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Patsville, Gotthegreenlight win NYSS at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski

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Two $57,000 divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies were on tap on Wednesday (Aug. 17) at Batavia Downs and 10 of the state's best bred female side-wheelers were on hand to compete for their share of it. 

In the first division, Patsville (Hunstville-Major Master Piece) had her own way going gate to wire in handy fashion. 

Patsville (Tyler Buter) took control of the race after Two Proud (Pat Lachance) made a break in turn one after trying to leave. With Wine N Dine Me (Jason Bartlett) and Kele Kele (Matt Kakaley) following intently, Patsville cut quarters of :28.3 and :57.4 before anyone made a forward attempt. 

Motoring up the backside, Kele Kele pulled from third and made her way to second on the outside as they were moving past three-quarters. But that challenge fell through when she made a break in the last turn. That left only Wine Me Dinner Me to catch the leader and she couldn't, as Patsville closed out the mile on top by a length in 1:53.3. 

Patsville ($9.10) boosted her earnings to $130,229 this year on the strength of her third victory for owners William C. De Long and William P. De Long. John Butenschoen trains Patsville, who was bred by Ross Bonafield. 

Later in the second split, Gotthegreenlight (American Ideal-Bet On Luck) held off a late rush to claim her fifth win in her last six starts.

Gotthegreenlight (Jason Bartlett) out-left Lee Loo (Tyler Buter), grabbed the lead and then hit the brakes to control the pace. Bartlett took the group to the quarter in :28.4 and the half in :58.1 and even then, no right lines were pulled. As they moved onto the second circuit, Gotthegreenlight had a two length lead and finally A Girl That Twirls (Jim Morrill Jr.) tipped out from third and started to advance, forcing a :28 flat third panel.

A Girl That Twirls continued to pace on and looped Lee Loo before the turn and then dropped back in second, right on Gotthegreenlight's back. As they were heading into the home stretch, A Girl That Twirls came back out and paced up alongside Gotthegreenlight, who appeared to be tiring. And although she was just about even with her, Gotthegreenlight had enough left to turn back A Girl That Twirls at the wire to win by one-quarter length in 1:53.2.

Gotthegreenlight ($2.20) has now amassed $208,131 this year for owners Patricia Stable and Kovach Stable. Nifty Norman trains the filly that was bred by Stephen P. Day.  

Bartlett ended the night with two wins on the card.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 20) at  6:00 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab. 

Photo by Wendy Lowery

Gotthegreenlight looks formidable in NYSS at Batavia Wednesda

By Tim Bojarski

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The New York Sire Stakes returns to Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 17) with $114,000 in prize money to be split up in two five horse, $57,000 divisions for 3-year-old pacing fillies and Gotthegreenlight comes in hot and looking for her share. 

Gotthegreenlight (American Ideal-Bet On Luck) was the 2-year-old champion of her NYSS division last year and has come back just as good at three. With five wins in only eight starts in 2022, Gotthegreenlight is currently the second highest earning 3-year-old pacing filly in North America behind only Treacherous Dragon. She is the top NYSS earner ($136,660) and points-leader (208) in her category and is as versatile filly as you could find.

She has won on all-size tracks both on the front and from behind, and ran off four straight wins in stakes action before getting beat by only 3-¼ lengths in a 1:49.3 mile after being parked to three-quarters in 1:21.3 in the Shady Daisy at the Meadowlands on Hambletonian Day. Besides already equalling her own career mark of 1:51 this year, Gotthegreenlight also broke the 9-year-old Yonkers track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies with her 1:51.3 effort on July 12. She may do the same on Wednesday to the 11-year-old Batavia standard of 1:52.4 set by New Album in 2011. 

Gotthegreenlight has her regular pilot Jason Bartlett in the bike for trainer Nifty Norman and has drawn post five.

Charged with the task of beating the more than certain post time favorite is A Girl That Twirls (American Ideal-Heels On The Beach) who had been racing very well until last week. After reeling off three stakes wins in May and June, A Girl That Twirls was off almost a month but then finished second in NYSS action at Tioga Downs timed in 1:51.3. However last week she made an uncharacteristic break in the first turn at Saratoga and finished distanced as a result. Assuming that was an aberration, post two and Jim Morrill Jr. driving gives A Girl That Twirls the best shot for the upset here for trainer Deborah Daguet.

Lee Loo (Huntsville-Taiya Hanover) is winless in NYSS action this year but has shown ability and speed in winning miles of 1:50.2 in a qualifier and 1:51.2 in an overnight at the Meadowlands. However her best work has not been over a half mile track. Driver Tyler Buter will try to change that for trainer Tony Alagna from post four. 

The other division is a very much wide open event with three fillies that can be considered very closely rated.

Kele Kele (So Surreal-Lightning D Dube) is the second highest money ($113,119) and points (161) earner behind Gotthegreenlight in NYSS action and has been on the board 11 of 11 starts this year. Her two NYSS wins both came over half mile tracks including her lifetime best outing of 1:53.1 at Monticello. Matt Kakaley is back in the bike for trainer John McDermott and will leave from post four. 

Patsville (Huntsville-Major Master Piece) took a lifetime mark of 1:50.2 at Hoosier Park prior to starting in the NYSS this year and hasn’t missed a check in the series since. That has her listed third for earnings ($84,169) in her division despite only having one win. She was recently race timed in 1:51.1 at Tioga Downs in a third place finish and must be considered a player starting from the pylons. Trainer John Butenschoen has Tyler Buter up once again. 

Two Proud (American Ideal-Double Creme) comes into this race with only six lifetime starts, three of which were this year. She has shown much improvement in her two NYSS outings with a 1:51.4 fourth place finish at Tioga followed by a 1:54 second place finish at Saratoga, both with :27 and change final quarters. Two Proud is moving in the right direction and with starting from the middle of this five horse field, she should be in play for the win. Pat Lachance will team for trainer Jeffrey Smith.  

The NYSS races are carded as four and seven. There are also two $15,000 Excel “A” series events that will go as race five and eight. Post time for race one on Wednesday is 6 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Fotowon

Sanchez Rocks rolls to victory in Batavia Downs Open

By Tim Bojarski

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Taking full advantage of post one and a perfect trip, Sanchez Rocks posted his second win in his last three starts at Batavia Downs in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 14). 

Sanchez Rocks (Drew Monti) yielded the front to Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) off the gate and then followed him to the top of the stretch. With no pressure from the field, Lunar Credit set tepid fractions of :29.1, :59.4 and 1:29.3 to three-quarters, where he and Sanchez Rocks started to separate from the field. Coming off the last turn, Sanchez Rocks tipped out and trotted alongside Lunar Credit, who dug in and tried to close out his effort. However Sanchez Rocks was in full stride and under minimal urging, trotted past Lunar Credit at the line by a head to win in 1:58.2. 

In what is turning into a career year for the winner, Sanchez Rocks scored his sixth win of 2022 and that boosted his bank to $52,947 for his owner Marie Houghtaling. Ron Houghtaling trains the trotter. 

Monti finished his card with a hat trick to lead all drivers on Sunday. 

The fastest trot of the day came in a $9,500 mid-level condition event where C R Blazin Beauty (Dave McNeight III) dropped down from Open II company, drew pylon position and scorched the track in gate to wire fashion with a 1:57.1 effort that gave the 1-9 shot a new seasonal mark. C R Blazin Beauty ($2.10) is owned by Marissa Russo and trained by David Russo. 

McNeight III and Russo both registered doubles on the card in their respective categories.  

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 was hit in race 11 and the single unique ticket sold on the combination of 1-7-2-8-5 returned $2107.30 for the 20-cent wager. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 17) at  6:00 p.m. THe New York Sire Stakes will be in town featuring two fields of 3-year-old pacing fillies going for a total of $114,000. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photo by Wendy J. Lowery

My Money Honey, Surfer Beach take Batavia features

By Tim Bojarski

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Two Open paces totalling $27,500 in purses highlighted the card at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 13) and both races provided exciting finishes.

In the $14,000 Open II Handicap, My Money Honey (Kyle Cummings) got away third behind Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) and both sat the trip behind Next Big Thing (Keith Kash Jr.) while he set fractions of :28.2, :58 and 1:25.4 to three-quarters while amassing a comfortable two length lead heading into the final bend. In that turn, Flying Finn N (Shawn McDonough) and Stranger Things (Kevin Cummings) were moving on the outside and that left My Money Honey locked in fifth on the pegs at the top of the stretch. But as the passing lane opened up at the top of the stretch, Art Scene ducked into it and left just enough room for My Money Honey to get between him and the pylons and My Money Honey had the best foot to the line and won by a neck in 1:54.4.

The second win in a row and sixth of the year by My Money Honey ($19.60) pushed his 2022 earnings to $60,734 for the benefit of his owner Kyle Cummings. Tammy Cummings trains the winner.

Then in the $13,500 Open II Handicap, Surfer Beach (Jim Morrill Jr.) left from eighth and dropped in fourth while Daylight Rush (Dave McNeight III) went to the front and took the field to the half in :56.4. It was there that Surfer Beach was first out and rolling up towards the leader in turn three and he continued to cut into the lead heading to the three-quarter pole. By the time they came out of the far turn, Surfer Beach and Daylight Rush were next to each other and as both drivers rocked and knocked down the stretch, Surfer Beach got the advantage and held off a late charging Blue Spanx (Keith Kash Jr.) to win by a neck in 1:53.4. 

It was the third win of the year for Surfer Beach ($4.80) who is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice was the winning trainer. 

Several horsemen had big performances on Saturday. Driver Kevin Cummings had a natural hat trick in races two through four while Kyle Cummings also had a hat trick that included the longest paying horse of the night, Lanas Desire ($106.50). That horse was trained by Jim Clouser Jr. who had two conditioning wins and he was joined by Dave Russo and Darrin Monti.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 14) there will be a $1,519 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 wager in race 11. Post time for the first race is 1:15 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photo by: Wendy J. Lowery

Vivians Dream shines in NYSS at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski

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A total of $104,000 was up for grabs for the 10 participating 2-year-old pacing fillies who were on hand for the New York Sire Stakes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (Aug. 10).

The $ 52,500-second division was scratched down to a field of five and Vivians Dream (American Ideal-Sports Chic) put on quite a show. 

Vivians Dream (Jordan Stratton) left sharply and grabbed the lead as soon as the gate closed. With Hunting Season (Mark Macdonald) and Rock My Socks (Jason Bartlett) following loosely in second and third, Stratton snugged up Vivians Dream and got away with a very pedestrian :59 half and that strategy ended up paying big dividends.

When the race made its way onto the second circuit, the pace picked up substantially and Vivians Dream was starting to separate from the field. She got to three-quarters in 1:26.4, rounded the last turn and opened up by 3-1/4 lengths at the top of the stretch. From there she blazed home in :27.1 to win easily in 1:54.

It was the fifth win in only six lifetime starts for Vivians Dream ($2.50) and owner Forrest Bartlett. Cory Mumford trains the winner. Vivians Dream was bred at Winbak Farm. 

Jordan Stratton ended the night with three driving wins. 

In the first $51,500 division, Dame (Dude's The Man-Seat By The Window) made every station a winning one en route to a new lifetime mark. 

Luke Hanners held position with Dame from post one and became the commander of fractions after the post time favorite Doing Marvelous (Jordan Stratton) made a break trying for the front. Dame set intervals of :28, :57.4 and 1:27 with no opposition from the single file field in tow. At the top of the lane Dame was under a line drive and cruised home to a 2-¼ length win in a career-best time of 1:55.2. 

Dame ($7.40) was bred and is owned by Stephen Richard and is trained by Kelly Hastings. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 13) there will be a $1,405 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 wager in race 13. Post time for the first race is 6:00 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photos courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery

Dewey Arnold sets track record; Cummings wins five at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski

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After coming up a mere neck short of victory in the top class at Batavia Downs last week, Dewey Arnold bounced back and made sure that didn’t happen again with a decisive gate-to-wire romp in track record time in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot on Sunday (Aug. 7). Driven by Kevin Cummings, Dewey Arnold was only one of five winners guided to victory by the red hot reinsman during the afternoon. 

Cummings bolted to the lead with Dewey Arnold and maintained a three-length advantage over Keystone Apache (Jim Morrill Jr.) to the quarter in :28.3 and the half in :57.4. Keystone Apache closed the gap slightly as they straightened out for the backside dash, but Dewey Arnold heard hoofprints and trotted on, opening up four lengths at three-quarters in 1:26.1. As they headed into the final bend the field had taken a knee and Dewey Arnold was on his own. He straightened out for the line and trotted home under wraps to a 4-½ length victory in 1:55.1. 

The time of 1:55.1 was a new Batavia Downs track record for aged trotting geldings, supplanting the 1:55.2 previously registered by Lutetium in 2015. Trained by David Dewhurst, this is the second trainee of his to set a track record at Batavia over this past year after the Open pacing mare Racine Bell scorched the Downs oval in 1:51.3 on August 4, 2021, setting a new standard for aged distaff side-wheelers. That clocking was also the second fastest pacing mile of all time at Batavia, behind only Aracache Hanover’s 1:51.1 set in 2011.

A 12-time winner of $257,745 in purses last year as a 3-year-old star of the New York Sire Stake circuit, Dewey Arnold ($4.10) has come back at four to be a top Open class trotter with now seven wins and $74,575 earned this year for owners Philip Hale and David Dewhurst. 

Along with the feature, the Cummings quintuple was completed by wins with Freaky Flyer (1:59, $3.00), Alexander Hanover (2:01.4, $4.00), Ideal Longshot (1:57.2, $29.40) and Best Brew (1:56.1, $2.20). 

The undercard $14,000 Open II Handicap trot went much like the headliner as Lunar Credit led at every station to score an upset in his first win of the Batavia meet. 

Jimmy McNeight Jr. went right to the front as All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) tucked and followed in the pocket. With a weak, early outside challenge from Art Of Duty (Mike Baumeister), Lunar Credit proceeded through workman-like fractions of :28.4, :58.1 and 1:27.1 and had a good three-length advantage heading into the last turn. McNeight then line-drove Lunar Credit down the lane and held off late charges by the tripped-out All About Thechase and a fast closing C R Blazin Beauty (Dave McNeight III) to win by 1-¾ lengths in a season’s best 1:57.1. 

It was the second win in only six starts this year for Lunar Credit ($29.20) who is owned by his driver and trained by Jim McNeight. 

Jimmy McNeight Jr. also had a big day in the bike, scoring the hat trick on Sunday. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 10) with post time at 6:00 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photo courtesy of Wendy J Lowery

Morrill wins six; Stop Action wins again at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski

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Just in case anyone was wondering, Jim Morrill Jr. made it perfectly clear why he is the leading driver at Batavia Downs after putting on a clinic in the sulky Saturday night (Aug. 6). Morrill won six of the 13 races on the card while finishing second and third twice each as well, to end the night with a stellar .648 universal driver rating. 

Morrill won both halves of the Daily Double with Amrcanbootscoota A (1:55.2, $2.30) and Finkle Is Einhorn (1:56.2, $13.00), then continued with Ohio Prince (1:55.1, $5.00) and finished his run with a natural hat trick in races 10, 11 and 12 with Drunkonaplane (1:54.2, $4.10), Harry Hoo N (1:56.2, $8.60) and Bali Beach (1:56.3, $3.50).

The win with Drunkonaplane came in the $14,000 Open II Handicap pace where Morrill sent his charge down the road in fractions of :26.3, :56.1 and 1:24.4. Off the turn he sprinted for home and closed out the deal by a length ahead of a wall of five horses to claim Drunkonaplane's seventh win of the year. Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Raing own the Maria Rice-trained gelding. 

The one race Morrill didn’t win was the featured $15,000 Open I Handicap pace which went to Stop Action, who scored his second straight top class victory of the Batavia meet. 

Stop Action (Kevin Cummings) got away last as Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) went for the lead and was pushed three deep around the first turn heading to the quarter in :26.3. As soon as he settled, Just Plain Loco (Dave McNeight III) pulled first-over from fourth and took the lead from Art Scene in front of the stands. But immediately after he crossed over, Ideal Artillery (Drew Monti) was advancing on the outside towards the leader and there was still a half to go. 

Just Plain Loco maintained a length advantage over Art Scene and Ideal Artillery heading up the backstretch and to three-quarters in 1:24.1. At that station, Stop Action was still fifth, but Cummings was revving him up. As the race proceeded into the last turn, Stop Action was tipped three-wide but still three lengths off the lead at the top of the stretch. Cummings kept him highly motivated heading down the lane and Stop Action flew by everyone to win by ½ length in 1:53.2. 

It was the 10th win of the year for Stop Action ($8.10) who has now earned $89,581 in 2022 for owner Super Mile. Angelo Nappo trains the winner.

Kevin Cummings ended the night with a hat trick in the bike and trainer Shawn McDonough also claimed three wins for his stable. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 7) with post time at 1:15 p.m. Sunday features $2 Sahlen hot dogs, 12-ounce draft beer and soft drinks, all available at the Homestretch Grill from 12 noon until 4 p.m. Also there is a carry-over of $857 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 wager in the last race on Sunday. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photo courtesy of Wendy J Lowery

Human Cocktail sets Batavia track record in NYSS action

By Tim Bojarski

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The New York Sire Stakes made their third visit to Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 3) and featured the 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings who competed for a total of $107,000 in purses. The highlight of the night was when Human Cocktail (Huntsville-Losta Matzah) rallied late to win the second $53,500 division in 1:53.3 and set a new Batavia Downs track record for 2-year-old pacing colts.

Kid From The Bronx (Mark Macdonald) left hard and led by a gapped three length margin through panels of :27.1 and :55.3 with Human Cocktail (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Its A Me Mario (Jason Bartlett) trying to keep pace. Moving past five-eighths Its A Me Mario came with a rush and took the lead from Kid From The Bronx at three-quarters but the race was far from won.

Around the last turn Kid From The Bronx fought back and as the two were stacked up, forced Human Cocktail to go three-wide heading into the stretch. As Kid From The Bronx and Its A Me Mario began to tire, Human Cocktail rolled past them both in the middle of the track and pulled away to a ½ length victory over the fast closing Thunder Hunter Joe (Austin Siegleman) in 1:53.3, which was also a new lifetime mark. 

After moving up from Excel "A" action, it was the first NYSS win for Human Cocktail ($3.90) and owner Stephen Demeter also bred the winner along with Blue Chip Bloodstock and Daniel Zucker. Gareth Dowse trains the colt. 

Earlier there was a major upset in the first $53,500 split as Huntinthelastdolar (Huntsville-Eighthunrddolarbill) upended the 1-9 favorite American Fling with a strong stretch finish.

American Fling (Jason Bartlett) went right to the front while Huntinthelastdolar (Doug McNair) settled in second for a perfect trip. American Fling went :27.4 and :58.3 on top by three lengths at the half where Johnny Sack (Mark Macdonald) pulled first-over and tried to move into contention.

With the added pressure from the outside American Fling sped up the third panel and Huntinthelastdolar started gapping in the hole, but that all changed again in the last turn. Johnny Sack began to fade and Huntinthelastdolar was tight again on American Fling's back. When the passing lane opened, McNair dipped into it with Huntinthelastdolar and paced away from the tiring American Fling to win by 1-½ lengths in a lifetime best 1:55 1.

It was the first lifetime start and NYSS victory by Huntinthelastdolar ($19.20) for his owners Steve Heinbacker and Gregg McNair, who also trains the colt. Crawford Farms bred  Huntinthelastdolar. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 6) with post time at 6:00 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photo courtesy of Wendy J Lowery

American Fling headlines NYSS action at Batavia Downs

By Tim Bojarski

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$107,000 is the targeted prize for 14 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings when the New York Sire Stakes makes its third stop of the year at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Aug. 3) and American Fling comes in undefeated in this series and is entered in the first of two $53,500 divisions. 

American Fling (American Ideal-Feeling You) is currently the second richest 2-year-old pacing male in North America and is a perfect four-for-four in the NYSS. And he is only a nose away from being undefeated for the year as he finished second in his only non-winning start. He took a lifetime mark of 1:53.1 in NYSS action at Tioga Downs in June and followed that up by setting a new track record of 1:55.1 for age, gait and gender at Buffalo Raceway in July. Given his 1:53.2 victory at Saratoga last week, the Batavia Downs track record of 1:52.4 for a 2-year-old pacing gelding is not out of reach.

Jason Bartlett will drive for trainer Ed Hart, starting from post two. 

Looking to  prevent a fifth straight win by the probable favorite is Johnny Sack (American Ideal-Worldly Treasure) who is winless this year but not for lack of performance. In his last two out of three starts he cut the mile and just got caught to finish second twice in NYSS action while also finishing third at the Meadowlands in an overnight race, timed in 1:51.1.

Also Bandito Joe (Roll With Joe- Blind Faith) has good gate speed and an inside post, giving him a great chance to position himself strategically for this contest. His lifetime mark of 1:54.4 at Yonkers and speedy :27.4 last quarter last week at Saratoga shows he is capable of upsetting in this race. 

Mark Macdonald will drive Johnny Sack from post five for trainer Ray Schnittker and Austin Siegleman will team Bandito Joe from post three for trainer Travis Alexander. 

In the second $53,500 split, Its A Me Mario (American Ideal-NF Salsa) has made four straight NYSS starts, finishing second in three of them. All three times were against American Fling who is in the other division Wednesday. Last week It's A Me Mario drew post seven and chased a fast last half, and still was only beaten 2-¼ lengths for the win. With an inside draw here and his recent nemesis absent from the field, this looks like a good spot for him to grab his first win of the year. 

Lauren Tritton drives for trainer Shane Tritton from post two. 

Human Cocktail (Huntsville-Lotsa Matzah) likes to be near the front and brings his best game on the point. With a post one start here and coming off his fastest race time to date, it would appear that despite moving up from Excel “A” competition he will dictate the pace and be the one to catch coming home. 

Also Ben Solo (Huntsville-Leah) won his last start which was in NYSS competition in 1:55 at Saratoga Raceway with a snappy :27.2 final quarter. He likes to come from off the pace and with a lot of early speed inside him, will get the opportunity to finish strong again. 

Jim Morrill Jr. will drive Human Cocktail for trainer Gareth Dowse and leave from post one while Jason Bartlett will steer Ben Solo for trainer Steven Finkelstein from post five. 

There are also two $15,000 Excel “A” series events carded as race four and eight. Post time for race one on Wednesday is 6 p.m.

Photo of American Fling lifetime mark courtesy of Fred Brown 

Keystone Apache takes second straight Batavia Open

By Tim Bojarski

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Since shipping in from Kentucky, Keystone Apache has been formidable competition for the western New York regulars and he flexed his muscle for the second week in a row winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Sunday afternoon (July 31).

Jim Morrill Jr. left sharply with Keystone Apache and settled on the lead. After they posted a conservative :59.1 half, Dewey Arnold (Kevin Cummings) came first-over and tried to advance in the breeze. Morrill picked up the tempo and the :28.1 third quarter temporarily thwarted Dewey Arnold's advance. But Cummings regrouped his charge around the last turn and made another rush for the front in the homestretch. Dewey Arnold tried hard, but Keystone Apache would not relent and hung on to win by a neck at the light in 1:56.3. 

On the strength of his sixth victory of the year, Keystone Apache ($5.00) boosted his earnings to $85,434 for owners Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Team Rice Racing. Maria Rice trains the winner.  

Earlier in the undercard $14,000 Open II Handicap trot, Sanchez Rocks (Drew Monti) got away fourth while All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) cut fractions of :29.2 and 1:00.4 to the half. Monti was out and moving with Sanchez Rocks at that point and made his way to third by the top of the stretch. From there he caught All About Thechase and held off a charge by Frank's Watching (Ray Fisher Jr.) to win by ¼ length in 2:00.2.

Sanchez Rocks ($17.40) scored his 20th career win for owner Marie Houghtaling and trainer by Ron Houghtaling. 

Monti ended the day with a driving triple, as did Kyle Cummings, while 12 different trainers claimed single wins during the afternoon. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 3) with post time at 6:00 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photos courtesy of Wendy J Lowery

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Seven Hundred, JD win NYSS splits at Batavia Downs

By Tim Bojarski

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The "Glamour Division" of the New York Sire Stakes was well represented on Wednesday night (July 27) at Batavia Downs as 14 top 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings bred in the Empire State lined up in two $59,200 contests.

In the first division, Seven Hundred (Hunstville-Exclamation) took advantage of a perfect trip to score his second NYSS victory.

Twin B Deluxe (Jason Bartlett) went right for the lead while Seven Hundred (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Bounty Hunter (Jordan Stratton) tucked in behind for the journey. The horses remained in single file behind Twin B Deluxe through fractions of :27.3, :57.4 and 1:24.2 before rounding the final turn for home. It was there that Seven Hundred left the pocket, bolted past the tiring leader and held off a fast closing Roll With The Flow (Mark Macdonald) to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.4.

Seven Hundred ($9.70) is owned by Rick Berks and is trained by Jake Leamon. Blue Chip Bloodstock and Our Horses Sense Stable bred the winner. 

Morrill ended the night with a total of four driving victories. 

The second division saw NYSS 2-year-old champion JD (So Surreal-Park N Orchard) look like he's ready to defend that title as he went gate to wire in victory.

Mark Macdonald left like a shot for the lead with JD while the heavily favored Pleaseletmeknow (Braxton Boyd) also left from seventh and dropped in third. With everyone seated, Macdonald grabbed leather and backed down the second quarter to :29.4, forcing Pleaseletmeknow to come first up just past the three-eighths. The two hooked up in turn three and matched strides in :27.2 to three-quarters, and then to the top of the stretch. But there, JD forged ahead and separated by 2-¾ lengths at the line and won in 1:52.4. 

It was the third win in a row for JD ($5.40) who is owned by his trainer Ray Schnittker along with George Zitone and Melissa Beckwith. Zitone also bred the pacer. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (July 30) with post time at 6:00 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photos courtesy of Wendy J Lowery

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Pleaseletmeknow at Batavia Downs Wednesday for NYSS tilt

By Tim Bojarski

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The New York Sire Stakes make their second visit to Batavia Downs on Wednesday (July 27) when 14 of the best state-bred 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings will be on hand to claim their share of $118,400 in purses that will be distributed in two $59,200 divisions.

Among the group is Pleaseletmeknow (American Ideal-I Said Please) who is not only one of the best in the state, but also in North America. 

Pleaseletmeknow is currently the third richest 3-year-old pacing male in North America sitting behind only Meadowlands Pace winner Beach Glass and North America Cup winner Pebble Beach. The bulk of his $266,927 2022 bankroll came through winning a major engagement of his own, the $261,730 Messenger Stake at Yonkers Raceway on July 1 where he pulled first-over from fourth and rallied to a three-quarter length, 1:51.3 lifetime best victory.

Pleaseletmeknow has six wins in eight starts this year with two seconds. He has won three divisions of the NYSS that includes his last outing at Monticello Raceway where he was the heavy 1-9 favorite and romped in 1:53.2 by 2-½ lengths. He is the current points (175) and earnings ($96,788) leader in his division of the state series and comes into Genesee County at the top of his game. The track record for 3-year-old pacing geldings at Batavia Downs is 1:52.2 and that is certainly not out of reach here.

Trainer Travis Alexander has regular driver Matt Kakaley up and they will start from post seven for this contest.

Looking to stand in his way are JD and Forrest Blu who both come in looking very sharp as well.

JD (So Surreal-Park N Orchard) was the 2-year-old NYSS champion in 2021 and has not missed the board in four NYSS outings this year with two thirds, one second and a win in his last start at Monticello in 1:54.3. That was his second consecutive victory as he also won the week before that in an Excel A race at Goshen Historic on July 3 in an all-time track record-breaking performance of 1:52, that also gave him a new lifetime mark.

Western New York native Ray Schnittker trains JD and he has his regular pilot Mark MacDonald aboard and they have drawn post six. 

Forrest Blu (Roll With Joe-Lima Fairest) was a neck short of being the NYSS 2-year-old champion last year after cutting the mile himself and getting beaten by JD. This year he has had only one NYSS start before being injured and scratched out of his second. After a month off he qualified back very aggressively at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono where he cut the mile in 1:53 flat, last half in :55.2 and last quarter in :27.4. Off that performance it appears he is ready to roll. 

Tyler Buter will again drive for trainer John Butenschoen from the inside post two.

The other division features Bounty Hunter (Huntsville-Stonebridge Sundae) who comes in a neck and a nose short of three straight wins.

After going winless in 2021, Bounty Hunter already has two victories this year. And in his last three starts that were all in NYSS action, he was second by a neck in Buffalo, second by a nose in Saratoga and was a winner at Vernon Downs in a lifetime best 1:52.2 where he beat JD. After he was given a one month summer break, Bounty Hunter qualified back and finished second at Harrah’s Philly in 1:54, last half in :56.1 and last quarter in :27.4.  

Jordan Stratton makes the trip to Batavia to drive Bounty Hunter for trainer Robert Cleary who has drawn post two.

Twin B Deluxe (American Ideal-JK Isn’tshelovely) has five wins and eight board hits in 10 starts coming in but only one is in NYSS action. That came at Saratoga on June 12 when he won in a lifetime-best 1:53. The gelding has shown much versatility by both leaving and racing off a helmet and with starting from mid-pack in here, that will be a big advantage for him.

Jason Bartlett drives for trainer Andrew Harris and has post four.

Stretch The Line (Huntsville-Jessalilmixup) has yet to win in 2022 but it’s not because he doesn’t know how. Last year he won five times and earlier this year it appears he was hampered with a breaking problem. But in his last four starts he has minded his manners we'll and finished second once - race timed in 1:52.1 - and third three straight times since. If he keeps improving that first “W” is within reach here.

Marcus Miller will steer for Erv Miller from post five.

The two NYSS events will go as race four and seven. There are also two $15,000 Excel “A” series races that are in races five and eight. Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 6 p.m.

Photos by Geri Schwarz

Just Plain Loco goes crazy mile in Batavia feature

By Tim Bojarski

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Questionably overlooked by the betting public, Just Plain Loco just plain ran away with the race and scored an impressive 3-¾ length victory in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (July 23) over the speedy oval on a hot summer night. 

Just Plain Loco (Dave McNeight III) shot right to the front and took a gapped length advantage to the quarter in a quick :27.1, forcing the 1-5 Surfer Beach (Jim Morrill Jr.) to seat third. After getting to the half in a softer :56.3, Just Plain Loco started pulling away from the pocket-sitting Stop Action (Shawn McDonough) and the rest of the field that was trying to keep up. But try as they might, they couldn’t as Just Plain Loco turned on the jets and scooted away to a 3-½ length advantage at the top of the stretch and as McNeight glanced back at the trailers, Just Plain Loco cruised home with the easiest of victories in 1:53 flat, tying his seasonal mark. 

Winning his fourth Open pace in the span of the last five weeks, Just Plain Loco ($11.80) pushed his bank to $62,270 this year for owners Paul Lang and Mark Toth. Jeniffer Giuliani trains the winner. 

McNeight finished the night with the hat trick in the bike. 

In the $14,000 Open II Handicap pace, McSpidey also went gate to wire and matched his best time of the year as well.

Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) crossed over to the front just past the eighth pole, but Kyle Cummings immediately pulled McSpidey from third, bolted to the lead and never looked back. After setting fractions of :28.1, :57.3 and 1:26 with Art Scene on his back and the rest of the field a few lengths behind, McSpidey turned for home and held off a late brush from the pocket-sitter to win by ¾ of a length in 1:54.2. 

McSpidey ($6.50) got his sixth win of the year for owner William Emmons and trainer Jim Clouser Jr. 

Cummings and Clouser also hooked up to win with Lanas Desire (1:57, $19.60), giving each a double for the night.  

Then in the $13,000 Open III Stratosphere got a perfect trip and pounced late to score. 

Stratosphere (Drew Monti) got away second behind Sunfirewindrain (Jim McNeight Jr.) who paced to the quarter in pedestrian :29.1. Shortly after that station Three Dragons (Dave McNeight III) tipped from third and was intent on pushing the pace. That move quickly failed as Sunfirewindrain sped up and Three Dragons could not step with the :27.1 third panel. As they rolled into the turn, Stratosphere was now on Sunfirewindrain’s back and was waiting for the word “go” from Monti. That call came from the top of the stretch and Stratosphere swelled up in the lane, pulling away to an easy 2-½ length victory in 1:55.1. 

It was the third win of the year for Stratosphere ($7.30) who is owned by his driver and trained by Darrin Monti. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (July 24) with post time at 1:15 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photos by Wendy J Lowery.
Top photo: Just Plain Loco

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Full house for Batavia Downs' 2022 opening

By Press Release

Press release:

Opening night at Batavia Downs was the scene of a crowded clubhouse, an apron full of fans and a visit from the New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old trotting fillies who competed for a total of $105,600 in purses, divided between three $32,500 divisions. 

The first of those divisions saw Last Page First (Chapter Seven-Kelsy's Keepsake) take the lead and never look back.

Driver Bob McClure took control of the race before the quarter and marched his filly confidently on the point. With no challenges to speak of, Last Page First set splits of :29.3, 1:00 and 1:30 with only All The Rage (Ake Svansted) making a run into second. Down the lane Last Page First was on cruise and finished the deal by 3-¾ lengths in 2:00.1.

It was the first-lifetime win in her first-lifetime start for Last Page First ($14.40). Luc Blais trains for Determination. Tara Hills Stud and David Heffering bred the winner.

In the second split, Mari (Crazy Wow-Kaska) scored the upset after several breakers changed the complexion of the race. 

My Belfast Angel (Tyler Buter) took the lead and the heavily favored Canterbury Hanover (Brian Sears) was positioned to claim that spot but made a break before the quarter. That left U Gurl (Marcus Miller) in the pocket and Mari (Drew Monti) drafting third. My Belfast Angel continued to lead to the half when U Gurl made a break heading towards three-quarters. When that happened, Monti pulled Mari, took the lead and never looked back. She turned for home and trotted away by 2-¾ lengths in 2:00.

It was also the first-lifetime win for Mari ($26.20) and owner Jason Shaw. Amanda Shaw trains the winner who was bred by Annette Roydon.

Monti had the hot hand Wednesday as he also won a NYSS Excel A, Excel B and two overnights to end with five driving wins for the evening.

The third division went to Kayleigh S (Chapter Seven-Pasithea Face S) who won handily in gate to wire fashion. 

By the time the race hit the first turn, four horses broke, leaving Kayleigh S (Brian Sears) with the lead and only Metro Matty (Drew Monti) to contend with. After setting soft fractions of :30.3 and 1:02 to the half, J Wow (Jim Marohn Jr.) and Woolco (Tyler Buter) both had caught the field and were still in the mix. Sears kept the third quarter tame again in :30.2 but let his filly loose after that. Kayleigh S opened up three lengths around the final turn and was wrapped up trotting home in a swift :29.1 to win in 2:01.3.

Kayleigh S ($2.90) remained undefeated lifetime after scoring her second straight win for owner Courant and trainer Marcus Melander. Am Bloodstock was the breeder.

The New Sire Stakes will return to Batavia Downs on Wednesday (July 27) when the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings will compete for a total of $103,000 in purses. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (July 23) with post time at 6 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photos: 76th season of racing opens at Batavia Downs

By Steve Ognibene

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The 76th year of racing at Batavia Downs kicked off last evening with a great turnout.  A total of 14 races of which 12 betting and 2 non betting was enjoyed by a great crowd. 

Jim Mulcahy, horseman representative who grooms trainers and drivers has been at the track for 50 plus years helping organize each night of racing.  There were 3 divisions and the majority were 2-year-old trotting phillies, New York sire stake races.

Wayne Teaven is the new track announcer who also announces in Buffalo too.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Video: Meet Don Hoover, director of live racing and race secretary at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens
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Don Hoover, who grew up in North Tonawanda, took an interest in harness racing while attending Schenectady Union College near Saratoga Springs.

Before long, he was a horse owner and saw some success after college, so he quit his job at a bank so that he could train and drive his own horses.  After a few years, he moved into management at harness tracks, then spent some time with his own horses again before being offered the job as live racing director and racing secretary in February at Batavia Downs.

Hoover said he's very pleased he received the job offer, and happy that he accepted it. Batavia Downs is a special place, he said.

"Since I left Saratoga, and before I came to Batavia, I had the opportunity to race at every single racetrack in New York State," Hoover said. "Quite honestly, Batavia has the best overall facility of any of the tracks in New York State. They've redone the clubhouse. The clubhouse is great. Some of the tracks don't even open their clubhouses any more. Actually, the majority of them don't, or their clubhouses are open on a very limited basis.

"The track surface here was always a place that I liked to come race. It's always in great shape. Just the overall ambiance of Batavia Downs from when you walk into the lobby downstairs, whether you're coming to play slots, or coming to get something to eat, or coming in to watch the races. I know it's cliche, 'the friendly track,' but it's actually true. You feel it right when you walk in."

Video: Meet Wayne Teaven, new track announcer at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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Wayne Teaven grew up around harness racing.  His parents had a horse in the 1980s and they often went to Buffalo Raceway. Teaven was quite impressed as a lad by the race announcer there, Pete Szymanski.

"He used to have this way about him," Teaven told The Batavian. "He used to be very comical in his calls. He would add flavor, and he would add a little personality to it. I always thought that was great. I'm like, 'Man, this guy is really good. And I wouldn't mind being that someday.'"

It's that flair and flavor that the Lyndonville native says he tries to bring to his race calls, either at Batavia Raceway, where he has worked since 2016, or now at Batavia Downs as he takes over this season as the full-time race announcer.

Batavia Downs to unveil new live racing experience when season opens Wednesday

By Press Release

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Press release:

The 2022 harness racing season will get underway at Batavia Downs at 6 p.m. on Wednesday (July 20) and when fans enter the property, they will notice the staff and facilities have undergone some major changes. Those started at the top and touched every aspect of the racing program in order to provide a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone this year.

Don Hoover has joined the Downs team and will serve in two positions. He is the Director of Live Racing and also the track’s new Race Secretary. Hoover is a western New York native who has extensive harness racing experience both as a horseman and on the administrative side. He has been on site at Batavia since early spring getting acquainted with his new positions and preparing for opening night.

“I am very excited about the upcoming 56 day live race meet here at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel. Henry (Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming) and Scott (Kiedrowski, Vice-President of Operations at Batavia Downs Gaming) have provided me with a great team to work with and I feel that we have all the pieces in place for an outstanding year. Obviously the highlight of the meet will be August 26 when we host two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes going for a total of $206,000 and the Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace with an enhanced purse of $75,000. I can’t wait to welcome the fans in for the opening night card,” said Hoover.

Patty Bruno, who has years of experience in the race office at Batavia, will continue to work alongside Hoover as the Assistant Race Secretary and Program Director. Bruno’s resume also includes race secretary overseeing the New York Sire Stake county fair program.  

Mary Bucceri has been named Administrative Assistant and Group Sales Manager. Although Bucceri has been a Batavia team member since 2005, this new position has her geared towards bringing in new patrons, and providing them with a great time while exposing them to both harness racing and the outstanding facilities Batavia Downs has to offer.

The track itself has been completely re-graded and resurfaced with the best material available, all done under the supervision of track guru Kim Crawford. Crawford had the Genesee County oval lightning fast last year and it was widely hailed by visiting horsemen as one of the best surfaces to race over in New York state.  

Missy Rothfuss, who is one of the most respected outriders in the sport, will be joining Batavia Downs after 26 years at The Meadows. She will lead the post parade nightly and provide any necessary assistance to horsemen on the track during race nights to insure the safety and well-being of all the participants.   

The last two changes on the racing side include the addition of Wayne Teaven as the voice of the Downs and Wendy J Lowery who is the new track photographer. They will bring a fresh sound and look to their respective positions that will add to the overall race day experience.

This year’s schedule starts with a Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday rotation that will run through the end of August. There is one special card on Friday (Aug. 26) featuring two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes and Batavia Down’s signature stake, the $75,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace. Post time for the six Sundays is 1:15 p.m. and all Wednesdays, Saturdays and the Friday are at 6 p.m.

The schedule changes in September to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with two exceptions. There is a special Labor Day matinee on Monday (Sept. 5) at 1:15 p.m. and no racing on Friday (Sept. 9). Again all post times (except Labor Day) are at 6 p.m. In October only the first Friday of the month will be raced and then it will be Wednesday and Saturday until the meet ends on December 17. All post times will be at 6 p.m. except Saturday (Nov. 5) which has a special 3:15 p.m. start due to the Breeders Cup.

All eight divisions of the New York Sire Stakes will be contested at the Downs this year and those eligible horses will compete for an estimated $784,000 in purses. Plus the NYSS Excel “A” and “B” series will also be held on those nights, driving that purse value even higher. The stakes will be in town on Wednesday July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10, August 17, Friday August 26 (when two divisions will go along with the $75,000 Kane Memorial) and Wednesday August 31.

Batavia Downs will continue to provide free downloadable full past performance racing programs on their website at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab (on the left). The Batavia Downs YouTube channel will also furnish free live streaming of all the races.

There are several promotions to note on opening night. There is a mandatory payout of an $1,188 carryover on the Jackpot Pick-6 in race 5. Free print programs will be available at the track on Wednesday as well. Free OTB programs for Batavia live will also be available for the first three days of the meet (July 20, 23, 24).

Also on opening night will be a free $500 “Lotta Cash” giveaway. Beginning in race two and running through race 11, one lucky winner will be drawn at random after each race from entries submitted and the winner will receive a $50 betting voucher. You must be 18 years of age to enter and present to win.  

And you can enter to win a “Stay and Play” package Wednesday that includes a one night stay at the Batavia Downs Gaming Hotel. Simply swipe your Player’s Club card between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to be eligible for the free random drawing. Again, you must be present to win.

Other promotions scheduled during the year include $2 Sunday’s which will offer $2 hot dogs, draft beer and soda on Sunday August 7, 21 and 28 from noon to 4 p.m. Monday (Sept. 5) is the annual Labor Day driver’s bike race sponsored by Mama Squirrels Nest. Eight bikes will be given away and $2 hot dogs, draft beer and soda will be available from noon to 4 p.m. And Sunday (Oct. 16) will be the highly anticipated Wiener Dog races.

The newly remodeled Clubhouse and Rail Bar will be open at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday (when racing) and Saturday, offering a limited bar food menu along with a full buffet that is now located on the lower level for easier access. Wednesday is a home-style Buffet while Friday and Saturday features prime rib and shrimp.

In the grandstand, the Homestretch Grill is newly remodeled and is offering fresh made-to-order subs, deli sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and coming soon, brick oven pizza. They are open until 8 p.m. nightly.

The wagering menu is tasty as well. On a 10-race program, besides win, place and show there will be three daily doubles, 10 exactas, 10 trifectas, nine superfectas, two Pick-3’s, two Pick-4’s, one Pick-5 and one Jackpot Super High Five, all with low minimum wagers.

All of last year’s top drivers will be returning including Jim Morrill Jr., Kevin Cummings, Kyle Cummings, Drew Monti and Dave McNeight III. Top local trainers will be headed by last year’s leaders Jennifer Giuliani, Maria Rice, Jim McNeight and Shawn McDonough. And they will be joined by some new stables moving in.    

Jennifer Sansone will be shipping 16 horses from Kentucky and Pocono to stable at Batavia Downs, all to be driven by Fern Paquet Jr. Western New York native Jim Rothfuss will be returning home from The Meadows with a barn of 20 horses, many of which are locally owned. And other trainers who will be shipping in include Joe Skowyra, Kevin Reynolds Jr., Dale Gilmour and David Daigneault.

There was a 30 percent increase in stalls allotted this year to handle the large influx of requests from horsemen who wanted to race at Batavia Downs and with that increased horse population, very competitive racing should be seen during the meet.

For more information and updates all year, follow Batavia Downs Racetrack on Facebook or log onto the website at bataviadownsgaming.com.

Photo: File photo from 2013 by Howard Owens

Strong card expected for Batavia Downs' 2022 opening

By Press Release

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Press release:

The New York Sire Stakes will join the festivities on opening night at Batavia Downs Wednesday (July 20) with three divisions of 2-year-old trotting fillies vying for $105,600 in total purse money. This is the first of seven nights of state-bred stake action slated that will see all eight divisions compete over the fast track at America’s oldest lighted harness track.

Trainer Marcus Melander will be on hand with a solid one-two punch made up of the current top series earners Canterbury Hanover (Chapter Seven-Charmed Life) and Kayleigh S (Chapter Seven-Pasithea Face S) who will face, much like themselves, some very lightly raced peers.   

Canterbury Hanover has one start and one win in NYSS action with a dominating 3-1/2 length, 1:59 victory at Saratoga Raceway on June 20. She has been off since that start except for a 2-year-old non-betting qualifier at the Meadowlands in preparation for this race. A repeat of her effort at Saratoga would make her the one to beat in this field. Brian Sears will drive from post five and is the morning line choice at 5-2.

She will be challenged by Bourbon On Ice (Chapter Seven-Spicedbourbongirl) who was in another division at Saratoga the same day and finished a strong second to Kayleigh S. Unfortunately the effort was thrown out after the judges disqualified her for bearing out and causing interference. Trainer/driver John Stark Jr. will look to make amends as they line up from post four for this race.

GiGi Hanover (Chapter Seven-Glad All Over) was the horse that got bumped by Bourbon On Ice and that probably cost her third that day after taking air in the third quarter. Trainer/driver Ake Svanstedt will look for clear sailing from post six to push the issue here.

Melander’s other entry in the next division Kayleigh S, is a full sister to this year’s number one ranked Hambletonian contender Joviality S and she herself looks to be developing very fast. She won her first lifetime start at Saratoga on June 20 as well in a gate to wire 2:00.4 jog and has a work in a 2-year-old qualifier at the Meadowlands where she won in 1:59.2, home in :28.4. She will be tough with Sears leaving from post four as the choice, also at 5-2.

Not to be overlooked here is Metro Matty (Met’s Hall-Order By Matilda) who is on a two race win streak, first in a Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono overnight in a lifetime best 1:58.3 and then right back in a NYSS at Buffalo in 2:01.4. And Usosweet Blue Chip (Devious Man-Twin B Kisses) who will make her career debut, but off of two impressive qualifying tries at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono where she finished second twice, the last in 1:58 flat, home in :28.3.

Drew Monti will drive Metro Matty from post six for trainer John Butenschoen and Marcus Miller will team Usosweet Blue Chip for trainer Erv Miller and will depart from post three.

The third NYSS split has All The Rage (E L Titan-Monroe County) looking the part for trainer/driver Ake Svanstedt. In her lone lifetime start, she tracked Canterbury Hanover from fifth in NYSS action at Saratoga before pulling at the half, making up three lengths and finishing third, timed in 1:59.4. Starting from post three in a short field at 2-1 is a great spot for this filly to get the job done this week.

Competing against her is El Mission Goddess (E L Titan-Athena’s Mission) who started twice in NYSS competition, winning her second at Buffalo in 2:01.4. She left last week and Jim Marohn Jr. may do the same here from post two for trainer Tom Corelli.

And although still winless, Defiant Lady (Devious Man-Marina Grace) has been very competitive in two qualifiers and two NYSS races and showed she is a very versatile filly. Despite post five, there is a lot to like here including local reinsman Kevin Cummings getting the nod in the bike from trainer David Dewhurst.   

The New York Sire Stake events are carded as race four, six and eight, each going for $35,200. Three $15,000 Excel “A” splits will also go in race one, two and five while two $6,500 Excel “B” races are non-betting events and will be contested before the regular card. Post time for the first pari-mutuel race is 6 p.m.

Photo of Canterbury Hanover winning at Saratoga Raceway by Melissa Simser

Batavia Downs announces new live racing team for 2022 season

By Press Release

Press release:

Representatives from Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel are preparing for a new generation of harness racing at Batavia Downs beginning next Wednesday, July 20th from America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track.

The 56-night season is scheduled to run on select Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays throughout the summer and fall.  A full schedule with post times can be found on BataviaDownsGaming.com.  With a newly renovated Clubhouse, group packages are now available and interested parties can call 585-343-3750 to book. 

“We know that Western New York Harness fans will be pleased with the time and effort that has been put into renovating the historic Clubhouse, said Scott Kiedrowski, Vice President of Operations.  “We look forward to entertaining race fans this season and for years to come.  Our new racing management team will be more focused on putting on a quality racing product with the highest integrity.”

New Director of Live Racing, Don Hoover, brings a wealth of horse racing experience at a number of tracks in the Northeast including Saratoga Harness where he spent the last 12 years.  Originally from North Tonawanda, Don left a banking career to become a successful driver/trainer at Saratoga Raceway.  He even claimed his first horse at Batavia Downs.  Over 15 years he drove and trained as several tracks along the east coast including at Batavia Downs.  He worked as an assistant Race Secretary at Vernon Downs before becoming the Simulcast Director and Race Secretary.   He then moved to Northfield Park where he headed up their racing Publicity Department while also heading up Player’s Club and taking over Handicapping Duties.

“We are so excited to welcome Don to our team, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO at Batavia Downs. Never have we had someone on our team with such an impressive breadth of knowledge in this specialized industry.  Don will bring a whole new perspective with his wealth of experience from tracks across the country.  We look forward to implementing his ideas to bring the guests of Batavia Downs the very best racing experience.”

“As we welcome back race fans, we are offering two bets that were introduced last year and proved to be really popular,” said Hoover.  “Our Pick 5 starts each night in Race 1.  If no one holds a winning ticket, the money will roll over to the next night.  Also returning is the Jackpot Super High 5 which allows patrons to predict the exact order of the first 5 horses in our last race on select nights.  Again, if no one holds a winning ticket, that money will roll over to the next night.”

Wayne Teaven is the new Race Announcer at Batavia Downs.  Wayne wanted to be a race announcer ever since he followed announcer Pete Szymanski at Buffalo Raceway back in the late 80s and 90s. This self-taught announcer worked his way up the announcing ladder in the mid-2010s before calling full races at Buffalo Raceway in 2016.  He became the full-time announcer at Buffalo Raceway in 2017. He’s called NOFA Football as well as dirt bikes, motocross, and go-kart races and is excited to be the full-time announcer.

Assistant Race Secretary and Program Director Patty Bruno has been part of the Batavia Downs team for years.  She is very involved with the New York Sire Stakes, serving as race secretary and program director for most of the county fairs in New York State.  A product of SUNY Geneseo and Nazareth College, she worked as a teacher for 34 Years.  Having retired from full-time work, she now uses her extensive knowledge and positive attitude to promote harness racing throughout New York State.

Another longtime member of the Batavia Downs Team is Mary Bucceri, now in a new role as the Administrative Assistant for Live Racing.  After working in the Marketing and Food and Beverage Departments she has assisted with many events onsite, working with many local charities and organizations to raise money via events onsite.  Mary’s family has a long history in Harness Racing with her parents both working in the industry.  Mary will be working with local groups to bring them to the newly renovated clubhouse for the upcoming racing meet.

New Track Photographer, Wendy Lowery is a newlywed who has owned and operated her own photography company for over 10 years, specializing in portrait, wedding, lifestyle and nature photography.  Her photos have been featured in the Seneca Park (Rochester) Zoo newsletters and calendar.  Wendy’s passion for equestrian photography will make her an integral part of the new Batavia Downs Live Racing Team.

Missy Morris is the new Batavia Downs Outrider.  Outriders often lead the post parade but also help calm jumpy horses or help track them down should a horse get loose.  Missy is a 3rd generation from the Stark family that participated in racing on the Western NY circuit. She has been outriding at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino (Pittsburgh) for the last 26 years.   Having started while still in high school her career has seen her ride at two Breeders Crowns and 7 years at the Little Brown Jug.

“I am pleased with the new team that has assembled here at Batavia Downs, “said Hoover.  “We look forward to improving on the Live Racing product with new promotions and events for our valued guests.  We hope all Harness Fans from throughout the county will come by to see the newly renovated Clubhouse or enjoy one of our $2 dollar days.  Our emphasis will be on providing families and fans with an affordable and fun experience at the track.”

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