harness racing

(Mamora Bay, photo courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski​, for Batavia Downs

Local racing fans turned out in healthy numbers on opening night at Batavia Downs on Monday (July 25) to watch three $37,267 divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies and they were treated to some very exciting finishes.

In what turned out to be a real heavyweight bout, Mamora Bay proved the best over Scarey Karie after a quarter-mile, two horse breakaway in the eighth race.

Four horses left, with Scarey Karie (Phil Fluet) eventually getting the lead and going to the quarter in 30.3 while Mamora Bay (Sam Schillaci) hit the wood. Mamora Bay then pulled first-over from fifth going to the half and methodically worked her way up to the leader before they hit three quarters, and from there it was a two-horse race.

With Scarey Karie on the rail and Mamora Bay on the outside, the two trotted stride for stride around the far turn and down the stretch. The battle continued all the way to the wire with Mamora Bay ultimately claiming victory by a head in 2:03.4.

“She’s just been an incredible filly. She’s never been flashy since day one; to be honest with you we never thought she was this good. But from the first time she’s seen the starting gate she just loves what she does” said trainer/driver Sam Schillaci.

Mamora Bay ($3.70) is owned by Peter Barbato.

(Mighty Surf, photo courtesy of Paul White.)

In the first division, prohibitive 1-2 favorite Might Surf (Kevin Cummings) went right to the front and opened up a quick three-length lead. As the field moved to the quarter, Barn Bella (Claude Huckabone Jr.) who was sitting second, made a break and that allowed Hotel Royale (Chris Lems) to then claim that spot.

The field stayed pretty much the same through fractions of :30.2, 1:01.4 and 1:32.4 until just before the top of the stretch. Hotel Royale pulled and challenged the leader down the stretch, but Mighty Surf was just too tough and hung on to win by a length in 2:03.2.

"She was good tonight, maybe a little bumpy in the turns. The track was a little deep but the race was never in doubt" driver Kevin Cummings said after the race.

Mighty Surf ($3) is owned by Roy Dobbins and trained by Dennis Laterza.

The second division saw Flyhawk Charm (Chris Lems) leave sharply to take an uncontested lead as Maewegonow (Charlie Norris) was content to sit second with the trip. The girls trotted to a pedestrian 1:03.1 half before Deli-Delite (John Campbell) pulled from fourth and moved into second on the outside by the three quarters.

That challenge lasted until the top of the stretch when Deli-Delite faded just as Maewegonow was moving up the rail to mount a rally against the leader. Maewegonow and Flyhawk Charm trotted side by side down the lane, with Flyhawk Charm proving to be the best and win by a nose in 2:04.

"She's great gaited, she gives you all's she's got, she's just a nice filly. She likes horses around her and that's why she responded so well down the stretch," commented driver Chris Lems.

Flyhawk Charm ($20.20) is owned by Edward Flynn and Joe Flynn, who also trains her.

There were also three divisions of the Excelsior A series that went for $15,000 each.

Eternal Flame AS ($3.90) driven by Jim Morrill Jr. and trained by Annette Lorentzen won the first leg in 2:03.4 for owners Acl Stuteri Ab.

Billie Blue ($16) driven by Chris Lems and trained by George Ducharme was victorious in the second division in 2:04.4 for owners George Ducharme Stable, LLC, Paul Fontaine and Charles Iannazzo.

Teasin N Pleasin ($5.10) driven by John Campbell and trained by Thomas Corelli wired the third heat field in 2:05.4 for owners Edward Reich, Thomas Corelli and Fred Corelli.

John Campbell, Chris Lems and Jim Morrill Jr. all had driving doubles on the card.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (July 27) at 6:15.

(John Campbell, photo courtesy of Mark Hall of the USTA.)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs:

The 2016 live harness racing season at Batavia Downs starts tonight (July 25) and will do so in style as some of the biggest names in harness racing will be on hand to take part in three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies, vying for $111,801.

John Campbell and Ron Burke are the all-time leading money earning driver and trainer (respectively) in the history of the sport and they will be racing some of the finest freshman fillies New York State has to offer this year.

Campbell has competed at Batavia Downs a couple times over the past decade and while his appearances are infrequent, they are highly anticipated by the fans.

Campbell has lifetime earnings of $297,000,000 and a particular fondness for young trotters. This past Friday night (July 22) at the Meadowlands in their Kindergarten series for 2-year-old trotters, Campbell had mounts in two of the divisions and pulled off major upsets in both.

“I particularly follow the 2-year-old trotting fillies and colts and in New York, it was Batavia’s turn. It was good the way the schedule worked out and I was able to get up here to drive,” Campbell said. “I like to stay on the same schedule they’re on because I have some decent rides with the colts. I may be back again for the trotting colt divisions if there are no other conflicts at the time.”

Whereas many times young horses train and race over mile tracks early in their careers, competing over a half can be challenging for these inexperienced starters. But Campbell treats it like a learning curve rather than an impediment.

“Well certainly Batavia is a half mile track and it’s an adjustment for these trotting fillies. But Batavia is a little easier track to get around than Buffalo and these trotting fillies have already been to Buffalo and been to Monticello, so it gave them some experience and it makes it a little easier when it’s the third track in the order,” Campbell concluded.

Campbell will be driving a total of six on the card, three of which were tabbed as morning line favorites.

Ron Burke is the all-time training leader including 7,133 wins and over $157,000,000 in purse money. He will send forth three members of “The Burke Brigade” on Monday, all to be driven by Matt Kakaley.

The first division has Mighty Surf (Prayer I Am-Big Surfer) installed as the prohibitive 2-1 morning line favorite after her overpowering win at Monticello Raceway last week. After sitting chilly in the two-hole to the half, driver Bruce Aldrich Jr. pulled and left the field in his dust as the filly trotted to a 10-length victory timed in 2:01.1, which was a lifetime best.

Mighty Surf is a perfect two-for-two coming in for trainer Dennis Laterza and local driving favorite Kevin Cummings picks up the lines for this outing from post one. Cummings drove Mighty Surf to victory last month at Buffalo Raceway.

Royal Pinot (RC Royalty-Graduation Party) is the Burke Stable representative and finished second and third in two NYSS starts this year. Last week she made a break just past the quarter but Kakaley was able to regain quick composure and maintain position to take place money, only beaten a length and a half.

Kakaley is back up behind the 5-2 second choice and departs from post two.

Cherry Royal Ruby (RC Royalty-Nowerland Kristen) won her first start of the year at Buffalo by six lengths in a very respectable 2:02.1 clocking. Last week she finished third after taking an early lead before yielding to Scarey Karie and Maewegonow who battled to the wire.

Trainer/driver Dan Daley will guide Cherry Royal Ruby from post five at 7-2.

In the second division, Maewegonow (Deweycheatumnhowe-Mauresmo) fell just short last week, finishing second at Monticello. The filly pulled first-over past the half and cleared, but was immediately pressured for the rest of the mile by Scary Karie, who trotted the back half in :59.4 and won by a half-length.

Charlie Norris who trains, is again in charge of the lines as the 5-2 favorite from post 3.

Heels On Wheels (Conway Hall-Go Go Dancer) puts her two-race winning streak on the line from post seven. Last week off the pylons, the filly got away third and stayed there until Kakaley pulled first at the five-eighths pole and put on a measured drive that garnered a length victory in 2:01.  

The Burke trained Heels On Wheels will have Matt Kakaley in tow once again at 3-1 from post seven.

Flyhawk Charm (Deweycheatumnhowe-Final Time) won her first lifetime start in NYSS action last week but was aided by the entire field breaking by the quarter pole. The filly trotted on as the group trailed behind her, and registered a conservative 2:03 win.

Chris Lems is once again up from post two, listed at 4-1 for trainer Joe Flynn.

In the final split, Mamora Bay (Chapter Seven-Giulie Bi) is coming off her first lifetime win at Monticello last week and the 2:00.1 clocking just happened to be the fastest of all the heats. Moving from third towards three quarters, Mamora Bay out-trotted race leader Hotel Royale to the wire to win by a length.

Former Batavia regular Sam Schillaci both trains and drives the 5-2 morning line choice and leaves from post two.

Scarey Karie (Conway Hall-Alabama Hotel) has won two straight NYSS events, the last in 2:01 flat at Monticello. The filly has shown the ability to leave as well as come from behind, and she also possesses excellent closing speed.

Phil Fluet both trains and drives and will begin from post eight at 7-2.

There are also three divisions of the Excelsior Series that go for $15,000 each and two divisions of Excelsior B events that offer $6,600 respectively.

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

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs:

The 2016 Batavia Downs season will feature a new earning incentive for horsemen when the Claiming Championship Series will make its debut in July.

The point-based competition will be broken down by gait and claiming price and the accrual of points will be on a monthly basis. There is no nomination or entry fee to participate and the event will be conducted under the rules and regulations of the New York State Gaming Commission, the USTA and Batavia Downs.

Divisions will include $4,000, $5,000-$6,000 and $8,000-$10,000 claimers on the pace and $4,000-$5,000 and $7,500-$10,000 claimers on the trot. Points will be awarded to the top-five finishers of each race.

The top eight horses from each class category making the final will be comprised of the top three pointe earners in August, (July 25 – Aug. 31) and September, (Sept. 1- 30) and the top two point earners in October, (Oct. 1- 31). They will advance to the Claiming Championship Finals on Nov. 12.

Once a new month starts, all the points earned will revert back to zero (with the exception of July, which will carry over into August).  

The $4,000 and $4,000-$5,000 categories will compete for $15,000 in the final and all other categories will vie for $20,000.

As is the case with all horses racing at Batavia Downs, horses entered in these races must have a current negative Coggins test, current proof of a rabies vaccination and a current health certificate. All owners, trainers and drivers must also have a current membership with the USTA.

Click here (http://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/live-racing/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/LRW-ClaimChampSeries-Fullpg-16-0778.pdf) for complete rules or log onto www.bataviadownsgaming.com and click the "Live Racing" tab and then the “Horsemen” tab.

Press release:

Stall applications for the 70th season of live harness racing at Batavia Downs Gaming are now available on the track's website (www.bataviadownsgaming.com). Simply click on "Live Racing" and then the "Horsemen" tab.

Stall applications are also available at the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association website (www.wnyhha.net ) or in person at the Buffalo Raceway race office.

Stall applications must be received by Friday (July 8), according to Racing Secretary Joe Zambito.

The 2016 season at America’s oldest lighted harness track features 70 race dates and includes six matinees and three twilight programs. The meet opens on Monday (July 25) and concludes on Saturday (Dec. 10).

Live racing will be presented on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights to begin the season with a new post time of 6:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon will replace Monday night beginning on July 31.

Holiday matinees include Labor Day (Sept. 5) and Columbus Day (Oct. 10). All matinee post times are 1:15 p.m. A special Breeders Cup program on Saturday (Nov. 5) begins at 3:30 p.m.   

The backstretch opens for tack on Sunday (July 17) at 8 a.m. Horses may begin arriving on Tuesday (July 19) also at 8 a.m.

The draw for opening night, which features New York Sires Stake action, takes place on Thursday (July 21).

Batavia Downs will also be featuring a claiming series this year which will begin in August. More details on that will be available when the meet begins. 

Anyone with questions should contact Todd Haight, director/GM of Live Racing, at 585-343-3750; ext. 6322.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

The curtain comes down on another racing season at Batavia Downs tonight (Dec. 12).

This is closing night and once again features the free to play $500 Pick-6 contest. This final contest will be paid out to the player(s) that pick the most winners, if no one selects all six winners. 

And it’s also the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association’s annual “Night of Distinction” where awards will be distributed to both human and equine performance leaders throughout the evening in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle. Post time is 6:15 p.m.
 
“It’s been an outstanding year and we’re capping it off with one more action-packed weekend of promotions and giveaways” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing. “...I would also like to thank all the horsemen, fans, Downs employees and off-track locations for their support this entire racing season.”

Submitted photo of Kevin Cummings, the leading dash driver of the 2015 season.

By Tim Bojarski, president, UNY-USHWA

The Batavia Downs meet isn’t over, but the competition for the winningest driver and trainer certainly is. Kevin Cummings and JD Perrin are the leading dash driver and trainer for the 2015 season, repeating their dominance from last year and they will be honored by the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness writers Association (UNY-USHWA).

Cummings currently has 131 victories during the meet, which total 49 more than his nearest competitor. And his $683,838 in purses won is at least a quarter-million dollars more than anyone else.

For the year, Cummings has already posted career numbers with 334 wins, $1.77 million in earnings and a UDR of .367. That UDR ranks him tenth in North America among all drivers. Cummings seasonal totals only pile onto his career statics that include 3,304 wins and $13.7 million in earnings.

Perrin posted 56 wins for the meet and his horses earned $236,822 for his efforts. He is also firing at a lofty .376 UTR.

As far as the entire year is concerned, Perrin has 125 wins, $633,747 in earnings and a UTR of .353. That UTR ranks him 10th as well among all trainers in North America to this point in 2015. Perrin’s career numbers include 569 wins and $2.4 million in purses.

UNY-USHWA has also named James Clouser Jr. their recipient of the 2015 Rising Star Award.

Since relocating his base of operations to Upstate New York early last summer, James Clouser Jr. has been on a tear. After only making minimal starts as a conditioner from 2008 until 2013, Clouser made some noise in 2014 winning 42 races from 191 outings and banked $229,887 in earnings. But this year he’s more than doubled all those numbers.

With only days of live racing left this year, Clouser has won 86 races and earned $454,359 in prizes on the strength of 286 starts. He is also boasting a gaudy .439 UTR. The 86 wins make him the top dash winning trainer in North America for conditioners with fewer than 300 starts.

For the current Batavia Downs meet, Clouser is the second leading trainer (behind JD Perrin) with 42 wins from 140 starts, $207,894 in earnings and a .431 UTR.

Kevin Cummings, JD Perrin and James Clouser Jr. will receive their awards in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 12) during UNY-USHWA’s Night of Distinction.

Submitted photo below of JD Perrin, the leading trainer of the 2015 season.

Photo of Lucky Nadotremblay out in front (reinsman Shawn McDonough), courtesy of Paul White.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Lucky Nadotremblay was pushed every step of the way Saturday night (Dec. 5), but the performance of a lifetime got him across first in the $10,000 Open pacing feature at Batavia Downs.

Leaving from post one, Lucky Nadotremblay (Shawn McDonough) was immediately greeted by Adversary Seelster (Ron Beback Jr.) and Jokerman (Jim McNeight) as the race rounded the first turn. The treble cavalry charge ferociously continued up the backside and to the quarter in :27.1 before Jokerman pulled off from three-high and dropped in second-over behind Adversary Seelster.

Adversary Seelster continued to pace side by side with Lucky Nadotremblay past the half in :56 but started to do the backstroke by the three-quarters in 1:24.4. At that station Cobble Beach (Dave McNeight III) who had been tracking from fifth, tipped three-wide around the fading competition to move alongside Lucky Nadotremblay, which started a two-horse competition that pulled away from the field. Cobble Beach inched closer and closer but Lucky Nadotremblay refused to lose and hung on to win by a neck in 1:53.4, which was a new lifetime mark for the victor.

It was the eighth win of the year for Lucky Nadotremblay ($7.20) and it boosted his 2015 earnings to $65,320 for owners Paul Viele and Ronald Louis Viele. Alex Giuliani trains the 5-year-old son of Blissful Hall.

Veteran reinsman Jack Flanigen put on a show, winning five races on the card that included the first four straight events. He scored with Big Dutch ($2.60), Bondy N ($2.10), Boots N Bourbon ($4.90), China Dream ($7) and Keystone Dalton ($2.50). Dave McNeight III won three and Ron Beback Jr. scored a double. James Clouser Jr. had a training hat trick while Jim Graham and Maria Rice conditioned two winners each. 

The final week of racing kicks off on Wednesday night (Dec. 9) with post time set for 6:15. The meet is down to the final three nights of live racing for 2015.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

It’s not too often a horse gets passed at the head of the lane and comes back on to win, but that is exactly what Justgottogetthere did in Friday night’s (Dec. 4) $9,500 trotting feature at Batavia Downs.

Leaving from post four, Justgottogetthere (Ron Beback Jr.) left quickly to take the lead and provide pylon-starter Leave Your Mark (Kevin Cummings) with a perfect trip. The rest of the field struggled to keep up as the leading pair went to the half in :59.3.

After that second station, it became two separate races; Justgottogetthere and Leave Your Mark broke away from the pack by four lengths. Cummings pulled Leave Your Mark at the three-quarter pole and drew alongside of Justgottogetthere before taking a length lead at the top of the stretch. Looking well on his way to victory, Leave Your Mark was quickly rebuffed when Beback urged Justgottogetthere on and the game trotter responded; retaking the lead and eventually winning the race by a length in 1:58.3.

The win was the 10th of the year for Justgottogetthere ($7.50), but the first since Aug. 28. The winner’s share of the purse pushed his 2015 earnings to $63,402 for owners Antonietta Landi and North Creek Racing, LLC. Jerry Nugent Jr. trains the 6-year-old gelded son of Valley Victor.

Shawn McDonough had the hot hands on Friday, winning four races driving as well as one as trainer. Drew Monti was right behind with a hat-trick and Ron Beback Jr. doubled up. Trainers Russell Bratt and Alex Giuliani both sent two winners to get their pictures taken.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday tonight (Dec. 5) at 6:15. There are only four cards of racing left in the 2015 meet.

Photo of Mach This Way with driver Ron Beback Jr., courtesy of Paul White.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

It was round two of the heavyweight fight between Mach This Way and Memumsnotnice in the $9,500 distaff pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Dec. 2) and when the race was run, Mach This Way avenged last week's result. 

In a complete role reversal from a week ago, Memumsnotnice (Ray Fisher Jr.) was forced to sit in second as Mach This Way (Ron Beback Jr.) forced her way to the lead and made it clear that no one else would head her. Then over a rain-soaked track, they proceeded to splash to the half in :57.3.

As the girls made their way past three-quarters, Mach This Way and Memumsnotnice separated themselves from the rest of the field and it became a two-horse race at the top of the lane. From there, Memumsnotnice pulled and tried to overtake, but Mach This Way dug in and toughed-out a solid length victory in 1:57.

It was the seventh win of the year for Mach This Way ($3.30), including four wins in six consecutive Batavia Downs starts and the winners share enhanced her financial situation to $55,130 for owner William Emmons. James Clouser Jr. trains the 6-year-old daughter of Mach Three.

Several horsemen had multi-win evenings. Ron Beback Jr. scored a driving triple while Kevin Cummings registered a double. Trainers Kirk Desmond, James Clouser Jr. and Russell Bratt all sent two winners to post.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Dec. 4) with post time at 6:15 p.m.

(Kevin Cummings driving Memumsnotnice out in front.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

After fading late in her last two outings, Memumsnotnice displayed true grit this week to win the $9,500 top distaff class at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Nov. 25)

Downs leading reinsman, Kevin Cummings, rousted Memumsnotnice off the gate and into the lead before pacing unchallenged to the half in :58.1. But it was at that point it became a true horse race. Mach this Way (Ron Beback Jr.) pulled first-over at that station and drew alongside the leader. The pair then paced in tandem through the cold night air, for the next quarter mile in :28.1.

They continued their duel into the far turn before Memumsnotnice got stout-hearted and forged ahead of her foe. When she established a length advantage, Memumsnotnice dug in and would not let anyone get closer than that. She hit the wire first in 1:56.

It was the sixth win of the year for Memumsnotnice ($4.90), including four wins in her last six starts at Batavia Downs. The winner’s share of the purse pushed the mare’s 2015 bankroll to $51,018 for owners Thatsideofthefence LLC and John Mungillo, who also trains the daughter of Jereme’s Jet.

Three drivers won ten of the 12 races on Wednesday. Kevin Cummings had a four-bagger while Shawn McDonough and Dave McNeight III both scored hat-tricks. Trainer Kirk Desmond also sent two of his students to the winner’s enclosure.

Batavia Downs would like to wish all horsemen and fans a very Happy Thanksgiving and looks forward to the next card of live racing which will be held on Friday (Nov. 27) at 6:15 p.m. Just a reminder; there are only eight racing days left in the year.

Adversary Seelster with driver Ron Beback Jr., photo courtesy of Paul White.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

How do you top a five-win night? Simple; win six! That’s exactly the kind of weekend Batavia Downs dash driving leader Kevin Cummings had.

After winning five races on Friday, Cummings took six of the 12 races on the card Saturday night, including the last five straight races. And he finished second twice and third three times besides. In fact, he was only off the board once all night. That performance translated into a .676 UDR for the night.

Cummings took pictures with Lucky Nadotremblay ($2.80), B Eva’s Lucky Lad ($5.50), In The Clear ($7.20), Camstar ($10.20), Noble Legend ($7.50) and Precise Accusation ($18).

As a result of his two-day winning spree, Cummings now has 115 victories for the meet and that puts him 39 ahead of his nearest competitor. For 2015, Cummings has registered 318 wins and $1.7 million in earnings. That win total is only 16 shy of his career best, which was set last year.

In the $10,000 Open pace feature at Downs, a two-horse duel resulted in Adversary Seelster being the best among seven of the best resident pacers.

Jokerman (Jim McNeight) left fast to take control of the front, but Adversary Seelster (Ron Beback Jr.) came out early to overtake him by the quarter. Positions remained the same until Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) pulled at the half and charged hard at the leader.

Cummings pushed the pace to three-quarters, gaining a slight advantage on the outside at that point. But after Beback popped the plugs on Adversary Seelster, the gelding found another gear and responded in kind. He put away Youwillwishyouhad and then fended off a late challenge by Jokerman before hitting the wire first in 1:55.2.

It was the fourth win of the year for Adversary Seelster, and the winning time was a seasonal mark for him. The winner’s share of the purse pushed his 2015 earnings to $35,100 for owners Keith Pinkowski and Curtis Edholm. Adversary Seelster is trained by the currently red hot Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr.

Jim McNeight and Ron Beback Jr. both had driving doubles, while conditioner Alex Giuliani sent three of his trainees to the winner’s circle.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 25) at 6:15 p.m.

Lutetium (Kevin Cummings)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

It’s an old story, but one that’s frequently told in western New York. Lutetium wins another $9,500 Open trot feature race at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Nov. 20).

Leaving from the outside (post six) in an abbreviated field, Lutetium (Kevin Cummings) shot right to the front and took a lead he would never relinquish. With a loose, two-length advantage for most of the race, Lutetium cut quarters of :28.2, :58.3 and 1:28.2. As he opened up a wider margin past that last station, Cummings guided Lutetium to the wire first in 1:58.2 as the rest of the field viewed his efforts while arguing for minor spoils.

It was the tenth win of the season for Lutetium ($3.20) and sixth victory at Batavia Downs this meet. The winner’s share of the purse inflated his 2015 earnings to $80,371 for owner Colleen Girdlestone. Mark Laidlaw trains the 8-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner.

The Downs' leading driver, Kevin Cummings, registered a quintet of victories Friday night, extending his already insurmountable lead in the dash win category for the meet. He finished first with Lutetium ($3.20), Creating A Dream ($3.10), Leave Your Mark ($8.90), Livefreeordiehard ($8.10) and Rebel Teen ($4.80). Shawn McDonough and Ray Fisher Jr. also had driving doubles.

On the training side, John Mungillo sent three horses to the winner’s circle and Mihalo Zdjelar Jr. did the same with two.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Wind gusts topping 50 mph could not dissuade the best effort of Mach This Way after she got aired-out for more than half a mile before winning the $10,000 Open mares pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Nov. 18).

The race was basically the tale of two mares. Memumsnotnice (Drew Monti) who shot right to the front to cut the fractions as she normally does and Mach This Way (Ron Beback Jr.), who was taken back to sixth until past the quarter pole.

Coming to the head of the stretch the first time, Beback pulled Mach This Way first-over and started a slow, methodical march towards the leader. By the time the field hit the three-quarter pole, Mach This Way was almost alongside Memumsnotnice and had no intention of stopping. The pair broke away from the pack, paced stride-for-stride around the far turn and matched steps all the way down the stretch until Mach This Way got a late advantage to win by a half-length in 1:56.4.

It was the sixth win of the year for Mach This Way ($17.80) and pushed her earnings to $48,005 for owner William Emmons. James Clouser Jr. trains the Mach Three mare.

Ron Beback Jr. had an outstanding night in the sulky, winning four races. He took pictures with Dirt Track Momma ($6.90), Mach This Way ($17.80), China Dream ($3.30) and Carman Coyote ($13.20). Drew Monti, Jack Flanigen and Ray Fisher Jr. all scored driving doubles. Trainers James Clouser Jr. and Maria Rice also sent two horses each to the winner’s enclosure.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs tonight (Nov. 20) at 6:15.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations:

Horsemen racing at Batavia Downs are reminded of draw schedule changes for Thanksgiving week.

A double draw will take place on Tuesday (Nov. 24) for races cards on to be held on Friday (Nov. 27) and Saturday (Nov. 28). The entry box will close at the normal time of 9 a.m. You must also enter horses for Wednesday's qualifiers on Tuesday (Nov. 24) by 10 a.m.  

All program information, including driver changes, must be submitted to the judges by 2 p.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 24).

Qualifying races will remain at the regular time of 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

There are 12 more race cards remaining in the 2015 season that concludes on Dec. 12. Post time for all remaining cards will be 6:15 p.m.

For more information please visit the horsemen's link at www.bataviadownsgaming.com

Western Alumni and driver Ray Fisher Jr., photo courtesy of Paul White.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

The weather was clear but Western Alumni made it rain Saturday night (Nov. 14) at Batavia Downs when he went worst-to-first at 12-1 in the field of seven to capture the $10,000 Open pace feature.

It was a jailbreak off the gate as Adversary Seelster (Ron Beback Jr.), Jokerman (Jim McNeight) and post time favorite Cobble Beach (Kevin Cummings) went three deep for the first two furlongs, tripping the timer in :26.4. The field settled itself just in time for Western Alumni (Ray Fisher Jr.) to pull from seventh and start his outside trek towards the leader.

At the half, Button Fly (Shawn McDonough) pulled out in front of Western Alumni and provided a windshield for him to the top of the lane. From there, Western Alumni tipped three-deep and Fisher proceeded to rock-n-knock to a length victory over a fast-closing Best Ears (Jack Flanigen) in 1:54.3.

It was the fifth win of the year for Western Alumni ($26.20), pushing his earnings to $49,986 for 2015. Jerry Nugent Jr. trains the 7-year-old Western Hanover gelding for North Creek Racing LLC.

Trainer JD Perrin widened his lead as the top dash-winning trainer of the meet by sending four horses to the winner’s enclosure. Barn stars for the night included Dancin Thea ($8.40), Meadowlandcampbell E ($2.50), Youwillwishyouhad ($2.50) and Veto Hanover ($5.00). Drivers Drew Monti, Kevin Cummings, Jim McNeight and Ray Fisher Jr. all won two races.

Live racing at Batavia Downs resumes on Wednesday night (Nov. 18) with post time at 6:15.