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Dave McNeight III wins five including feature at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Avion Seelster courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery

Dave McNeight III had a huge night at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 14) as he won five races during the evening. The most notable win came with Avion Seelster who despite making a jump in class to the featured $15,000 Open I pace, won his third straight race and ninth overall of the year.

McNeight put Avions Seelster on the point and after a leisurely stroll to the half in :58.2, had a lot of work to do the second time around. Stranger Things (Aaron Byron) pulled first over and brought Lanjo Lee (Kyle Cummings) with him as they headed up the backstretch. Stranger Things took the lead at three-quarters and pulled away by almost a length, but he could not clear Avion Seelster. At the top of the stretch, Avion Seelster came back on to regain the top spot but had a target on his back for Lanjo Lee, who streaked down the middle of the track. McNeight rocked and knocked Avion Seelster while Lanjo Lee was gobbling up ground. The two battled all the way to the wire where Avion Seelster hung on by a mere nose in 1:55.

The win pushed Avion Seelster ($17.40) to $99,732 in earnings for the year, but he also eclipsed the quarter-million mark lifetime, now boasting $255,845 in the bank. Marissa Russo owns the David Russo-trained gelding.

McNeight also won with Tiger Baron (1:55.1, $2.10), Hot Shot Joe (1:56.4, $4.90), Carrythetorchman (1:55.4, $16.00) and Knocking Around (1:56, $31.20).

There were also a pair of $12,500 upper-level conditioned paces on the program Saturday.

In the first, Gunslinger Hill (Drew Monti) turned a first-over move into a half-length victory over Stop Action (Kevin Cummings) in 1:56 to chalk up his ninth win of the year. Jeniffer Giuliani trains Gunslinger Hill ($3.30) for owner Ronald Viele.

Then later, Belmont Major N (Jim McNeight Jr.) followed the exact same script, pulling first-up at the half to eventually run down Fireball (Joe Chindano Jr.) and win in an identical 1:56. Belmont Najor N ($4.80) is owned by the S&K Misfit Stable and trained by Amanda Kelley.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 18) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $6,562 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

Lougazi charged late for Batavia feature win

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Lougazi courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Like he always seems to do, Lougazi started slow but finished fast to claim his 58th career victory in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 13). 

As Lougazi (Ray fisher Jr.) got away fifth, the heavy post time favorite Dewey Arnold (Kevin Cummings) made a break in turn one and everything changed from there. Burn Notice (Jim McNeight Jr.) took the lead before Showme Some Muscle (Drew Monti) pulled the pocket to take the top and led the short field to the half in a moderate :58.4. There, Gracious Triumph (Shawn McDonough) rolled up first-over and matched strides with Showme Some Muscle to three-quarters, where he finally got the lead. Lougazi was still fifth at this point, but out and moving with cover from I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) to the stretch. When they hit the straight, Fisher moved Lougazi to the middle of the track and the trotter closed it out, winning by a neck in 1:58.1. 

It was the eighth win of the year for Lougazi ($10.00) and his owner Mary Warriner. Ryan Swift trains the winner. 

In the $13,000 Open II Handicap trot, City Of Hope (Kevin Cummings) led handily through quarters of :29.2, :59.4 and 1:28.1, facing only a minor challenge from BJ Laredo (Jim McNeight Jr.), which he turned back. As he headed out of the turn for home, City Of Hope bolted under a line-drive by Cummings to a 2-¾ length win in 1:58.1.

The 3-year-old City Of Hope ($3.50) registered his 13th win of the year for trainer David Dewhurst, who also owns the gelding in partnership with Philip Hale. 

Drew Monti was the top driver on Friday, scoring a grand slam on the card while Garry Martin led all trainers with two wins during the night. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 14) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $5,792 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

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Photo of City Of Hope courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Won Surreal Deal, Kevin Cummings big winners at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Won Surreal Deal courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

After hitting the board in three previous attempts at Batavia Downs, Won Surreal Deal finally cracked the winner’s enclosure there after a sharp outing in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pacing feature for fillies and mares on Wednesday night (Oct. 11). 

It was a three-mare melee leaving the gate that saw Miss Rockadali (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) take turns at the top, approaching and just past the :27.2 quarter. Louie The Lilac finally settled on the point and barked the orders until Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) pulled from fifth at the half with cover and made her way to second at three-quarters. By the top of the stretch, Won Surreal Deal took over the lead and then held off a late rush from both Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) and So Amazing (Dave McNeight III) to win by a length in 1:56.1.

It was the fifth win of the year for Won Surreal Deal ($17.00) who is owned by Parsimonious Racing and trained by Jeff Sorenson.  

Earlier in the $11,500 upper level pace for fillies and mares, P L Notorious (Kevin Cummings) sat second behind Imprincessgemma A (John Cummigs Jr.) who did the heavy lifting on the front end until the top of the stretch where P L Notorious tipped and paced away down the lane to a convincing two-length win in 1:55.3. 

After four consecutive second place finishes, P L Notorious ($4.90) got her third win of the year for owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith trains the winner. 

P L Notorious was one of five wins for Kevin Cummings during the night as he also won with Rd Skippy (1:56, $9.50), Johnny Boy (1:58.4, $5.00), Isla Seelster (1:58.2, $2.90) and Millie’s Spirit (1:57, $4.70). 

Jim Morrill Jr. also had a big night with four driving wins while trainers Sam Smith, Dave Russo and Kevin Reynolds Jr. all had two wins apiece. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 13) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $4,954 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

Mirragon A goes coast to coast in Batavia feature

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Mirragon A courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

After finishing second in his last two starts despite very strong efforts, Mirragon A got back to the winner’s circle after taking the $15,000 Open I Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 7).

Jim Morrill Jr. sent Mirragon A to the front and comfortably led his five competitors through quarters of :28.2, :57.4 and 1:25 as no one from behind could seem to advance. As they made their way through the last turn, the pocket-sitting Ideal Artillery (Jim McNeight Jr.) finally pulled and then Stranger Things (Shawn McDonough) found an opening along the pylons. They both were driven hard down the lane but Mirragon A had the jump and got the win by one-quarter length in 1:53.4.

It was the second Open I win at Batavia and sixth win overall on the year for Mirragon A ($3.90) who is owned by his trainer, Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner and John Manning.

There was another gate to wire winner in the $13,000 Open II Handicap pace. Avion Seelster (Dave McNeight III) cut the fractions while Warrawee Unique (Kyle Cummings) and Little Willy (Jim Morrill Jr.) gave chase, but their efforts were futile. Avion Seelster had a 1-½ length lead at the head of the stretch and extended it to 2-¼ at the line where he won in 1:54.2.

It was two in a row for Avion Seelster ($7.20) and owner Marissa Russo. David Russo trains.

Kevin Cummings had four driving wins on Saturday while Jim Rothfuss topped all trainers with two victories during the night.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 11) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $4,230 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

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Photo of Avion Seelster courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Bombs away for I Got The Looks at Batavia Downs

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of I Got The Looks courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Completely overlooked by the betting public at 28-1, I Got The Looks put in the effort of his year and blew up the tote board in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 6).

They were three wide almost the entire first quarter as I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman), Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Dewey Arnold all argued for the lead, with the latter getting the front just past the :27.4 quarter. Once everyone settled on the pylons, positions remained unchanged until the five-eighths where I Got The Looks pulled first-over and advanced. Dewey Arnold still led at three-quarters, but I Got The Looks drew even with him in the last turn and the two trotted together to the lane. As they headed down the stretch, I Got The Looks kept inching closer to the top and finally got the lead in the shadow of the wire to win by three-quarters of a length in a season’s best,1:56.2.

It was the fourth win of the year for I Got The Looks ($58.50) who is owned by Tronolone Racing and trained by Frank Mays.

Earlier in the $13,000 Open II Handicap trot, the lone mare in the race, Gracious Triumph (Jim Morrill Jr.), made a first-over move from fifth at the half in pursuit of the front-running Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) and pulled alongside that leader in the final turn. At the top of the stretch, City Of Hope (Kevin Cummings) joined the leaders and the three charged side by side down the lane until Gracious Triumph got a slight advantage and hit the line first by a head in 1:57.2, which also gave her a new seasonal mark.

It was the third win in the last four starts for Gracious Triumph ($2.90) and owner Harry Wortzman. Shawn McDonough trains the winner.

Jim Morrill Jr. led all drivers on Friday with three wins on the card while trainer Jim Clouser Jr. topped the conditioners with two.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 7) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $3,634 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

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Photo of Gracious Triumph courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Jim McNeight Jr. wins five Wednesday at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Center Attraction courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Jim McNeight Jr. had a big night at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 4), winning five races on the card including both halves of the early double and a natural hat trick in races eight, nine and 10. The 9th race was the featured $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares where McNeight guided Center Attraction to her second top level win in her last three starts. 

Doyoukissfirstdate (Dave McNeight III) rolled to the point off the gate and reached the half unfettered in a modest :58.1 before a four-horse outer flow approached in turn three. Come Out And Play (Jim Morrill Jr.) led that charge, followed by Center Attraction while the pocket-sitting So Amazing (Kyle Cummings) continued to track inside. The top four paced in close proximity to three-quarters and into the last turn where McNeight tipped Center Attraction three-high. At the top of the stretch, Come Out And Play took the lead from Doyoukissfirstdate, but Center Attraction came hard and ran him down at the line by a neck to win in 1:55.1. 

Center Attraction ($3.00) got her sixth win of the year for trainer Robert Anderson, who co-owns the winner with Pamela Schiber. 

McNeight's other winners included Veneno (1:58, $4.60), Catch The Wave (1:58, $6.40), Bet I’m Lucky (1:55.1, $8.90) and Cheekie Baby (1:57.3, $17.20). 

McNeight is having a career year in all categories in 2023, boasting highs for wins (95), UDR (.241) and earnings ($744,125). And with his wins on Wednesday, he moved ahead of Ray Fisher Jr. into fifth place for dash wins for the current Batavia meet and now sits behind only Kevin Cummings, Jim Morrill Jr., Dave McNeight III and Kyle Cummings in that spot. 

The top trainer on Wednesday was Joe Skowyra who had three horses from his stable entered and had all three of them win. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 6) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $2,846 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

Rocknroll Runa A scorches Batavia oval in 1:51.2

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Rocknroll Runa A courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

After winning three consecutive Open paces at Yonkers over the summer, Rocknroll Runa A had been in a bit of a slump in his last four outings, only hitting the board once. That all changed at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 30) when he took advantage of a perfect trip and posted a convincing victory in the featured $15,000 Open Handicap pace. 

Larry Stalbaum led the field with Rocknroll Runa A at the quarter after completing a snappy :27.4 sprint. But Mirragon A (Jim Morrill Jr.) was not content to follow this leader and blasted to the front in turn two. Mirragon A and Rocknroll Runa A were a tight one-two to the half in :56 and by three-quarters, started to separate from the field. Halfway through the last turn, Stalbaum tipped Rocknroll Runa A from the pocket and started gaining on Mirragon A. When they straightened for home, Rocknroll Runa A exploded to the line and won handily by 2-½ lengths in 1:51.2. 

It was the eighth win of the year for Rocknroll Runa A ($7.60) and it pushed his 2023 earnings to $173,014 for Stalbaum, who owns and trains the winner.

The $13,000 Open II Handicap pace produced an equally impressive mile after Big Chic Magnet (Kyle Cummings) made a substantial class jump from his previous two outings at Northfield pay off. Cummings sat in second with Big Chic Magnet behind Ideal Artillery (James McNeight Jr.) from the start of the race until mid-stretch, where Big Chic Magnet moved into the two path and out-sprinted Ideal Artillery to the line by a length in 1:52.4. 

It was the third straight win and fourth of the year for Big Chic Magnet ($8.70) who is owned by EVM Racing and Rodney Long. David Russo was the winning trainer. 

Kyle Cummings ended the day with three driving wins, as did Drew Monti. Trainers Chris Petrelli, Tammy Cummings, Larry Stalbaum and David Russo all scored two wins apiece. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 4) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $2,143 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

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Photo of Big Chic Magnet A courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Makadushin N Cheez wires field in Batavia Open

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Makadushin N Cheez courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Makadushin N Cheez led from gate to wire to win his sixth of the year in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 29).

Kevin Cummings sent Makadushin N Cheez to the front off the gate and took the full field of nine to the quarter in an easy :29 flat, and put the opposition to sleep with an even slower :59 half. An outer flow formed through turn three but couldn’t get near the leader by three-quarters. That left Makadushin N Cheez still in command with only the pocket-sitting Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) and Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) tracking closely. At the top of the lane, Lunar Credit pulled and Mugshots Bro came up the pylons in chase, and they were joined by Joxter (Dan Daley) brushing late from far back. But none would catch Makadushin N Cheez, who won by one-half length in 1:57.3.

Makadushin N Cheez ($2.90) scored his 25th lifetime win for owners Joe D’Agostino, Molly D’Agostino, Philip Kadushin, and David Dewhurst, who also trains the winner.

In the $13,000 Open II trot, Good Boy (Ray Fisher Jr.) made a three-wide move from fourth around the breaking Grey Clouds (Dan Daley) in the last turn, caught the front-running Lepanto (Kevin Cummings) and held off the late closing Da Boogie Man (Kyle Cummings) and Gracious Triumph (Jim Morrill Jr.) to win by one-half length in 1:57.2, which was a new lifetime mark.

Mary Warriner owns Good Boy ($3.60) who is trained by Ryan Swift.

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. won three more races on Friday while John Cummings Jr., Kevin Cummings, Kyle Cummings and Ray Fisher Jr. each doubled up.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 30) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,013 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

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Photo of Good Boy courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Batavia Downs boasting record handle at current meet

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of night racing courtesy of Batavia Downs.

As the 2023 live racing season at Batavia Downs reached the halfway mark, the numbers show that bettors came out in full force, and that may lead to the track's most profitable year since Western Regional Off-Track Betting reopened the property for racing in 2002. 

Through the first 26 days of the scheduled 53-day summer/fall meet, the total handle is up 57 percent over the first 26 days of the 2022 season, with an average nightly handle of $240,438, compared to $153,229 at this point last year. And Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing, is expecting this surge to continue.

“Based on what we are seeing to this point of the meet, I believe these numbers will hold true throughout the remainder of the 2023 live season and easily eclipse the previous high-water mark (since WROTB purchased Batavia Downs) of $146,987 per night set in 2021,” said Hoover. 

“We had a very strong winter meet at the start of this year that set two daily handle records (for the WROTB era) on consecutive Wednesdays, and the momentum for our product has clearly carried over to our current meet. As a result, I expect this substantial increase in wagering dollars to continue throughout the second half of the season.”

Hoover is also quick to point out that it has been a total team effort that has resulted in this increase.

“More horses are stabled on the grounds at Batavia Downs right now than in previous years, directly resulting in more races and fuller fields that lead to more wagering opportunities. And with the Tioga Downs meet recently coming to a close, we will most likely see more ship-ins from those horsemen as well, providing an even larger pool of horses to fill all our classes. And our simulcast department has been hard at work sending our races to more outlets throughout North America, which in turn, exposes more customers to our product,” said Hoover. 

Batavia Downs is currently racing at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday right through October 28. Then the schedule changes to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday from November 1 through December 9, which is the final night of live racing for the meet.

Xenia’s Chip upsets, Morrill wins five at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Xenia’s Chip courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Overlooked by the bettors at 13-1 despite a convincing win two weeks ago in a lower class, Xenia’s Chip made a statement Wednesday night (Sept. 27) by winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs. 

Xenia’s Chip (Kevin Cummings) got away third as Imprincessgemma A (John Cummings Jr.) skated to the quarter in :28.3. Just past that station, Won Surreal Deal (Dave McNeight III) pulled first-over and made her way to second passing the half, with two mares following in the outer flow that left Xenia’s Chip locked in at the pylons.

As the race motored up the backside, Imprincessgemma A continued to own the lead but was under duress from Won Surreal Deal and the pocket-sitting Come Out And Play (Jim Morrill Jr.), who pushed her to a :27.4 third panel. The top three positions remained the same around the last turn but then Xenia’s Chip finally had room to advance and made her way to the five-path at the top of the stretch. With four horses still ahead of her, Xenia’s Chip dug deep and paced furiously to the line where she won by one-half length in 1:54.3, taking a new lifetime mark. 

It was the eighth win of the year for Xenia’s Chip ($33.00) who is owned by Keith Pinkowski and trained by Jim Graham. 

In the secondary featured $11,500 mid-level conditioned pace for female participants, the well-traveled and win-laden Doyoukissfirstdate (Dave McNeight III) took no prisoners after striking the front, controlling the pace by a gapped margin and pacing home easily by 1-½ lengths in 1:55.4 to score her 12th win of the year. Doyoukissfirstdate ($7.20) is owned by Gary Ballowe and trained by David Russo. 

The Downs second leading driver, Jim Morrill Jr., won five races on the card Wednesday. He scored with Tobin’s Diva (1:56.2, $3.60), A Black Diamond (1:55.2, $2.60), Silverhill Blaze (1:56.4, $2.80), American Jazz (1:55.3, $2.50) and Flo (1:56, $3.90). Morrill’s last three wins were a natural hat trick in races 11, 12 and 13. Morrill now has 96 wins at the current meet and trails Kevin Cummmings (105) by nine wins. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 29) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $697 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

Cummings, Nappo sweep Saturday features at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Bet Eightthirtyone courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Driver Kevin Cummings and trainer Angelo Nappo teamed up to take the top two feature races at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 23) over a speed-bearing track on a beautiful fall evening.

First in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace, Cummings got away fifth with Stranger Things while Gunslinger Hill (Drew Monti) shot to the quarter in :28.3. However Stranger Things wasted little time getting into the mix, coming first over halfway through the second turn and engaging Gunslinger Hill by the half. After trading strides up the backstretch, Cummings rocked Stranger Things to the front and crossed over at three-quarters in 1:25.3. From there, Stranger Things closed it out on his own, holding off another late bid from Gunslinger Hill and winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:54. 

After taking a new lifetime mark of 1:52.2 last week, Stranger Things ($3.60) made it two straight wins despite moving up in class for owners Kathy Schoeffel, Virginia Schoeffel, and James Reuther. 

Then in the $12,500 upper-level conditioned pace, Cummings took a similar path to victory with Bet Eightthirtyone. After getting away fifth as Remember The Beach (Dave McNeight III) commanded the fractions, Cummings tipped Bet Eightthirtyone second-over behind Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) at the half and followed his cover to three-quarters where he went three-wide around the fading Nox Vegas Bluechip. He was then kept in the three path by Mighty Santana N (Joe Chindano Jr.), who slipped out of the pocket under him. At the top of the stretch, Remember The Beach, Mighty Santana N and Bet Eightthirtyone were even and all were under heavy drives by their pilots. In deep stretch the race was down to Mighty Santana N and Bet Eightthirtyone with Bet Eightthirtyone getting the nod by one-half length in 1:54.2, tying his seasonal mark. 

Bet Eightthirtyone ($7.60) got his sixth win of the year for his owner Super Mile. 

Cummings went on to win a total of four races during the night including a natural hat trick in races nine, 10, and 11. Trainer Jim Rothfuss had a hat trick of his own to lead all conditioners on Saturday. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 27) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $365 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

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Photo of Stranger Things courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Lougazi surpasses $500,000 with Batavia feature win

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Lougazi courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

After scoring his second straight win at Batavia Downs in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot on Friday night (Sept. 22), Lougazi attained a career milestone by surpassing one-half million dollars in lifetime earnings.

Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) got away sixth while Makadushin N Cheez (Kevin Cummings) took the outside route to the lead as he passed the quarter in :28.4. Then just before the half, I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) led an outer-flow charge while Lougazi got in gear and followed. I Got The Looks pushed Makadusin N Cheez to three-quarters and that’s where Lougazi tipped three wide into the last turn. By the time they hit the top of the stretch, the three horses trotted evenly across the track, but then Lougazi kicked away in deep stretch and won by a length in 1:57.2.

It was the 57th lifetime win for Lougazi ($6.10) and it pushed his career bank to $501,366 for owner Mary Warriner. The Ryan Swift trained Lougazi has not missed the board in nine Batavia Downs starts this year, posting three wins, four seconds and two thirds to this point.

In the $13,000 Open II Handicap trot, Ricky Be Sharp (Mike Baumeister) was let go by the betting public at 28-1 and pulled a major upset after making a three-wide move at three-quarters, trotted by the race leader Worthy Of Honor (Drew Monti) and then held off the late closing Da Boogie Man (Kyle Cummings) and E Street (Jim Morrill Jr.) to win by a head in 1:57.3, tying his lifetime mark.

Ricky Be Sharp ($59.50) got his 40th career win for owner Jennifer Signor. Ron Baumeister trains the winner.

Jim Morrill Jr. led all drivers with three wins on Friday.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 22) at 6 p.m.

Free full 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.

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Photo of Ricky Be Sharp courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Louie The Lilac scores fifth straight in Batavia feature

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Louie The Lilac courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Press Release:

Louie The Lilac has been smelling like a rose at the current Batavia Downs meet and her success continued on Wednesday night (Sept. 20) after she extended her winning streak to five in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares.

Kevin Cummings pushed away the gate with Louie The Lilac and opened up a two-length advantage at the :28.3 quarter and it only got worse for the competition from there. Louie The Lilac opened up 3-½ lengths at the half and extended her lead to four as she passed three-quarters in 1:26, with the field following loosely behind her. As the race rounded the far turn, Casie’s Believer (Joe Chindano Jr.) made her way to second from mid-pack but had two lengths yet to make up. However that wasn’t going to happen on this night as Louie The Lilac cruised home first under a line drive from Cummings in 1:55.1.

It was the seventh win this year for Louie The Lilac ($2.60) and owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith trains the winner. 

Dave McNeight III had a grand slam on Wednesday, winning with Dancing Lisa (1:55.2, $8.70), Chipper Daisy (1:57.3, $4.20), Bngs Express (1:58.2, $29.60) and Ashlee’s Delight (1:55.4, $17.40). 

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in the 13th race. The combination of 9-5-2-1-7 returned $6,404.90 for a 20-cent wager. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 22) at 6 p.m. 

Free full 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.

Batavia Downs publicist elected to Harness Racing Hall of Fame

By Press Release

Press Release:

tim bojarski
Submitted photo of
Tim Bojarski.

Tim Bojarski, longtime writer, columnist, and racing publicist for Batavia Downs racetrack, has been elected to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame as a Communicator by the members of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA).

Bojarski began his contact with harness racing communications in 1986 at Batavia Downs by writing horsemen profiles and authoring a tip sheet. Since then the Akron, resident has written feature articles for renowned racing magazines Horseman And Fair World, Trot Magazine, and most notably Hoof Beats Magazine, where he is in his 23rd year of feature writing for the award-winning magazine of the United States Trotting Association.

Besides his current position with Batavia Downs, the busy Bojarski is also employed as a publicist by Plainridge Park near Boston, Massachusetts, the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Sire Stakes, the New York Sire Stakes, and the Goshen Standardbred Sales. 

Bojarski served two years as the National President of USHWA (2016 to 2017) and has been the president of the Upstate New York Chapter of USHWA since 2008. He was named USHWAN of the Year in 2007 and received the 2017 Clyde Hirt Memorial Media Award for excellence in harness racing reporting from Harness Horsemen International.

Also being inducted as a Communicator is the late Dave Brower, who worked for many years at the Meadowlands Racetrack and covered every major race in the sport, trainer Jim Campbell, owner/breeder David McDuffee, and driver Ed Lohmeyer (in the Veteran category) who will all be entering the Hall for their racing achievements.

Bojarski will be honored in two upcoming ceremonies. He will receive his first formal recognition at the Dan Patch Awards Banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment, on Feb. 25, 2024, at the Rosen Centre Resort in Orlando, Fla. The second event will be the formal induction to the Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York on July 7, 2024. 

The Longest Yard wins third Batavia Open

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of The Longest Yard courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Since coming to Batavia Downs in July, The Longest Yard has not finished worse than second in five starts, and on Saturday (Sept. 16) he grabbed his third $15,000 Open I Handicap pace win and did it in handy fashion.

Mirragon A (Ray Fisher Jr.) was headstrong off the gate and amassed a two-length lead at the quarter in :27.1 while Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Stop Action (Jim Mcneight Jr.) were struggling to keep pace and The Longest Yard (Kevin Cummings) was a distant sixth at this point. The field continued to be strung out to the half where Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) pulled first-over and The Longest Yard tagged along behind him.

Mid-way up the backstretch, Villiam succumbed to the pace as Mirragon A hit three-quarters in 1:23.3, so The Longest Yard tipped three-high and around the fading horse as he headed into the last turn and had five lengths to make up with time running out. The Longest Yard passed the pocket-sitting Nox Vegas Bluechip, took dead aim at Mirragon A and was getting closer with every stride. Four pylons into the stretch, The Longest Yard took the lead and then strode away to a two-length win in 1:52.2, which was his fastest win time at Batavia this meet.

It was the fourth win of the year for the fleet-footed The Longest Yard ($2.40) which is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith. The Longest Yard was one of three wins for Cummings on the night and also one of two for Smith.

In the undercard $12,500 upper-level conditioned pace, Fake Out (Jim Morrill Jr.) got away fourth as Bet Eightthirtyone (Kevin Cummings) strolled to the half in a mere :58. As the race passed the five-eighths, Morrill tipped Fake Out and started to roll up the rim towards the leader. Just as they entered the final bend, Fake Out drew even with Bet Eightthirtyone and the two battled to the top of the stretch. There, Fake Out dug in and bolted to a 1-½ length victory in 1:54.1, which tied his seasonal best.

It was the fourth win in the last five starts for Fake Out ($8.30) who is owned and trained by Lee Dahn.

Jim Morrill Jr. dominated the driving colony on Saturday by posting four winners during the proceedings.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 20) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $4,332 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the race 13.

Free full 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.

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Photo of Fake Out courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Lougazi wins easily in Batavia Open trot

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Lougazi courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Local trotting favorite Lougazi had an easy time of it in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 15) and chalked up his 56th lifetime win as a result. 

Ray Fisher Jr. got away fourth with Lougazi in the scratch-shortened field of five, while Credit List (Kevin Cummings) took the quintet to the quarter in :28.2. As the race passed the stands the first time, Fisher pulled Lougazi who then advanced to second before entering turn three. Heading up the backstretch, Credit List was under heavy pressure from Lougazi, who was trotting comfortably in the breeze. The pair matched strides around the last turn but when they straightened out for home, Lougazi simply trotted away under Fisher wraps while turning back a late challenge from the early breaking, yet fast-closing Makadushin N Cheez (Jim McNeight Jr.) to win by 1-¼ lengths in 1:57.3. 

On the strength of his sixth win of the year, Lougazi ($4.40) is now just shy of one-half million in lifetime earnings, showing $493,866 on his card for owner Mary Warriner. Ryan Swift is the winning trainer. 

In the $13,000 Open II Handicap, I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) got away fifth as Magic MVP (Joe Chindano Jr.) blasted off the gate and to the quarter in :28.1. As they approached the half, Yetman was already out and rolling with I Got The Looks and drew alongside the leader by three-quarters. After racing in tandem around the last turn, I Got The Looks put away Magic MVP at the top of the stretch and then held off Con Air Hall (Jim Morrill Jr.) by one-quarter length in 1:58, which was a new seasonal mark.

I Got The Looks ($15.80) is owned by Tronolone Racing and trained by Frank Mays. 

Kevin Cummings and Jim Morrill Jr. both had driving triples while Sam Smith and Shawn McDonough each had two training wins. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 16) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $3,719 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

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Photo of I Got The Looks courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Popular choices win NYSS Excelsior finals at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Dozen courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Eight $55,000 divisions went postward in the $440,000 New York Sire Stake Excelsior finals that were held at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Sept. 13) and several streaking horses were victorious again and had the support of the betting public.

The 2-year-old trotting filly Dozen (Chapter Seven-Sequin) drafted third for Tyler Buter behind the entry of Barn Dreamer (Jason Bartlett) and Barn CJ (Kevin Cummings) from the start to three-quarters where Buter tipped her and trotted towards the front. At the top of the stretch, Dozen was in full flight and bolted home to a 3-¼ length win in 1:58.2. 

It was the fifth straight win for Dozen ($2.80) who is owned by Diamond Creek Racing and trained by Marcus Melander. Diamond Creek Farm bred Dozen.  

Then the 2-year-old pacing colt Pop It (Huntsville-Pop The Tags) left hard from post one for Mark Macdonald and led the entire race. While leading by 1-½ lengths, Pop It cut quarters of :28.1, :58.1 and 1:27.4 before turning for home and holding off the pocket-sitting Spectacular Plus (Jason Bartlett) to win by one-half length in 1:56. 

That was the fourth straight win for Pop It ($2.70) and owners Schnittker Arnold, Country Club Acres, Joe Sbrocco and Ted Gewertz. Ray Schnittker trains Pop It who was bred by Kathryn Weed and Kenneth Weed.

From the sophomore class, 3-year-old pacing filly Rec Time (Huntsville-Ms Malicious) and Jason Bartlett left for position from post five and dropped in second behind Light And Tight (Jordan Stratton), then and followed that one for seven-eighths of the mile while Sweet Cheyenne (Marcus Miller) applied pressure to the leader from the outside. At the top of the stretch, the passing lane opened and Rec Time paced away down the lane to a two length win in 1:55.1, with a sharp :27.3 final panel.

Rec Time ($3.90), who set Batavia Downs track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies earlier this year, won her sixth race in only eight 2023 outings for owners D Racing Stable and Jason Osullivan. Deborah Daguet trains the filly bred by Fair Winds Farm, Mark Mullen and Steve Jones.

And then 3-year-old trotting filly Serendipity (Chapter Seven-Vida De Vie) got away fourth for Marcus Miller while Five Fish Species (Mark Macdonald) led the field. Woolco (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled first-over at the half and Miller followed with Serendipity. Halfway through the last turn, Serendipity went three-wide and then under a line drive, pulled away to a 1-¾ length victory in 1:57.1. 

It was the ninth win of the year for Serendipity ($6.00) and owners W Donovan, Jim Winske, Stephen Michaels and Joe Sbrocco. George Ducharme trains Serendipity who was bred by Joie De Vie Farm.

Jason Barltett won three Excelsior finals while Tyler Buter won two. 

Here is a look at the rest of the stake winning performances:

2-year-old pacing fillies

  • Ideal Skies (American Ideal-No Clouds Bluechip)

  • Driver – Alek Chartrand

  • Owner – United Process Control Co.

  • Trainer – Alek Chartrand

  • Breeder – Barbara Berger, Richard Carney, Farrell Carney

  • Time – 1:56.4

  • Mutuel – $6.40

2-year-old trotting colts and geldings

  • Sir Pinocchio (Met’s Hall-Lady Cromwell)

  • Driver – Jason Bartlett

  • Owner – Carolyn Atherton

  • Trainer – Ed Hart

  • Breeder – Carolyn Atherton

  • Time – 1:59

  • Mutuel – $21.40

3-year-old pacing colts and geldings

  • Boston Bound (Boston Red Rocks-Ashleyswayrhighway)

  • Driver – Jim Morrill Jr.

  • Owner – Rick Berks, Peter Blood

  • Trainer – Mike Deters

  • Breeder – Winbak Farms

  • Time – 1:55.3

  • Mutuel – $6.60

3-year-old trotting colts and geldings

  • Seven Sins (Chapter Seven-Isolde)

  • Driver – Tyler Buter

  • Owner – Pollack Racing

  • Trainer – Jeff Cullipher

  • Breeder – Crawford Farms

  • Time – 1:57.3

  • Mutuel – $7.40

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 15) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $2,142 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

Free full 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.

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Photo of Pop It courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
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Photo of Rec Time courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
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Photo of Serendipity courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

$440,000 NYSS Excelsior finals at Batavia Downs Wednesday

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Rec Time courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

A loaded 15-race card has been drawn for Wednesday night at Batavia Downs and it features the $440,000 New York Sire Stake Excelsior finals. A total of 64 state-bred Standardbreds will start in eight $55,000 Excelsior divisions and combined with seven overnight events valued at $71,500, the total purses up for grabs that night total $511,500.

All of the 3-year-old events are full of very talented horses, many of which have competed on the New York Sire Stake circuit at some point over the summer. Most from this group have already raced at Batavia this year, but none put on a more memorable performance than the pacing filly Rec Time (Huntsville-Ms Malicious).

When trainer Deborah Daguet sent Rec Time behind the gate in a $57,000 NYSS leg at Batavia on August 16, she was overlooked by the betting public at 9-1. But she turned some heads when she moved from third in the stretch to win by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:52.3 and set a new Batavia track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies. It was her first NYSS start of the year after having won four Excelsior races with two seconds in six starts. She has not raced since that start, but Rec Time has been freshened up and qualified back in preparation for this event, going 1:55.2 at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs.

Looking to set records of her own is Mark Ford’s High Fashion Star (Huntsville-High Fashion Model) who is the highest money earner in the field with $102,964 deposited on the strength of her five wins and four seconds this year. Beside the Excelsior series, High Fashion Star has also competed in the Lynch Memorial at Pocono and Empire Breeders Classic at Tioga Downs. She too just qualified at The Meadowlands in a very impressive 1:53.4 going gate to wire.

The “Glamour Division” of second year male pacers is another evenly seeded field.

Storm The Court (Huntsville-Soft Wind Hanover) has bounced between the NYSS and Excelsior races all summer for trained Mark Silva, winning once at the top level and three times in the latter. He went gate to wire in his outing at Batavia on August 8 in an impressive 3-1/4 length, 1:54.1 victory and has since paced in 1:51.4 at Tioga, getting beat only a head after cutting the mile again. He is one to watch.

That Dog Will Hunt (Huntsville-Mikayla Rose) was the one who beat Storm The Court in 1:51.4 at Tioga after benefiting from a perfect trip. However he made a uncharacteristic break at Yonkers in his last start in an overnight race and was placed as a result. It would appear the break was an anomaly and that trainer Jennifer Bongiorno will have That Dog Will Hunt ready to be a major contender here.

Stephen Crevani’s Bullville Stephano (Artiscape-Bullvillestephanie) already has a lifetime mark of 1:49 at Pocono earlier this year and just got beat a neck in 1:50.3 in an overnight there two weeks ago. He has two Excelsior wins this year including a 1:54.4 walk in the park at Batavia on August 8. There is no question that Bullville Stephano has the speed and versatility to win this race.

The 3-year-old trotting fillies are led by Woolco (Chapter Seven-Upside Hanover) who spent the better part of the summer competing in the NYSS where she won once and finished second as well and actually finished eighth in the points standings to qualify for the $225,000 NYSS finals that were held at Yonkers on Saturday (Sept. 9). However trainer Bob Krivelin opted to enter the Excelsior final instead as her three wins there saw her finish fifth in those standings.

Ron Burke had Destiny’s Darling (Chapter Seven-Moonlight Cocktail) racing in NYSS events her last three starts where she finished second and third to that top division’s leader, Royal Filly. However the bulk of her starts were in the Excelsior series over the summer and that’s where she qualified for the final. She does appear to have a class advantage as a result of her recent outings.

Serendipity (Chapter Seven-Vida De Vie) is a George Ducharme trainee who is an eight-time winner this year that includes her last start at Batavia. Serendipity hasn’t missed the board since June, hasn’t missed a check all year and should be considered a serious contender.

Looking at the second year trotting males, David Dewhurst’s City Of Hope (Met’s Hall-Doin The City) is possibly the hardest working 3-year-old in to go as he already has 23 starts this year with a very impressive 11 wins as a result. After sweeping a three race series at Saratoga, City Of Hope went on to win three Excelsior legs and bankroll $110,294 so far this year. He has been known to make an occasional break, but when he’s on his game, he is dangerous.

Looking at his rivals, trainer Ron Burke has Kennebago (E L Titan-First Class Act) coming into this final off two consecutive wins, both of which were on the front end. And Seven Over (Chapter Seven-Overpowering Lindy) is a four-time winner this year for trainer Per Engblom, the last of which was at Batavia. His 1:54 mark at Vernon is the fastest of this bunch and he did compete in the NYSS earlier this year.

Whereas the 2-year-old pacing division for both genders seems to be very evenly matched races that should provide excellent betting opportunities, the first-year trotters appear to have several horses who stand out in both races.

The 2-year-old filly trotters will have to contend with a strong entry from the Batavia-based stable of trainer Steve Pratt and the pair just happened to finish first and second for points and earnings in this division of the Excelsior series this year. Barn CJ (Crazy Wow-Fractured Dream) has won six of seven Excelsior starts with one second and earnings of $65,000. Barn Dreamer (Devious Man-HB All Our Dreams) has won four of six Excelsior starts with two seconds and earnings of $50,000. And both trotters won their last outing and that was at Batavia Downs.

The main competition and biggest challenge for the Pratt entry is Marcus Melander’s Dozen (Chapter Seven-Sequin) who comes into this final on a four race win streak, all in Excelsior action that earned the filly $44,638. Her last win was at Vernon Downs where she took a lifetime mark of 1:55.4 and the one start she did not win was a third place finish in a NYSS start at Saratoga. It’s also interesting to note that every time Dozen faced both Barn CJ and Barn Dreamer, she won.

The 2-year-old male trotters should put on quite a show with four horses peeking at the right time.

John Stark Jr.’s Tobern (Crazy Wow-Bertaux) won five in a row over the summer, including one NYSS start and an 18-length romp at Batavia on August 4. He’s the top money earner in this field with $98,650 and has been the picture of consistency all year, never missing the board in seven outings.

Dan Daley’s Fringed (Crazy Wow-Jinx Muscles) suffered through breaks and terrible draws all summer and although he seems to have gotten over his bad manners, his poor posts have continued. However, despite starting from the six and eight hole in his last two outings, he won both times convincingly and beat Tobern in both of those races.

Then there is the entry (coupled by ownership) of Woweress (Crazy Wow-Chaperess) and Barn Credit (Credit Winner-Nothing But Nice) who are both more than capable of winning. Woweress is trained by George Ducharme and in six starts has two wins including one 7-3/4 length jog in 1:58.2 at Batavia. Barn Credit is another Pratt trotter who, although somewhat camera shy with only one win, has hit the board five out of six times this year.  

Post Time for the first race on Wednesday is at 6 p.m.

Free full 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.

Gunslinger Hill, Mugshots Bro take Batavia features

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Gunslinger Hill courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

A $15,000 Open I Handicap for each gait topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 9) and both winners took new seasonal marks as a result of their efforts. 

In the feature pace, Gunslinger Hill (Drew Monti) made it two in a row after taking advantage of a perfect trip. 

Gunslinger Hill took an early lead, but soon found himself in the pocket behind Avon Seelster (Kyle Cummings) who would then battle the parked-out Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) to the half in :55.3. As the race progressed up the backstretch, Nox Vegas Bluechip began to lose touch with Avon Seelster, forcing Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) three-wide and The Longest Yard (Kevin Cummings) four-wide as they headed into turn four. Coming out of that bend, the outside horses started to fade, but Gunslinger Hill took to the passing lane and paced past Avon Seelster before holding off The Longest Yard by a length to win in 1:52.4.

It was the eighth win of the year for Gunslinger Hill ($14.60) and pushed his earnings to $68,580 for owner Ron Viele. Jeniffer Giuliani trains the winner. 

The top trot went to Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) who led at every station enroute to his victory. 

Morrill pushed Mugshots Bro off the gate and got the top as they passed the quarter in :27.4. Once settled on the point, Mugshots Bro slowed the half to :57.1 before hitting the gas and opening up a two length advantage over Special Prosecutor (Drew Monti), Lougazi (Ray FIsher Jr.) and Johnny Boy (Kevin Cummings) who were fanned three across the track from three-quarters to the top of the stretch. As they headed down the lane it became a two-horse race between Mugshots Bro and Lougazi, who was flying. Morrill and Fisher both rocked and knocked to the wire where Mugshots Bro hung on by a head in 1:57.1. 

Mugshots Bro ($6.50) got his fifth win of the year for owners Herman Niedhammer and Herman Niedhammer Jr. and trainer Rose Russo. 

Kevin Cummings had a driving hat trick while Jim Morrill Jr. and Joe Chindano Jr. both had two wins on the card. Trainers Ryan Swift and Jeniffer Giuliani also had two wins apiece during the night. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 13) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,182 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the race 15. Wednesday will also feature eight divisions of the $440,000 New York Sire Stake Excelsior finals that kick off in race two. 

Free full 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.

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Photo of Mugshots Bro courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Summer Slash dismantles top mares at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Summer Slash courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

After coming up short in her last outing, Summer Slash got back to her winning ways while imposing her will on a field of top pacing mares in the $15,000 Open I Distaff Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 6).

In a reversal of tactics, Ray Fisher Jr. sent Summer Slash to the front for the first time since April and made short work of her competition once settled. Summer Slash held a gapped avantage setting fractional times of :27.2, :57 and 1:25.3, while the pocket-sitting Skyway Venus (Joe Chindano Jr.) and the breezing Xenia’s Chip (Dave McNeight III) tried to keep pace at that station. But that turned out to be an exercise in futility as Fisher shook the lines and Summer Slash found another gear. With her tail flagged and her head held high, Summer Slash ripped around the last turn and flew down the lane to win by an easy 3-½ lengths in 1:54 flat, tying her lifetime mark.

It was the third win in her last four outings and eighth win of the year for Summer Slash ($3.20) who is owned by Ilovemyharnesshorsesummer and trained by Ryan Swift, who had three winners go postward on Wednesday.

An equally impressive performance was put in by Casie’s Believer (Joe Chindano Jr.) who jogged in the secondary featured $11,500 upper-lever condition pace for fillies and mares.

Casie’s Believer was also the commander of fractions from the start and was hard-pressed by Diamondtequilashot (Ray Fisher Jr.) from the quarter to the five-eighths. At that point, Diamondtequilashot called it a night, forcing Mcdelicacy (Kevin Cummings) to go three-wide and engage Casie’s Believer up the backstretch and into the far turn. Mcdelicacy tried her best, but it wasn’t good enough as Casie’s Believer accelerated into the straight and bolted for the line, winning by 3-½ lengths in a season’s best 1:54.4.

Casie’s Believer ($15.80) registered her 28th lifetime win for Chindano, who also owns and trains the winner.

Jim Morrill Jr. had a driving grand slam during the night with three of those winners being trained by Cory Kreiser. Two of Kreizer's trainees were longtime equine veterans who added to their lofty lifetime win totals. They were 11-year-old trotter BJ Anthony who got his 52nd career win and the 12-year-old pacer Sudden Change N who posted career win 51.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 9) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $903 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the race 13.

Free full 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.

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Photo of Casie’s Believer courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

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