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Le Roy's Cartwright earns soccer award at Alfred

By Press Release

Press release:

In a week where the Alfred University women’s soccer team went 1-0-2 in non-conference action to open the 2021 season, the Saxon defense kept defensive pressure off of their keeper and that was in large part thanks to Katline Cartwright (Le Roy, NY/Le Roy).

On Monday, in an official announcement by Associate Commissioner, Joe Venniro, Cartwright joined Hartwick goalie, Sara Staup as the Co-Defensive Players of the Week. Cartwright was also named the Saxon of the Week along with Alfred University football’s Jeremiah Young (Buffalo, NY/Canisius).

Cartwright anchored a defense as the center defender who had two shutouts in a week, going 1-0-2. Over the weekend she led a defense that only allowed seven shots on goal in two games. Cartwright was vital in preventing numerous dangerous goal-scoring opportunities from the opponents.

Cartwright and the Saxons will next head to SUNY Brockport on Wednesday, September 8 for a 4:00 p.m. start before playing in their first home game on Saturday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. versus Kings College (PA). 

OAE crushes Cuba-Rushford 64-6

By Howard B. Owens

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Oakfield-Alabama/Elba started its 2021 season in dominating fashion, beating Cuba-Rushford 64-6.

Gaige Armbrewster had seven carries for 202 yards and four touchdowns. Bodie Hyde, three carries, 68 yards, two TDs and one passing reception for a TD to go along with five tackles on defense.

Kameron Cusmano rushed four times for 80 yards and a TD and caught a 15-yard TD pass.

Aiden Warner, six carries, 52 yards, and a TD.  

Nate Finta lead the team with 13 tackles and Angelo Penna had 10 tackles.

Head coach Tyler winter said, "Our guys did a great job of making sure the focus for this week of practice was to put in the work necessary to put the best product of OAE football on the field.  Without the preseason scrimmage and a lack of scouting, we couldn't really put the focus on the opponent.  They had a great week of practice and the success they achieved today was a total team effort."  

Also on Saturday, Pembroke beat Wellsville, 55-26. Tyson Totten carried the ball 13 times for 291 yards and five touchdowns. Dakota vonKRamer, two carries, 65 yards, and a TD. Alex Lamb scored a rushing TD.  Caleb Felski returned a kickoff 85 yards for a TD.  On Defense, Chase Guzdek had six tackles and a sack. Pete Farrington also had six tackles and a fumble recovery. Jacob Dulski had five tackles.  Jyden Mast, four tackles and a sack. Sam Pfeiffer, two tackles and a sack.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

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Silver Arrow was on target in Batavia feature

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

A patient drive by Kyle Cummings paid big dividends for owner//trainer Lee Dahn after Silver Arrow roared down the lane to an upset victory off a perfect trip at 16-1 in the $12,300 Open I Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 4).

Sunfirewindrain (Jim McNeight Jr.) was in his favorite spot -- on the point -- and stepped off solid fractions of :27.2 and :56.2 while Catch A Lefty A (Mike Baumeister), SIlver Arrow and the rest of the field stayed single file behind. As they headed by the five-eighths, Thor De Vie (Kevin Cummings) made a first-up move and tried to advance to the front.But when the third quarter went :28 flat, Thor De Vie stalled and Sunfirewindrain opened up two heading into the last turn. 

Sunfirewindrain looked strong heading around the turn but things were about to change. Catch A Lefty A left the pocket, allowing Silver Arrow to slide up the pylons. These two horses now flanked Sunfirewindrain and he was really starting to feel the heat. With all three drivers fully animated as they headed for home, the three horses paced hard side by side all the way down the lane. They hit the wire in a photo with a mere nose separating all three with Silver Arrow getting the nod with a 1:54.1, season’s best victory. 

It was the first Batavia Downs win of the year for Silver Arrow ($34.80) and fourth overall this year.  

The undercard provided another good payoff. After not having raced in over a month and starting tonight fresh off a qualifier, Endeavors Pride dropped one class and popped at 7-1 to upset in the $11,000 Open II pace.

Major Asset (Jim Morrill Jr.) took command by the quarter and set a moderate pace of :57.1 to the half. In the third bend, Santana Beach (Drew Monti) pulled first-up from fifth and Endeavors Pride (Kevin Cummings) was right on his back. The outer flow caught the leader by three-quarters and just before coming out of the turn, Cummings pulled Endeavors Pride and blew right to the front and paced away to victory in 1:54.2.

Endeavors Pride ($16.20) picked up his fifth win of the year for owner Mike Torcello and trainer Gerry Sarama. 

Kevin Cummings, Sarama and Torcello also won with Ginger Tree Lerue (1:56.3, $7.10) and B’s Yankee (1:55.3, $4.00) for the triple to lead in all categories for wins on Saturday. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 6) with a special matinee post time of 1:15 p.m. Please note that there will be a carryover pool of $2,403 available on Labor Day in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 in race eight.

Anderson ignites Batavia to 41-0 victory in home opener

By Howard B. Owens

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Aidan Anderson and Jesse Reinhart led the Blue Devil's offense in a shutout win over Bishop-Kearney in Batavia's season opener at home.

The final score, 41-0.

Anderson rushed for 130 yards on seven carries and scored two touchdowns.  He also had an interception return for a touchdown.  

Reinhart was 7-13 passing for 84 yards and two TDs.  Cole Grazioplena caught a 15-yarder and Carter McFollins grabbed a seven-yard TD pass.

Kaden Marucci and Vincent Arroyo each had four tackles.  Marucci and Anderson (who had two interceptions) each had a fumble recovery.

Also on Friday night: 

LeRoy 21, Caledonia-Mumford 6. Drew Stroller carried the ball 16 times for 93 yards and a TD. Jack Tonzt scored a TD on six carries for 17 yards. Adam Risewick caught three passes for 33 yards.  John Panepento was 5-9 passing for 45 yards.  Tyler Strollo had seven tackles.

Alexander 7, Bolivar-Richburg 0. Head Coach Tim Sawyer described the game as a battle. "Old school football."  Nick Kramer scored the only TD of the game on a 2 yard run up the middle near the beginning of the 2nd quarter.  Eric Cline nailed the PAT. Kramer had a fumble recovery and 4 tackles and Sophomore CB Tyler Marino recovered a fumble late to seal the Trojan victory.  DE Gavin Smith Crandall had 5 tackles for the Trojans.  Jr. DE Cole Dean had 2 Sacks and two tackles while Clayton Bezon had 1 sack and 5 tackles. Brayden Woods led the Trojans in rushing with 30 yards on 11 carries

Story: Notre Dame Fighting Irish blank host York/Pavilion, 15-0, behind junior quarterback Jimmy Fanara

To view and or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Guaranteed $4,000 Pick-5 pool Saturday at Batavia Downs

By Press Release

Press release:

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 4) there will be three carryovers and one big guarantee. 

With no winner of the Pick-5 on Friday (Sept. 3), there is a carryover of $1,059 and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the track will offer a $4,000 guaranteed pool for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 4). The guarantee is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages for those five races are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website (ustrotting.com) or by clicking this link. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv0904x.pdf)

Free program pages can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab or at the Batavia Downs Facebook page. 

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the next day of racing.

Then in race five, there is a $225 carryover for the Jackpot Pick-6 and in race 10 the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a carryover of $1,849. Free program pages for these races can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab where free full card past performance programs are always available for download for every live racing night at Batavia Downs.

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

Misty Memory N brushes late to win Batavia Open

By Press Release

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Press release:

Making her first start for new connections after being claimed last week, Misty Memory N moved up to the top class on the grounds and despite being overlooked by the betting public, won the $12,300 Distaff Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 3) in convincing fashion. 

Misty Memory N (Ray Fisher Jr.) started from an assigned post seven and settled in last as No Where To Hide (Kevin Cummings) led uncontested to the half in: 57.4. At that station, Misty Memory N left the pegs and started the long trek in the breeze without cover as they headed into turn three. 

As No Where To Hide took the field up the backside, Misty Memory N made her way towards the front, methodically picking off horse after horse. By three-quarters, she was second on the outside and the leader was starting to show fatigue. At the top of the stretch, Misty Memory N was in full flight and paced right by the tiring No Where To Hide. She opened up 1-1/2 lengths at the light and won in 1:56.2. 

In her initial outing for new owner JP Houle Stables and trainer Gaston Lareau, Misty Memory N ($18.40) won her third straight race at Batavia Downs and eighth of the year overall, increasing her 2021 earnings to $64,350. 

In the $9,350 Distaff Open IV Handicap pace, HP Sissy (Jim McNeight Jr.) looked very much in form as she went gate to wire with authority, winning by 2-3/4 lengths in a new seasonal best 1:56.1. HP Sissy ($6.20) is owned by Finnocchario’s Dream Stable and is trained by Jim McNeight. 

Finnocchario, McNeight, and McNeight Jr. also hooked up earlier with Smooth Mara N ($9.00) to have a connection double on the card. McNeight Jr. ended his night as the top driver with three overall winning steers. 

There were two other connection doubles registered on Friday. First, owner Mike Torcello, trainer Gerry Sarama and driver Kevin Cummings got across Nats A Lady (1:59, $34.00) and Backyard Swagger (1:55.4, $12.80) and then trainer Tammy Cummings and driver Kyle Cummings who also own Candy’s Desire (1:57, $11.80) and Heaven’s Diva (1:56.1, $16.60). 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 4) there will be three carryovers and one big guarantee. 

The Pick-5 wager in races one through five was not hit again on Friday and as a result, there is a $1,059 carryover and General Manager Todd Haight announced there will be a guaranteed $4,000 pool for that wager on Saturday. The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and free program pages for races one through five are already available on the USTA website (ustrotting.com) under the Handicapping tab, on the Batavia Downs website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the live racing tab and also on the Batavia Downs Facebook page. Or get it here by clicking this link. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv0904x.pdf)

Then in race five there is a $225 carryover for the Jackpot Pick-6 and in race 10 the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a carryover of $1,849. Free full card past performance forms for every race night are always available for download at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab. 

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

Photos: Blue Devils Experience night at Van Detta

By Howard B. Owens

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The Batavia Bulldawgs and the Batavia Blue Devils joined together once again on Tuesday night for the annual (after a skipped season) Blue Devil Experience Night at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

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Batavia Downs announces schedule and post time changes

By Press Release

Press release:

Horseman and racing fans should be advised of the following changes at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel heading into the month of September.

Wednesday racing will take a two-week hiatus on September 1 and 8 but will resume on September 15 with post time remaining at 5:00 p.m.

Racing shifts back to Fridays starting on September 3 and post time will also be 5 p.m. The track has not been racing on Fridays thus far this year as live concerts have been ongoing every Friday since opening week.

Another change to note is that Saturday post times starting September 4 move to 5 p.m. for the rest of the season with the exception of Breeder’s Cup Saturday (Nov. 6) when post time will be 3:15 p.m.

There is one more matinee remaining during the summer-fall meet and that is Labor Day Monday (Sept. 6) with post time at 1:15 p.m. It’s also the final Dollar Day of the season. Sahlen hot dogs, sodas and draft beer will be just $1 from noon until 4 p.m. on Labor Day.

The clubhouse hours are also changing and will now be open from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The only exception is Breeders Cup Day (Nov. 6) with the time to be announced. The Clubhouse will be closed on Labor Day. 

For the complete racing schedule please visit bataviadownsgaming.com.

Business is Brisk

There are many positives to be noted during the first 18 days of the summer-fall meet at Batavia Downs. Total betting is up roughly $3,000 per race and the clubhouse -- albeit limited due to staffing issues -- has sold out on a regular basis. Also, the Winning Wednesday hotel package that was introduced this year has proven to be a hit as over 91% capacity has been achieved each week on Wednesday since the season began.

“The combination of having free full card past performances programs available online nightly and a nine-horse field in the last race has certainly helped our betting,” said Todd Haight, Director and General Manager of Live Racing. “You can simply look at the tote board and see our win pools are bigger and there has also been a lot of interest in our new Jackpot wagers as well.”

Haight was also pleased with the Clubhouse.

“Our staff is doing a great job keeping the Clubhouse open. We have very limited staffing but we are doing our best to keep it open and the only reason it’s happening is because of the hard work of our dedicated employees.”

“We thought the Winning Wednesday hotel deal would be a hit when we put it together and it has been, and it has positively affected all phases of our business. Our Wednesday night on-track handle is up and the clubhouse is busier (as are our other restaurants) along with the gaming floor,” Haight concluded.

The $79 hotel deal continues through Wednesday (Dec. 8).

Loyal Fox Hanover goes the route in Batavia trot

By Press Release

Press release:

Two weeks ago Loyal Fox Hanover won gate to wire in the Open II trot at Batavia Downs. After racing off the pace in defeat last week, driver Jim Morrill Jr. went back to basics as he moved up in class and circled the field once again in the $11,200 Open I Handicap trot at the Downs on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 29). 

Morrill guided Loyal Fox Hanover on the lead through somewhat modest fractions of :29.2, :59.2 and 1:28.3 while Winning Legends (Justin Huckabone) and Willie B Worthy (Kyle Cummings) followed in chase. Heading into the far turn Winning Legends vacated the pocket to advance and Willie B Worthy slid in closer behind Loyal Fox Hanover. As the race headed down the lane those two inched closer but couldn’t reach the top as Loyal Fox Hanover trotted across the line first by 3/4’s of a length in 1:57 off a snappy :28.2 final panel.  

Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock own Loyal Fox Hanover ($6.70) who scored his second win in his last four starts and hasn’t missed the board during that run at Batavia. Maria Rice trains the winner. 

Morrill and Rice also hooked up to win with Movie Star (1:54.3, $8.20) to each finish with two wins on the day.  

The $10,000 Open II trot went to Credit List (Justin Huckabone) who also went gate to wire in the easiest of fashion, winning by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:58.3. It was the first win of the year at Batavia, but ninth overall in 2021 for Credit List ($3.10) who is owned by Jonathan Appelbaum and trained by Justin Huckabone. 

Other horsemen who had multiple winners included the father-son team of trainer Jim McNeight and driver Jim McNeight Jr. who had two wins each and driver Drew Monti who scored a double. 

The live racing schedule changes at Batavia Downs next week as there will be no racing on Wednesday. However live racing returns to Friday (Sept. 3) with post time set for 5 p.m. On the Friday card there will be a $1,081 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the last race. 

Surfer Beach rides winning wave at Batavia

By Press Release

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Press release:

After coming off an eye-popping gate to wire 1:51.3 win last week, Surfer Beach reversed strategy and won again the $10,600 Open I-II featured pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 28).

Jim Morrill Jr. tucked in fourth with Surfer Beach while Black Is Back (Dave McNeight III) acted as commander of fractions. With Lord Willoughby A (Ray FIsher Jr.) parked and prompting, Black Is Back flew to the quarter in :27.3 and the half in :55.4. After that station Surfer Beach pulled and got in the outer flow, one out and one back. 

Positions remained unchanged to three-quarters where Surfer Beach tipped three-deep to circle the fading cover and continue to track down the leader. At the top of the stretch Surfer Beach hooked up with Black Is Back and the two battled all the way to the line. But despite a gallant effort by Black Is Back, Surfer Beach was just too much and he won by ¼ of a length in 1:53.1. 

It was the second straight win, fifth out of his last seven and eighth overall this year for Surfer Beach (2.90) who is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the royally bred 4-year-old gelded son of Somebeachsomewhere-Southwind Tempo. 

The undercard was the $9,200 Open II-III Handicap pace and Catch A Lefty A got the job done. 

Mike Baumeister put Catch A Lefty A right on the point and never looked back. He cut unchallenged tepid quarters of :28.3, :58.1 and 1:26.3 while only Silver Arrow (Jim Morrill Jr.) was able to stay close. And close was the best Silver Arrow could do as Catch A Lefty A flew off the last turn and paced home in :28.1 to win by 1-¼  lengths in 1:54.4.

Catch A Lefty A ($11.40) caught his fourth win of the year for owners Pat Galbraith and John Volkosh. Pat Galbraith also trains the winner. 

Jim Morrill Jr. and Dave McNeight III both had driving doubles on Saturday. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 29) with post time for the first race at 1:15 p.m. This will be the last Sunday of racing for the season and the last $1 hot dog, draft beer, and soda Sunday of the meet.

Photos: Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic at Terry Hills

By James Burns

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Willie "Hutch" Jones

On Monday, Terry Hills Golf Course hosted the annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic, a year after it had to be canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions.  

Jim Kelly was unable to attend this year due to an injury.

Photos by Jim Burns.

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Kato Kaelin

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Fred Smerlas

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Ed Rutkowski

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Roger Goodell

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Darryl Talley and Bruce Smith

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Eric Wood

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Warren Sapp

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Daniel Baldwin

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Team Terry Hills

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Chris Berman

Braxten Boyd wins five, posts .722 UDR at Batavia Downs

By Press Release

Press release:

Braxton Boyd made his now regular mid-week sojourn to Genesee County on Wednesday (Aug. 25) and this week put on quite a driving clinic at Batavia Downs. Boyd won five races on the card, finished second four more times in his 10 starts and walked away brandishing a .722 universal driver rating for the evening.

Boyd started out by winning both ends of the $114.50 daily double with Innocent Victim (1:57.4, $3.80) and Edom Up Blue Boy (2:01.1, $55.00), then won the sixth race with Rocklindarock (1:55.3, $5.50) and finally took both ends of the late $7.20 double with Atlantis (1:58, $5.20) and Cinderella Delight (1:57.3, $3.10).

Boyd has been on a roll in Upstate New York since he broadened his scope of operations beyond Tioga Downs. Over the past week alone, Boyd has won 17 races while driving between Tioga, Vernon Downs, Monticello Raceway (where he had a consecutive grand slam on Monday (Aug. 23) and Batavia. 

In the midst of clearly the best year of his young career, the 21-year-old Boyd now has 145 wins, 159 seconds and 159 thirds from 999 starts and has bankrolled $870,218 for his connections. 

The one race Boyd didn’t win on Wednesday was the featured $10,000 Fillies and Mares Open II pace which went to Misty Memory N and driver Jim Morrill Jr. 

Morrill vaulted to the front with Misty Memory N and held a commanding lead throughout the race. After cutting fractions of :28.3, :58 and 1:26.3, Morrill rounded the last turn unchallenged and at the top of the stretch, Misty Memory N simply paced away to a 4-1/2 length win in 1:54.4. 

It was the seventh win of the year for Misty Memory N ($3.00) and owners Stephen Picarazzi, Scott Petillo and her trainer Brett Derue.  

Morrill had two more wins on the night finishing with the hat trick on Wednesday. 

Trainer Jennifer Giuliani had two wins and two seconds, all of which were piloted by Boyd, who also drove one of Jerry Nugent Jr.’s two winners during the proceedings. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 28) at 6 p.m.

Winning Legends gets back to Batavia Downs winner’s circle

By Press Release

Press release:

It’s been four weeks since Winning Legends made his debut at Batavia Downs when he won the top trot. After failing to repeat in two subsequent attempts, the gelding put on a convincing performance to take the $11,200 Open I Handicap at the Downs on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 22). 

Winning Legends (Justin Huckabone) went right to the front and after Frank’s Watching (Dave McNeight III) and Golden Kronos (Jim McNeight Jr.) settled in behind him, the final tote board top three had already been determined. These three followed each other through quarters of:28.2, 58.1, and 1:27.4, where Golden Kronos finally pulled and tried to advance towards the leader. He got close to Frank’s Watching but Winning Legends was untouchable. Huckabone calmly line-drove Winning Legends off the last turn and down the lane to a one-length victory in 1:56.2.

Winning Legends ($2.80) has been winning Opens all over upstate New York this year and this sixth victory pushed his earnings to $37,191 for owner Jonathan Appelbaum. Justin Huckabone also trains the winner. 

In the $9,500 Open II trot, Party Boy Hanover (Jim Morrill Jr.) got his second win in a row at Batavia after he went gate to wire on the point, holding off a pesky Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) from the five-eighths to the wire where he won by 3/4’s of a length in a new seasonal mark of 1:58.1.

Party Boy Hanover ($3.10) is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing, and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the winner. 

Jim Morrill Jr. also won the last two races of the day with Movie Star (1:57.2, $3.30) and Mr. Sideburns (1:57.1, $4.40) to get the driving hat trick. Both of those horses were trained by Lisa Mariacher who ended up the leading trainer on Sunday. 

The Jackpot Pick-6 was hit on Sunday and returned a healthy $3,043.20 for a 20-cent wager on the combination of 5-5-1,6-5-5-1. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 25) with post time at 5 p.m.

Surfer Beach blisters Batavia's best in 1:51.3

By Press Release

Press release:

In one of the most exciting races seen at Batavia Downs in some time, Surfer Beach put away all challengers in a gate to wire win in the $11,200 Open I Handicap pace on Saturday night (Aug. 21). 

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. took no prisoners off the gate as he took the lead and seated the field with the exception of Lord Willoughby A (Ray Fisher Jr,), who found himself in a real fight in the breeze. Surfer Beach kept Lord Willoughby A chasing to the quarter in:26.4 and the half in:54.4. The game effort by Lord Willoughby A continued to three-quarters before the trip and tempo finally wore him down. 

As they headed into the last turn Black Is Back (Dave McNeight III) went three-deep around the fading Lord Willoughby A and Stratosphere (Drew Monti) followed as the pair tried to reel in the front-runner. But Surfer Beach was racing on another level and he opened up two lengths heading into the stretch. From there Morrill sat chilly as Surfer Beach was on his own, pacing away to the line in 1:51.3.

The time was a new seasonal and lifetime mark for Surfer Beach and tied Racine Bell’s 1:51.3 effort set on Wednesday (Aug.4) for the fastest mile of the meet. The time is also only two-fifths of a second off the all-time track record of 1:51.1 set by Aracache Hanover in 2011. 

Surfer Beach ($3.70) scored his seventh win of the year and pushed his 2021 bank to $58,590. The 4-year-old gelded son of Somebeachsomewhere-Southwind Tempo is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock and is trained by Maria Rice. 

In the $10,000 Open II undercard, McSpidey registered his first win of the year in a lifetime best effort.

Beaten favorite American Zest (Ray Fisher Jr.) was the public’s choice again and he took the lead and dictated fractions while Ys Sunshine (Denny Bucceri) and McSpidey (Kyle Cummings) followed behind in line to the three-quarters. When they reached that station in 1:25.1, Ys Sunshine pulled the pocket and went immediately backward, forcing a charging Daylight Rush (Dave McNeight III) to go three-wide. That allowed American Zest to take off by two lengths and he looked like a lock at that point. That was until McSpidey shook loose on the pegs and paced home in lightning:27.3 to out-foot American Zest to the beam and win by 1/4 length in a new lifetime mark of 1:53. 

McSpidey ($6.60) is owned by William Emmons and is trained by Jim Clouser Jr. 

Jim Morrill Jr. and Kyle Cummings led all drivers with two wins each on Saturday. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 22) there will be a carryover of $2,471 in the fourth race Jackpot Pick-6 wager. Post time for the first race at 1:15 p.m.

Miss Irish Rose A an easy winner in Batavia feature

By Press Release

Press release: 

Since winning the driving title there in 2017 with 134 victories during that meet, Larry Stalbaum has since only driven at Batavia Downs eight times in the last four years and, without a victory. That all changed on Wednesday (Aug. 18) when “The Bomber” shipped into Genesee County with Miss Irish Rose A who won the $9,500 Filly and Mares Open II pacing feature. 

Miss Irish Rose A left from post six and led at every station. Stalbaum set fractions of :28, :58.1 and 1:27 as Lady Dudette (Kyle Cummings) tried to track from the pocket and Stay Beautiful (Braxton Boyd) attempted to push the issue from the outside. But none of that opposition seemed to matter to Miss Irish Rose A who kept to her task, opened up a 2-1/2 length lead by the top of the stretch and cruised home a wrapped-up winner in 1:55.2. 

Miss Irish Rose A ($3.00) scored her fifth win of the year for Stalbaum, who also owns and trains the mare. 

Shawn McDonough and Drew Monti each had two consecutive driving wins on the card to lead all other drivers for the night. 

The guaranteed $12,500 Pick-5 pool on Wednesday drew a lot of interest and also provided a healthy payout. When the bell rang at the start of the first race, the final Pick-5 pool inflated to $24,832 and when the horses tripped the beam at the conclusion of race five, the combination of 4-4-4-6-1 returned a whopping $6,590 for a $1 wager.

Although the Pick-5 was hit, there are still two carryover pools available for the Jackpot wagers on Saturday (Aug. 21) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs. The Jackpot Pick-6 which starts in race five has a $2,008 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 in race 10 has a carryover of $388. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m. 

Lord Willoughby A, Stratosphere take Batavia features

By Press Release

Press release:

Perfect weather and a lightning-fast track greeted the top pacers on the grounds at Batavia Downs on Saturday evening (Aug. 14) and the winners turned out some eye-popping times. 

The $11,200 Open I feature went to Lord Willoughby A (Ray Fisher Jr.) who took the lead at the quarter and never looked back. Fisher went unchallenged to a well-rated: 56.1 half before two-time Batavia Open winner Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) came calling in the breeze as the group headed to three quarters. 

Art Scene's challenge ended before the start of the final turn and Lord Willoughby A opened up a two-length lead as he headed into the stretch. With one last challenge from the pocket-sitting Thor De Vie (Kevin Cummings) to deal with, Lord Willoughby A swelled up under Fisher urging, fought off that foe, and won by one length in 1:53.2. 

It was the fifth win of the year and the 30th of his career for Lord Willoughby A ($17.40) and his owner/trainer Larry Stalbaum. 

In the $10,000 Open II secondary pacing feature, Stratosphere (Drew Monti) followed American Zest A (Ray Fisher Jr.) through quarters of :27, :55.3 and 1.23.3 before pulling the pocket at the head of the stretch to overtake the leader under a confident hand-drive by Monti to win by ¾'s of a length in a lifetime best 1:52.1. 

The time of 1:52.1 was the second-fastest mile of the current meet behind Racine Bell's 1:51.3 effort on Wednesday (Aug. 4). 

It was the second win in a row and the 25th-lifetime victory for Stratosphere ($8.20) who is driven by his owner Drew Monti. Darrin Monti trains the winner.  

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 wager in race 10 had one winner with the unique winning ticket combination of 1-3-7-5-2 and they collected $3,020.40 for the 20-cent wager. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 15) there will be two carryover pools available. The Pick-5 in races one through five will have a $1,153 carryover and the Jackpot Pick-6 in race four will have a $1,611 carryover. Post time for the first race is 1:15 p.m. 

Misty Memory N scoops the loot in Batavia feature

By Press Release

Press release:

Misty Memory N made the four-hour drive from Saratoga to Batavia worth the trip after she captured the winner’s share of the $10,650 Fillies and Mares Open at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 11). 

Jim Morrill Jr. settled Misty Memory N behind Prairie Westerngal (Braxton Boyd) who easily led the field through fractions of :27.4, :58 and 1:27.1, encountering only one minor challenge from Xenia’s Chip (Justin Huckabone) at that third station. Coming off the far turn Prairie Westerngal got a bit rough-gaited and that’s when Morrill tipped Misty Memory N off the pegs. From there Misty Memory N was on her own as she paced away down the lane, passed Prairie Westerngal in deep stretch, and won by a length in 1:55.3.

It was the sixth win of the year for Misty Memory N ($9.70) who is owned by Stephen Picarazzi, Scott Petillo and Brett Derue, who also trains the winner.

Earlier in the $9,500 Fillies and Mares Open II, She Can Party (Dave McNeight III) sat second behind HP Sissy (Jim McNeight Jr.) until the top of the stretch when she ducked into the passing lane and lunged late to win by 1/2 length in 1:55.2, which was a new seasonal mark.    

She Can Party ($19.40) is owned and trained by Lee Dahn. 

Jim Morrill Jr. had a driving hat trick while Brett Derue led all trainers with two wins Wednesday. 

The carryovers continue at Batavia Downs as neither the Jackpot Pick-6 or Jackpot Hi-5 were hit on Wednesday. So when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 14) the carryover for the Jackpot Pick-6 will be $1,335 and the carryover for the Jackpot Hi-5 will be $1,903. Post time for the first race on Saturday is 6 p.m.

Photo: Attica Rodeo

By Howard B. Owens

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Photos by Philip Casper

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Memorial Final Ride for Dean Wright - A riderless horse with boots turned backward is led around the arena to honor a lost cowboy

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Golden Kronos was a titan in Batavia Open Trot

By Press Release

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Press release:

Tioga Downs transient Golden Kronos shipped into Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 8) and took all the cash after winning the $11,250 Open Handicap trot and in near track record fashion. 

Drew Monti put Golden Kronos on the engine and let the big gelding take it from there. After strolling to the half in a pedestrian :59.1, Winning Legends (Justin Huckabone) left the garden spot and started to hurry Golden Kronos heading into the second circuit. The leader sped up the third quarter to 1:27.4 with the help of the rim-rider’s attack but still rounded the last turn with conviction. Turning for home Winning Legends was still alongside, but Golden Kronos had lots of leg left and out-muscled his challenger by 1/4 length at the line in 1:55.4, which was only 2/5th's of a second off the track record for aged trotting geldings set in 2015 by Lutetium (1:55.2). 

It was the fourth win in the last five starts -- three of those in Open class -- and the seventh win overall of the year for Golden Kronos ($6.80) who is owned by Michael Pozefsky, William Pozefsky and Myron Ekstein. Stanley Zombick Jr. trains the winner. 

The $10,000 Open II trot saw Loyal Fox Hanover (Jim Morrill Jr.) Take an early lead and then dictate all the fractions from there. After hitting the half in :58.1, Credit List (Justin Huckabone) pulled first up and pushed the issue beyond the three-quarters pole. But Loyal Fox Hanover eventually rebuffed that challenge along with a late one from the pocket-sitting CR Blazing Beauty (Kevin Cummings) to win by ½ length in 1:56.3, which was a new seasonal mark for the winner. 

With a win and a second in only two starts since February, Loyal Fox Hanover returned $19.40 for owners Vogel and Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the 4-year-old gelded son of Andover Hall-Lady Luck Hanover.  

Monti and Morrill both added another win each to lead all drivers this day with two victories as did trainer Jennifer Giuliani. 

There were a plethora of pool carryovers to contend with during the card on Sunday where one got paid out, and two did not. 

The $5,000 guarantee on the Pick-5 wager brought in $6,268 of new money for a total pool of $7,870 and provided a healthy payout of $1,575.75 for a 50-cent wager on the winning combination of 2-7-1-6-3. 

On the other hand, the Jackpot Pick-6 in race five was not hit and will offer a carryover of $1,049 and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 in the 10th race was also not hit and will have a carryover of $1,323. Both of these carryovers will be available when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 11). Post time for the first race is at 5:00 p.m. 

And as always, free full card past performance programs are available for every live race night at Batavia Downs by going to this link. https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/live-racing/free-full-card-past-performance/

Educators make strong showing at GLOW Cup

By Howard B. Owens

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John Schnitter, 32, of Geneseo, representing Genesee Valley BOCES, won the GLOW Cup 5k on Thursday with a time of 17:33.

John Bruggman, 22, of Batavia, came in second and Logan G. Clark, 18, of Batavia, came in third.

The women's race was won by Kimberly Mills, 30, of Oakfield, representing Batavia City Schools.

Team results:

  • FIrst, Batavia City Schools, with William Buckenmeyer, Kimberly Mills, and James Patric
  • Second, Silver Fox Crossfit, with Jason Harasimowicz, Michael Harasimowicz, and Mark Marasimowicz
  • Third, Intergrow Greenhouses, with Tyron Wallace, Athumani Jonathan, and Adrian Rios.

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