivers went to the stick in the dash to the wire, “Drivin’ Drew” had the jump and got Beechwood Wayne there first to claim the cannolis for 2016.

It was the ninth win of the year for Beechwood Wayne ($3.60) and third in a row during his current streak. The 9-year-old gelded son of Western Terror is owned by Tessa Roland and trained by JD Perrin.

Monti also won with Big unit ($7.50, 1:58), Quick Silver ($9.40, 1:58.4), Mystical Valentine ($4, 1:56.4) and Girls Luv Diamonds ($4.10, 1:57) to complete the five-bagger. His wins combined with a second and two thirds saw Monti’s UDR soar to .519 for the day.  

Ray Fisher Jr. had a driving triple on Monday and Kevin Cummings scored a double. And the wins recorded by all three drivers have made the dash competition at the meet extremely close. After Monday’s races, Cummings sits on top with 62 wins, Monti is second with 60 and Fisher is third with 56. With 28 racing days left, the driving crown is definitely up for grabs.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs tonight (Oct. 12) with post time set for 6:15.

Foiled Again wins the $50,000 Kane Memorial at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Foiled Again with driver Kevin Cummings courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Although overlooked by many and sent off at a hearty 9-1, Foiled Again brought his A-game to Genesee County and exhibited the heart that has earned him over $7.4 million in lifetime earnings to win the 14th annual $50,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 8). 

Off the gate, Scott Rocks (John Cummings Jr.) and Mel Mara (Jim Morrill Jr.) argued for the lead and registered a swift :26.4 quarter in the process before Mel Mara relented and tucked in second. With Scott Rocks now dictating the proceedings, the field stayed in single-file around the far turn before Polak A (Shawn Gray) pulled first-over at the three-eighths to start the outer flow.

Polak A drew alongside Scott Rocks at the half, stalked him around the turn and then passed the tiring leader before crossing over at three-quarters in 1:22.4. At this point Foiled Again (Kevin Cummings) who had been tracking the race from fifth, tipped three-deep around Southwind Amazon (Shawn McDonough) and caught up to the leader by the top of the stretch. Then as they came down the lane, Foiled Again swelled up under mild urging from Cummings and paced right by Polak A to win by a length in 1:52.2.

Polak A hung on for second and Mel Mara overcame road trouble to grab third.

It was the third time Foiled Again has won the Kane Memorial, having also scored victories in the 2009 and 2013 editions and the second time Kevin Cummings has won it after taking the 2006 race with Michael Scores.

“He went real well tonight” said Cummings. “He was a little lazy early but he did a good job tracking the field. He knows his business and I was confident at the three-quarters that he could win this. It was great to win the Kane tonight.”

It was the 90th career win for Foiled Again ($20.20) who now sits just $13,492 short of $7.5 million lifetime. The 12-year-old Ron Burke trainee is owned by the Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and the JJK Stable.

(Photo of Serious George (#2) with driver Shawn Gray courtesy of Paul White.)

In the co-featured $15,000 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot, Serious George (Shawn Gray) got away fourth before pulling first-over at the half to pound out an arduous journey and overtake the front-running BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) to win in a new lifetime mark of 1:57.2. Serious George ($23) is owned by James Palladino and trained by Rich Mays.

Driver Shawn Gray was red hot on Saturday, winning five races on the card. He scored with Studio City ($3.90, 1:58.1), Surfer’s Paradise ($8.60, 1:55.4), Serious George ($23.00, 1:57.2), Gallant Major ($5.40, 1:56.2) and Life’s Lessons ($4.40, 1:56.1).

Kevin Cummings and Jim Morrill Jr. both had driving hat tricks and trainers Ron Burke and Gerry Sarama each claimed three wins apiece.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on this afternoon (Oct. 10) for the last matinee card of the season. The Columbus Day special gets underway at 1:15 p.m.

Prep Football Roundup: Week 6

By Howard B. Owens

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Batavia beat Edison Tech, 41, 15. It was another big game for Ray Leach, who rushed for three TDs on 171 yards. Codie Dioguardi also came up big, carrying the ball for 163 yards and a TD. Anthony Ray led the defense with seven tackles and a sack. Also adding seven tackles each were Chandler Baker and Sam Marble.

Le Roy beat Wayland-Cohocton 34-7 (game photos by David Boyce (more)). Josh Laurie was 5-9 passing for 82 yards and three TDs. Reece Tresco also got time under center and was 4-4 passing for 73 yards and a TD. Nate Flint scored twice on three receptions for 62 yards. He also carried the ball 12 times for 58 yards. Dom Filio had 94 yards on 14 carries. Laurie also carried the ball eight times for 66 yards and a TD. Ryan Boyce scored twice on four receptions for 59 yards. 

Pembroke fell to C.G. Finney, 35-13 (game photos by Rick D. Franclemont). The Dragons made a game of it in the first half, going into the locker room trailing 14-7, but were dominated in the second half as Finney rang up 21 unanswered points.

Alexander moved to 6-0 with a win over Wilson, 50-26. QB P.J. Brennan completed 13 of 16 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Next up for the Trojans, C.J. Finney, also Class D and also undefeated.

Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen beat Wellsville, 42-14.

Attica beat Oakfield-Alabama/Elba 61-0. 

Geneseo 36 over York/Pavilion 12.

In a game decided by a field goal in overtime, Holley beat Notre Dame 3-0.

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Pembroke at C.G. Finney

By Rick D. Franclemont

Pembroke kept the game close in the first half, allowing C.G. Finney only 14 points while scoring 7 of their own.  The second half was compleatly different.  Finney scored 21 more points before Pembroke scored again.  Final was 35-13.

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$50,000 Kane Memorial at Batavia Downs Saturday

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Luck Be Withyou courtesy of Curtis Salonick) 

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Seven horses with a combined lifetime earnings of over $11 million comprise the field for the 14th annual $50,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace which will be contested at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 8).

The Kane Memorial is dedicated to the former chairman of the board of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (which owns and operates Batavia Downs), Robert J. Kane. Kane worked on the board for 26 years and had the vision to see the value in purchasing the track in 1998, that had been shuttered for three years after having its license revoked. The facility has gone through a complete turnaround since then and WROTB has developed the property into the premier entertainment destination spot in Genesee County.

The 2016 edition of the Kane (which goes as race seven) is also a homecoming of sorts for trainer Chris Oakes who is originally from nearby Akron. He started his career at the Downs in the 1980s and conditions two horses in this year's Kane, with his stable star Luck Be Withyou installed as the 5-2 morning line choice.

Luck Be Withyou has faced Wiggle It Jiggleit and Always B Miki many times this year and has always been formidable competition for those two dominant aged pacers. Luck Be Withyou took a lifetime mark of 1:47.4 at Pocono Downs on July 2 and has also been race-timed under 1:50 on seven other occasions this year. His best effort on a half-mile track was a 1:51.1 win at Saratoga Raceway in July, but he was race-timed in 1:50.3 at Harrington Raceway just two weeks ago.  

Leaving from post one, Luck Be Withyou will be driven by the Downs leading reinsman, Kevin Cummings.

Mel Mara is the second choice at 7-2 and is one speedy pacer. On June 4 at the Meadowlands, he beat a very talented Open class field and equalled the all-time race record for an older pacing stallion on a mile track when he stopped the clock in 1:47. In his 21 starts this year, Mel Mara was race timed under 1:50 15 times and his best effort over a half-mile track was a 1:50.1 win at Harrington Raceway three starts ago.

Jim Morrill Jr. takes the reins for trainer Dylan Davis and starts from post three.

Scott Rocks comes in sharp as a tack and knows this oval well. He just raced at Batavia Downs on Sept. 24 and jogged in 1:52. He was a wrapped up winner with a lot left in the tank and he did it after being off for three weeks. He took a lifetime mark of 1:48 at Pocono Downs on May 28, but he also won in a phenomenal 1:49 clocking at Northfield Park on Sept. 3.

Leaving from post two, John Cummings Jr. will once again team Scott Rocks, who is the other entrant for trainer Chris Oakes.

Southwind Amazon is fast on any surface. He took a lifetime mark of 1:49.2 at Pompano Park on March 13, but was also race timed in 1:49.2 at Northfield Park in a second place finish to Scott Rocks on Sept. 3. He has also won in 1:50.3 at Northfield and 1:50.4 at Saratoga Raceway. Southwind Amazon is having a career year with 11 wins and $109,599 earned and looks to add to those numbers in this event.

Shawn Mcdonough gets the nod from trainer Paul Holzman and will depart from post five.

The entire field is as follows:

1 Luck Be Withyou      Kevin Cummings       5-2

2 Scott Rocks              John Cummings Jr.   5-1

3 Mel Mara                  Jim Morrill Jr.             7-2

4 Polak A                     Shawn Gray              4-1

5 Southwind Amazon  Shawn McDonough   9-2

6 Foiled Again              Jack Flanigen           8-1

7 Rockin In Heaven      Drew Monti               6-1

The current all-time pacing track record at Batavia Downs is 1:51.1 set by Aracache Hanover in 2011 when he won the Kane Memorial that year. In recent weeks, the track at Batavia Downs has been lightning fast and with favorable weather forecast, this field has the ability to demolish that standard.

There is also an outstanding undercard on Saturday night’s 11-race schedule and it includes the $15,000 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot, to go as race five.

Local favorite BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) is the 5-2 pick to hit against Yonkers Raceway invaders Lady’s Dude (Kevin Cummings, 3-1) and Auspicious Hanover (John Cummings Jr., 4-1). 

Post time for the first race is 6:15 p.m.

Photos: Alexander volleyball team hosts fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis research

By Howard B. Owens

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Ret. Army Gen. Kenneth Chrosniak receives gifts from members of the Alexander Girls Volleyball Team prior to last night's game, which was a fundraiser to benefit cystic fibrosis research. Chrosniak's son, Christian, lost his battle against the disease last November. He is a cousin of Haley Fletcher, a member of the volleyball team. Chrosniak made the trip from Pennsylvania to attend the game played in his son's honor. 

The event included a basket chance auction as well as drawing for a Hall of Fame football signed by Jim Kelly, a Matt Anderson signed jersey, a signed jersey from Sammy Watkins and a hockey stick signed by Marcus Foligno.

In the volleyball game against Pembroke, after dropping the first set 25-22, Alexander won the next three, 25-12, 25-20 and 25-17.

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The box remains open for Wednesday at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The draw for Wednesday (Oct. 12), which was originally scheduled for Friday (Oct. 7), has been postponed until Saturday morning (Oct. 8) at 9 a.m. The box will remain open for all classes until that time. 

If you have already entered your horse(s), they do not need to be re-entered. 

Also please note, as a result of this schedule change, horseman will have approximately one hour after the draw takes place on Saturday to make any program changes.

If you have any questions, please contact the race office at 585-344-6161.

Kaitlyn Akeeper wins Batavia feature, Fisher wins four

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Kaitlyn Akeeper with driver Jim Morrill Jr.)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After dropping down from Open company and back into the claiming ranks, Kaitlyn Akeeper ($4.10) hung on to win the $7,800 mares pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 5).

Jim Morrill Jr. shot off the gate and put Kaitlyn Akeeper on the lead and set early fractions of :27.4 and :57. At the five-eighths pole, Mayabelle (Kevin Cummings) pulled first over and applied pressure on the outside for the rest of the race. The group moved to three-quarters in 1:26.4 before rounding the turn and pacing down the lane. With just a length separating them, Mayabelle was outside, Kaitlyn Akeeper in the middle and Missevil (Shawn Gray) was on the pylons after getting the two-hole trip. But Kaitlyn Akeeper toughed it out and won by a neck over Missevil in 1:55. Mayabelle finished third.

It was the sixth win in 2016 for Kaitlyn Akeeper and the purse boosted her annual earnings to $41,372 for owner Mike Torcello. The 4-year-old American Ideal mare is trained by Gerry Sarama.

Ray Fisher Jr. had a big night, winning four races on the card; three of which provided substantial payoffs. He scored with Chrome finish ($14, 2:00), Sobhon Hanover ($26, 1:59.1), Twin B Sportsman ($3.90, 1:55) and Artistic Topaz ($28.20, 1:57.2).

Jim Morrill Jr. had a driving triple and Shawn Gray doubled up for the night. Trainers Gerry Sarama and John Mungillo also both sent two winners for pictures.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 7) with post time at 6:15 p.m.

Batavia girls soccer on a good run even with Senior Night loss to Eastridge

By Howard B. Owens

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The Batavia High School Girls Soccer Team will likely head into sectional play after three more regular season games with a double-digit win total for the first time in the program's history, despite a 1-0 loss to Eastridge last night at Van Detta Stadium, which dropped the team's record to 9-4.

Eastridge is now 8-4.

The game at Van Detta was a rare night game for the Lady Devils, and even rarer for a soccer game on Woodward Field.

Typically, the senior game is played under the lights at Genesee Community College, but the game was moved to Batavia's track and football complex because of ongoing construction at the college.

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Batavia Bulldawgs' last home game Saturday will be opportunity to aid one of their own

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Join the Batavia Bulldawgs for their last home game this season on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia. They will play against Akron.

This will also be an opportunity to assist one of their own, whose family is challenged by serious illness.

Savannah Heick, a Mini CheerDawg, has been going through a tough time. She is fighting PANDAS -- pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal -- which she was diagnosed with last season.

Since then, she and her family have been traveling to medical specialists in New York, New Jersey and Ohio. Currently, she is said to be seeing "an amazing specialist" in Cleveland and it has helped "tremendously." With all the battles she faces, she continues to work hard and has been doing an incredible job cheering on the Dawgs.

As you can imagine, this fight has caused some financial burdens for the family.

All Bulldawgs and CheerDawgs, families and supporters, community members, friends -- please come out and help one of our own!

Along with the contents of a donation jar that will be located at the concession stand, the Bulldawgs will donate ALL 50/50 raffle prizes to Savannah's family.

Go Bulldawgs!

Highview Conall N splashes to Open victory at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Highview Conall N with driver Jim Morrill Jr.)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

An all-day rain left the track sloppy for the card at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 1), but some of the fastest times of the meet were recorded during the evening. None the least the one Highview Conall N registered while winning the $10,000 featured Open pace at the Genesee County oval.

The red-hot Jim Morrill Jr. fired the New Zealand bred off the gate and to the lead as the rest of the field watched in single-file fashion. After fractions of :27.3 and :56.2, Highview Conall N and the second place Heaven Rocks (Kevin Cummings) had a two-horse breakaway in place as they opened up six-lengths on the rest of the field while motoring up the backside.

As those two continued to compete alone, Knocking Around (Dave McNeight III) pulled from fourth and started to close the distance with the leader. Around the far turn, Highview Conall N was widening the gap between himself and Heaven Rocks as Knocking around was closing it from third. When they straightened out down the lane it was Highview Conall N pacing strong to the wire for a 1:53.2 win with Knocking Around closing well for second over Heaven Rocks.

It was the eighth win of the year for Highview Conall N ($4.10) and it raised his annual income to $74,770. The 7-year-old son of Christian Cullen was a recent acquisition for owner/trainer Nick Gampietro Jr., who purchased him privately on September 26.

For the second night in a row, John Cummings Jr. scored a driving grand slam. He returned to the Purple Haze winner’s circle with Cheyenne Louie ($6.70, 1:54.4), Normandy Invasion ($2.70, 1:54.4), Youwillwishyouhad ($63.00, 1:55.1) and Bags of Money ($6.00, 1:57.4).

Jim Morrill Jr. was a close second with a triple and Drew Monti came through with two. Trained JD Perrin also conditioned two winners on the night.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 5) with the first post set at 6:15.

Run for the Acorns is Sunday at GC Park & Forest, Alex's Place is first-ever sponsor

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The 2016 Run for the ACORNS is Oct. 2nd and promises to be the best event yet! Grab a friend for some great exercise, fun and free stuff. Run for the ACORNS 5K/10K trail run and walk takes place Sunday at Genesee County Park & Forest!

This year's race will feature the first-ever Cup Sponsor -- Alex's Place. Each race participant will receive a 16 oz. reusable green plastic fluted cup engraved with the race logo and an offer from Alex's Place. Race signup includes coupons and special offers from local businesses and restaurants. This 5K/10K trail run and walk is designed for people of all ages and activity levels.

All proceeds benefit the ACORNS, the nonprofit organization that supports the Genesee County parks with a mission to enhance the visitor experience and foster environmental stewardship and education.

Surround yourself in the beauty of the forest in October on trails through the woods, along the headwaters of Black Creek and over rolling hills. Trail course is wide, well marked and includes a water station at the halfway point. Enjoy post-race snacks and drinks as you congratulate your fellow participants.

Awards sponsored by Brothers-All-Natural and prizes will be given to the top overall male and female running finishers in each race. Awards will also be given to the top male and female running finishers in each age group.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. The 10K run begins at 9 a.m.; the 5K run/walk begins at 9:15 a.m.

Registration is required. Registration fee is $30.

You can register at check-in on the day of the race. For more information or to register online, click here

Enjoy the morning in the forest and run for the ACORNS – You’re “NUTS” if you don’t! See you there!

Justgottogetthere got there in Batavia Downs top trot

By Billie Owens

Photo of Justgottogetthere with driver Jim Morrill Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Justgottogetthere was one of the best resident trotters in western New York last year, however 2016 has been a bit of a different story. But it was like old times for the gelding on Friday night (Sept. 30) as he won the $10,500 Open trotting feature at Batavia Downs.

Justgottogetthere (Jim Morrill Jr.) went right to the front at the start of the race and remained there until the end. While setting early panels of :28.2 and :58.4, the only challenge the leader got came from Snapshot Springs (Drew Monti) who pulled near the half and tried to engage the front. But the closest he could get was a half-length from second seated Noble Legend (Shawn Gray) who was tracking there the whole mile. After they hit three-quarters in 1:27.2, Justgottogetthere got busy and extended his lead around the far turn and just trotted away in the lane to win by three in 1:57.1.

Noble Legend was second and Snapshot Springs finished third.

It was the fourth win of the year and a seasonal mark for Justgottogetthere ($11.20), and the first trip to the winner’s circle with him for new owner Mike Torcello, who privately purchased the son of Valley Victor on Sept. 3rd. Gerry Sarama trains Justgottogetthere.

In the co-featured $8,500 Open II trot, Serious George ($5.50) came early to press the front running Socialdelight (Ray Fisher Jr.) before running her down to win in 1:57.4. Serious George is owned by James Palladino and is trained by Richard Mays.

John Cummings Jr. won four races Friday night. He had pictures taken with Gun Show ($4, 1:56.2), Hez a Buckeye ($5.60, 1:59), V I P ($9.20, 2:02) and Northern Matador ($13.20, 1:59).

Shawn Gray and Jim Morrill Jr. both chimed in with two wins apiece.

The Batavia Downs early Pick-5 which on Friday was part of the USTA Strategic Wager with a guaranteed $4,000 pool, recorded the track’s largest handle ever by 50%. The 3-2-1-2-6 combination returned $202.00.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs tonight (Oct. 1) with a guaranteed early Pick-5 pool of $1,500. Post time is 6:15.

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