Batavia Downs

There was a pair of $13,500 Open Handicap races highlighting the Saturday (September 28) night card at Batavia Downs and the winners of each put in stout efforts in victory on a rain-soaked night in Genesee County.

The Open pace was up first and won by Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.), who was challenged at every step of the mile.

Villiam took the lead off the gate and crossed-over to the pylons in the first turn. But before he could get to the quarter, Melanion N (Drew Monti) had worked his way up from seventh and was pacing alongside the leader. Melanion N took the lead at three-eighths, but Villiam didn’t allow him enough room to clear so the parked pacer was forced to remain in the breeze. Villiam and Melanion N matched strides to the half in :55.4 and continued to battle onto the second circuit.

As they passed five-eighths, Mirragon N (Shawn McDonough) had moved into contention from the back of the pack and tipped three-wide around Melanion N at three-quarters. As Melanion N started to fade, Mirragon N took the lead from Villiam, but once again Villiam refused to let the horse clear. The pair paced step for step around the last turn until Villiam pulled ahead by a length at the top of the stretch and maintained that advantage to the wire where he won in 1:53.1, which was a new easonal mark.

Villiam ($5.40) got his fifth win of the year for his owner Anthony Evgenikos and trainer Maggie Chindano.

Chindano finished the night with a total of three driving wins.

Three races later, the Open trot was won by the only mare in the field of eight, Power And Grace (Drew Monti), who led at every step of the way to turn away all her male rivals.

Power And Grace left from post seven, grabbed the front and proceeded to dictate the rest of the race. After going comfortable quarters of :29.1, :58.4 and 1:28 without any serious challenge from behind, Power And Grace entered the home stretch and simply pulled away from the field by 2-½ lengths in 1:57.4.

It was the 11th win of the year -- and 67th lifetime -- for Power And Grace ($4.20) who is owned by Hartel Maintenance, Lorner McClure, Brett MacDonald and Reg Higgs. Ronald MacDonald was the winning trainer.

Kevin Cummings was top dog in the bike on Saturday, scoring a grand slam at the lines. Cummings won with Dry Ridge Ace (1:57, $3.10), Dogfight (1:56.1, $17.00), Bet Eightthirtyone (1:57.1, $7.80) and Parmesan N (1:57.1, $3.00).

Ryan Hall was the top conditioner, sending two winners postward.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 2) with post time at 6:00 p.m.  

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

The marquee event at Batavia Downs on Friday (September 27) night was a $10,000 conditioned claiming trot where Curry Hanover (Shawn McDonough) turned in one spicy performance to dominate his seven rivals.

Curry Hanover moved right to the lead from post one and then would not relinquish it for the duration. With Cartier Zette (Joe Chindano Jr.) trying to keep up in second, Curry Hanover trotted moderate quarters of :29.2, :59.1 and 1:28.2 before coming off the turn last and bolting for home by 5-½ lengths in a season’s best, 1:58.

It was the sixth win of the year for Curry Hanover ($3.60) who is owned by Franklin Meier and trained by Angelo Nappo.

Jim McNeight Jr. put on quite a show in the bike on Friday by winning four races on the card, including a natural hat trick in races two, three and four. McNeight won with Smart N Sassy (1:56.3, $10.60), Batting Stats (1:58.3, $11.40), Catch The Wave (1:58.3, $3.80) and Makes Me Charlie (1:57.3, $3.70).

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (September 28) with post time at 6 p.m.  

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Center Attraction was in perfect position to run down her competition in a thrilling stretch drive in the featured $13,500 Distaff Open at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (September 25) night.

Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) got away second from post one behind Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) who set the pace in :28, :57.1 and 1:25.2. It was at that last station where Marathon Mary (Drew Monti) pulled from third and advanced towards the leader. The top three mares broke away from the field and when they entered the stretch, Center Attraction slipped into the passing lane while Marathon Mary continued to pressure Won Surreal Deal on the outside. The three sidewheelers paced three abreast all the way to the line where Center Attraction edged ahead by a half length and won in 1:54.3.

It was the fourth win of the year for Center Attraction ($7.50) who is owned by her trainer Robert Anderson, in partnership with Pamela Schieber.

Dave McNeight III and Drew Monti both had driving hat tricks while Chris Petrelli was the top trainer with two wins on the card.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (September 27) with post time at 6 p.m. 

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Saturday (September 21) night at Batavia Downs featured $13,500 Open Handicaps for both the pace and trot and this week, upset winners prevailed in each contest.

The pacers went first and Lip Reader A (Drew Monti) got his third win at Batavia this meet.

Lip Reader A got away sixth while Admiral Hanover (Kyle Swift) led to the quarter in :27.4, where Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) then blasted by him to take control. As Villiam crossed-over at the top of the turn, Monti was pulling Lip Reader A off the pegs and pushing him through the breeze as the long march to the front began. When Villiam reached the half in :57, Lip Reader A drew alongside his flank and before reaching three-quarters, the pair was locked in a duel. Villiam and Lip Reader A pulled away from the field by three lengths in the final bend and both drivers were highly animated in the urging of their mounts. Villiam and Lip Reader A paced stride for stride all the way down the lane until Lip Reader A got the advantage by a quarter length and won in 1:53.4.

It was the ninth win of the year for Lip Reader A ($11.60) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing Maria Rice trains the winner.

Lip Reader A was one of four winners for Monti on Saturday. He also won with P L Quarantine (1:54.1, $12.40), Heir Of Southwest (1:57.2, $8.10) and Leave And Roll (1:56.1, $19.60).

The trot was the very next race and Biscoe (Jim McNieght Jr.) got his second win in a row while being overlooked by the betting public, despite winning the Open last week.

Biscoe got off to a slow start and was 10 lengths behind the frontrunning Treasured Tee (Joe Chindano Jr.) at the :27.4 quarter. Then as the leader passed the half, Biscoe started moving up on the outside. Treasure Tee looked strong on the point rolling through the backstretch and Biscoe appeared to stall at that same time. But as the race neared three-quarters, Biscoe got it in gear and was trotting up a storm as they headed into the last turn. Treasure Tee was able to hold Biscoe at bay until they reached the top of the stretch, where Biscoe simply trotted away from the field by 3-½ lengths and won in 1:57.

Biscoe ($28.20) got his seventh win of the year for his driver McNeight, who also owns the horse. Jim McNeight does the training.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (September 25) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $1,290 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Double Class has been an Open trotter at Batavia Downs since his first win there in 1:55.3 in July. On Friday (September 20) at The Downs, the trotter essentially made a double class drop to a mid-level condition event and got back to his winning ways in the $10,000 co-featured race of the night.

Sent off at 7-1, Double Class (Dave McNeight III) got away last and 10-½ lengths in arrears as the heavily favored Cartier Zette (Joe Chindano Jr.) coasted through fractions of :28.3 and :58. As they motored in front of the stands, McNeight had Double Class out and moving and quickly advanced towards the leader. Double Class drew alongside Cartier Zette at three-quarters and then they matched strides around the final bend. At the top of the stretch, Double Class showed his, as he swelled up and bolted home under a line drive on top by 1-½ lengths in 1:57.2.

It was the seventh win of the year for Double Class ($16.20) who is owned and trained by Jim Clouser Jr.

In the other $10,000 split of the same class, Bj’s Smitty (Mike Baumeister) sat second behind Simonthediamond (Dan Yetman) through quarters of :29.1, :59.1 and 1:28.4 before sneaking into the passing lane and snapping the leader by a neck at the light in 1:59.3.

Bj’s Smitty ($18.80) is owned by Jennifer Signor and trained by Jacob Baumeister.

Kevin Cummings had a big night in the bike, winning a total of four races during the proceedings. Cummings won with Rearview Blue Chip (1:58.3, $4.60), P L Notorious (1:57.1, $22.40), Mcdelicacy (1:57.1, $6.40) and Pennant Seelster (2:00.2, $5.20).

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (September 21) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $920 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

A patient drive by Kyle Swift helped Dance Ticket register her sixth win of the year in Batavia Downs' $13,500 fillies and mares Open pacing feature on Wednesday (September 18) night.

Forgot Thewallet A (Dave McNeight III) blasted off the gate from post seven and took a lead that would last to the :56.2 half. It was there that Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) charged the frontrunner, followed by Marathon Mary (Drew Monti) and Dance Ticket, as Forgot Thewallet A had no answers for the takeover.

With new leadership in place for the second time around, Won Surreal Deal paced sharply to three-quarters where Marathon Mary tipped to take her shot in the last turn. That left Dance Ticket right behind Won Surreal Deal and that mattered at the top of the lane. Marathon Mary got to the front and looked to be a clear winner, but Dance Ticket dove into the passing lane and flew to the line first by a neck to win in 1:54.2. The time was a new lifetime mark for the mare.

Dance Ticket ($10.20) is owned by 716 Standardbreds and trained by Courtney Wright.

In the $10,000 mid-level conditioned event for female pacers, Imprincessgemma A (Drew Monti) set fractions of :28.2, :59.2 and 1:27.4 before turning for home and hanging on by three-quarters of a length in a 1:57 win.

Elite harness Racing owns Imprincessgemma ($4.20) who is trained by Rachelle Mungillo.

Drew Monti and Joe Chindano Jr. both ended the night with three wins while trainers Rachelle Mungillo and Sam Smith had two wins apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (September 20) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $636 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Back-to-back $13,500 Handicap Opens for both gaits topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Saturday (September 14) night and fast miles were produced in each by pylon position participants.

In the trot, Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) was a dominant winner after leading at every station in unfettered fashion.

The seven-horse field was scratched down to a five horse start that saw Treasured Tee (Joe Chindano Jr.) leave and cross-over before entering the turn while Biscoe seated from post one. But shortly after passing the eighth pole, McNeight pulled Biscoe and rolled to the front before the quarter. Biscoe then cut the breeze with fractions of :28.3, :58.2 and 1:27.4 with Treasured Tee trying to stay close. When the race came out of the last turn and entered the top of the stretch, Biscoe swelled up and bolted home on top by 5-¼ lengths in 1:57.2, matching his fastest previous win at The Downs this year.

It was the sixth win of the year for Biscoe ($3.90) who is owned by his driver, McNeight Jr. Jim McNeight trains the winner.

Then in the pace, Tiger Baron (Dave McNeight III) also left from the invisible rail and set a tepid pace of :58 to the half. That prompted a lot of action from behind as a multi-horse outer-flow rolled into contention led by Better Take It (Kevin Cummings). As the race headed up the backstretch Tiger Baron picked up the pace, Better Take It stalled in the race, and Mirragon A (Shawn McDonough) moved three-wide in haste, drawing alongside Tiger Baron at three-quarters in 1:26. Mirragon A took the lead in the last turn and held it until the top of the stretch. That’s where Tiger Baron took back control under a highly animated drive by McNeight, and forged ahead by a half length to win in 1:53.3, tying his seasonal mark.

Tiger Baron ($9.10) got his seventh win of the year for owner Courtney McNeight. Dave McNeight Jr. trains the winner.

It was one of three wins for McNeight III on the card.

Drew Monti was the leading driver on Saturday, scoring a grand slam in the bike. Monti won with RD Skippy (1:55, $3.90), Lana’s Desire (1:54, $2.60), Duck Dynasty (1:54.3, $22.60) and Admiral Hanover (1:54.3, $4.60). Monti also had a second and two thirds from his 11 drives.

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in the last race. The single unique winning combination of 2-9-4-6-7 returned $3,832.60 for the 20-cent wager.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (September 18) with post time at 6 p.m.

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Johnny Boy led at every station en route to victory in the $10,000 featured trot at Batavia Downs on Friday (September 13) night.

Kevin Cummings sent Johnny Boy to the front from post one while Four Wheelin (Drew Monti) dropped in second for the ride. Johnny Boy stepped off quarters of :28.2, :59.3 and 1:29.1 with Four Wheelin in tow and the rest of the field trying to stay close. As they came out of the last turn and headed for home, Four Wheelin was out and rolling, trying to make up ground on the leader. And although he cut the margin substantially, Four Wheelin came up a head short as Johnny Boy closed it out on top in 1:58.2.

It was the third win of the year for Johnny Boy ($8.80) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

Driver Shawn McDonough made longshot bettors very happy on Friday after he won with Sapphire Love Chip who paid $50.50 and Chief Corleone who returned $57.00.

Joining McDonough for driving doubles were Joe Chindano Jr., Drew Monti and Dan Yetman while 13 different trainers each scored one win apiece.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (September 14) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $2,375 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Driver Joe Chindano Jr. put on a driving clinic at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 11) night by winning six races on the card.

Chindano scored with NY Hardcore (1:56.3, $5.50), Tidal Shark (1:55.4, $3.60), Pepin Coolie (2:01.2, $4.70), LA Always A Martini (1:56.2, $5.00), Pop The Bubbly (1:56.1, $3.60) and Beddenburg (1:56.3, $4.70). He also had a second and third out of his 13 drives.

The one race Chindano didn’t win was the $13,500 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap pace. That went to Oaxacan Dream N, who returned to Batavia after a successful month-long hiatus at Tioga Downs.

Dave McNeight III rushed Oaxacan Dream N off the gate and took a lead she would not relinquish. After getting to the half unchallenged in :58.1 with only Ball Diamond (Ray Fisher Jr.) tracking close from the pocket, Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first-over, but stalled shortly after making the move. That left It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) who followed Center Attraction to tip three-wide and draw alongside Oaxacan Dream N at three-quarters. The two mares paced in close proximity, but Oaxacan Dream N held the advantage from the top of the stretch to the line where she won by a half length in 1:55.

It was the eighth win of the year for Oaxacan Dream N ($5.30) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags and trained by Maria Rice.

Another terrific trio on Wednesday was driver Kevin Cummings, trainer Sam Smith, and owner Mike Torcello, who combined for a hat trick. They won with Stay Safe (1:57.3, $2.50), Pray The Rosary (1:58.3, $4.20) and Louie The Lilac (1:56.1, $11.40).

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 13) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,892 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Driver Kyle Cummings had an outstanding night at the lines at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 7) night after winning four races on the card, including the $13,500 Open trot.

Cummings got away third with Dougadougadew as Great Unknown (Dave McNeight III) cut the mile with Biscoe (Joe Chindano Jr.) hung in the breeze second, through quarters of :28.1, :57.3 and 1:27.1. At that last station, Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) tipped three-deep and Double Class (John Cummings Jr.) went four wide around him, leaving Dougadougadew shuffled and locked-in fifth as they approached the stretch. When they straightened for home, Biscoe had taken the lead, but Dougadougadew snuck into the passing lane and brushed past him late to win by a neck in 1:57.4.

It was the seventh victory of the year for Dougadougadew ($6.40) who is owned by Doug and Tyra Ackley and trained by Tammy Cummings.

Cummings completed his grand slam with Knocking Around (1:57.2, $5.10), Davey Day Trader (1:57, $7.70) and Twentysevenbelow (1:56.2, $22.00). Cummings also had three seconds and three thirds from his 13 starts, giving him a stellar .513 UDR for the evening.

Later in the $13,500 Open Handicap pace, Lip Reader A (Drew Monti) settled fourth on the pylons as Admiral Hanover (Dave McNeight III) set the pace. After getting to the half in :56.3, Livonjaxandqueens (Kyle Cummings) started the outer-flow and Lip Reader A followed a close second with cover. When they got to three-quarters, Livonjaxandqueens took the lead and Lip Reader A moved into second before taking the lead himself as they came out of the turn. From there, Lip Reader A bolted home under a confident line-drive to win by 1-½ lengths in 1:54.2.

It was the eighth win of the year for Lip Reader A ($3.90) and owners Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice trains the winner.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 11) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $833 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

After benefitting from a perfect trip, Credarena slipped through late to capture the $10,000 featured trot at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (September 4) night in a clocking that equaled his career best.

Kenobi (Jim Morrill Jr.) was cutting the air on the point while Credarena (Dave McNeight III) sat in the garden spot from the start. After Kenobi reached the half in a modest :59, Sonny’s Moni (Drew Monti) pulled first-over in the breeze from fourth and pushed the issue to three-quarters in 1:28.1. But Kenobi turned back that challenge and entered the lane as a clear leader. That was until Credarena ducked into the passing lane and bolted to the line, passing Kenobi just before the wire where he won in 1:57.2, tying his lifetime mark.

It was the fifth win of the year for Credarena ($29.20) who is owned by Marissa Russo and trained by David Russo.

In the ninth race, Morgans All In and Sea Of Love BC went down shortly after the start in the first turn, unseating drivers Jim Morrill Jr. and Jim McNeight Jr. As a result, the race was declared a “no contest” and refunds were made. Both drivers were alert. Morrill was checked at the track and McNeight was sent to the hospital for further evaluation. Both horses appeared to be okay after the incident.

Dave McNeight III had another huge night winning four more races, this after a six win breakout this past Saturday (Aug. 31). This catapulted Triple Sticks to the top for dash wins this meet, now with a total of 34 wins.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 7) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $590 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Indiana-campaigned but locally owned, It's Corona Time made her western New York debut one to remember as she mare-handled the competition while winning the $13,500 Open Handicap distaff pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Monday (Sept. 2) afternoon.

Leads changed a number of times after the start as It's Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Arco N (Dave McNeight III) swapped the front. After they passed the :27.4 quarter, It's Corona Time finally settled on the point and really got down to business.

It's Corona Time paced to the half in :56.4 with a two-length lead that she extended to four by three-quarters. She continued to pull away around the last turn and was separated from the field by 5-½ lengths when they hit the straight. Heading down the lane, Chindano was in full recline as It's Corona Time bolted home wrapped-up and stopped the clock in 1:54.2.

A 4-year-old daughter of the former Batavia Downs all-time pacing track record holder Aracache Hanover, It's Corona Time ($2.30) is owned by Bill Switala and James Martin (who also bred the mare) and trained by Maggie Chindano.

Joe Chindano Jr. ended the day with three driving wins.

In the undercard $11,500 upper-level conditioned pace for fillies and mares, despite being overlooked by the betting public after being off over a month, Dance Ticket (Kyle Swift) made quick and easy work of her seven foes after taking the lead and setting unchallenged fractions of :28.4, :59.1 and 1:28. Dance Ticket then rounded the last turn and darted for the line on top by 2-½ lengths in 1:57.2.

It was the third win in the last five starts and fifth win of the year for Dance Ticket ($20.80) who is owned by 716 Standardbreds and trained by Courtney Wright.

Dave McNeight III also had a driving hat trick on Monday while 11 different trainers each scored one win apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 4) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,306 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race.

Just one week ago, Dave McNeight III had a brilliant night at Batavia Downs as he won five races on the card. On Saturday (Aug. 31), McNeight one-upped himself at The Downs as he won six races during the program and now sits a solid second for dash wins this meet.  

“Triple Sticks” won with The Downtown Bus (1:55, $4.00), Lana’s Desire (1:55.2, $16.20), Daylight Rush (1:55.1, $9.10), American Rascal (1:55.2, $41.20), Remember The Beach (1:56.1, $6.80) and My Mind Is Made Up (1:55.2, $2.90).

Mcneight now has 27 wins and is second to Jim Morrill Jr. who tops the leaderboard with 31 wins after Saturday’s action. Also as a result of his big night, McNeight is now only four wins away from 1,700 lifetime.

Two races McNeight didn’t win on Saturday were the pair of $13,500 Opens that were both taken by gate to wire winners who each reached double-digit wins for the year.

Saratoga Raceway regular Topville Somebeach, traveled west on the 90 to compete at Batavia and didn’t have to worry about paying the toll to get home after he won the $13,500 Open Handicap pacing feature in the fastest overnight clocking of the season.

Jim Morrill Jr. sent the front-loving Topville Somebeach right to the point and rated a moderate half in :57.1. As they made their way into the clubhouse turn, Melanion N (Drew Monti) was rolling up the outside and got as far as the pocket-sitting Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) at the 1:24.3 three-quarters. Topville Somebeach took his 1-½ length lead into the final bend as Melanion N and Villiam continued to track from behind, but both had work to do. The chase continued into the stretch where Villiam got the closest before the line, but came up a half length short as Topville Somebeach won in 1:52.3.

It was the fifth win in a row and tenth of the year for Topville Somebeach ($6.70) who is owned by Stephen Picarazzi, Darryel Bullard and Bret Derue, who also trains the winner.

Then in the $13,500 Open Handicap trot, Power And Grace showed her speed and class and she dominated the field of seven male rivals.

Drew Monti put Power And Grace on the lead and then put the field to sleep with a :59.1 half. As the race made its way around the turn three, Monti hit the gas and Power And Grace started to pull away up the backstretch, opening up a 2-½ length lead at three-quarters. She continued to gap the field rounding the final bend and had a four length lead at the top of the stretch. Power And Grace turned for home all by herself and cruised to the line under no urging whatsoever to win in 1:56.3.

It was also the tenth win of the year for Power And Grace ($5.50), as well as her 66th career victory. Hartel Maintenance and Lormer McClure, Brett Macdonald and Reg Higgs own Power And Grace who is trained by Ronald Macdonald.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs with a special Labor Day matinee on Monday (Aug. 31) with post time at 1:15 p.m.

A pair of $10,000 conditioned trots topped the card at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 30) night and both winners were heavily backed at the windows.

In the first split, Keeper Of Secrets (Kyle Cummings) sat third behind the front-running BJ’s Smitty (Drew Monti) to the half in 1:00.1, where he made a first-over move heading into turn three. Keeper Of Secrets gained a narrow lead on the outside over BJ’s Smitty at three-quarters, who then fought back to the front at the top of the stretch. But when they turned for home, Keeper Of Secrets got back in gear and cleared the field by 1-¼ lengths to win in 1:59.

It was the second win in the last three starts for Keeper Of Secrets ($4.80) for owner Lawrence Barnett and trainer James Rothfuss.

Kyle Cummings ended the night with three driving wins.

Then in the second division, Curry Hanover (Kevin Cummings) took the lead from post one and was pressured on the outside by Jacked (Dave McNeight III) through quarters of :28.2, :57 and 1:27. As they trotted into the last turn, Jacked dropped out, leaving a clear path for the pocket-sitting Four Wheelin (Drew Monti) to make a dash. Four Wheelin closed all the way to the wire, but Curry Hanover was tough and hung on by a neck in 1:58.1.

It was the fifth win of the year for Curry Hanover ($4.70) who is owned by Franklin Meier and trained by Angelo Nappo.

Joe Chindano Jr. also scored a driving hat trick while trainers Marc Shuttleworth and Chris Petrelli each registered two wins apiece.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 31) at 6 p.m. and there are two carryovers of note. The Pick-5 in the first race has a $706 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race will see the pool start with $1,154 on Saturday.