Batavia, NY — An early move by driver Jim Morrill Jr. put Metal Man in the perfect spot to win the lone $119,800 division of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings at Batavia Downs on Tuesday night (Aug. 8).

Hurrikane Hunter (Joe Chindano Jr.) grabbed the front off the gate and sped to the quarter in :27.3. But the lead was about to change as Metal Man charged hard from fourth in the turn and got to the top as they passed the grandstand at the half. Metal Man was well in gear and opened up a 1-¾ length lead heading to three-quarters as Duval Street (Jason Bartlett) moved into second outside of Hurrikane Hunter and It’s A Me Mario (Lauren Tritton) became a player three-deep around them both. Metal Man extended his lead to three lengths at the top of the stretch, but It’s A Me Mario was cutting into the deficit. As they headed down the lane, It’s A Me Mario could only get close to Metal Man, who cruised to the wire well in control and won in 1:53.

It was the first NYSS win, albeit the fifth overall this year for Metal Man ($4.60) who is owned by Fiddlers Creek Stable and trained by Travis Alexander.

Morrill ended the night with two wins on the card.

There were also three $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Storm The Court (Huntsville-Soft Wind Hanover) in 1:54.1 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Mark Silva and owner Dune Road Stables. The second went to Heisonthehunt (Huntsville-Hot Lemonade) in 1:56.1 for driver Jordan Stratton, trainer Claude Huckabone III and owner James Crawford IV. And the third was won by Bullville Stephano (Artiscape-Bullvillestephanie) in 1:54.4 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Steve Crevani and owner Crevani Farms.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 9) at 6 p.m. there will be a $2,125 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race. 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.

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — The most anticipated division of New York Sire Stake horses will be at Batavia Downs on Tuesday (Aug. 8). That’s when the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings will assemble for one, $119,800 dash that headlines a 14-race card beginning at 6 p.m.

The track handicapper has given the nod to Metal Man as the early choice, a horse that has shown some great speed this year, but also inconsistency.

Metal Man (Huntsville-Apple Delight) was unraced at two, but started his 3-year-old season a winner in an overnight at the Meadowlands in 1:52.3. In his next start he broke and then was subsequently scratched in back-to-back races. He qualified back after five weeks off and then won back to back overnight races at Yonkers, one in 1:52.4 over the hilltop half mile. Since that time he has made consecutive breaks again and was forced to qualify on July 12. He just won his last outing in another overnight at Yonkers in 1:53.2, but he has yet to win a NYSS event.

Jim Morrill Jr. will be up behind Metal Man for the first time for trainer Travis Alexander and has drawn post five.

It’s A Me Mario (American Ideal-Nf Salsa) is one of only two horses in this race that has won a NYSS event this year and has already faced the best 3-year-olds in the country. After starting the year with four straight wins at Yonkers, It’s A Me Mario won his first NYSS event at Vernon in a lifetime best 1:49.4 effort to run his streak to five. He then headed to the Grand Circuit and had some bad draw and racing luck. In the Messenger at Yonkers he drew post seven and was 11-¼ lengths off the leader at the quarter before taking air for almost the rest of the mile. Then in the Meadowlands Pace elimination, he drew post seven again but was able to finish a very impressive third, timed in 1:48.3. Then in that final, It’s A Me Mario drew post eight, was tenth at the half and chased an impossible :52.2 back half and :25.4 last quarter set by Confederate. His next outing was a NYSS race at Monticello where he drew post seven and was interfered with before the quarter, but still was able to grab a check.

He still drew post six in here, but It’s A Me Mario looks for some better racing luck this week for driver Lauren Tritton who will steer for trainer Shane Tritton.

The other NYSS winner from this year is Duval Street (Huntsville-Native Bride) who got that 1:52.4 tally at Saratoga on June 24, but that wasn’t his best outing of the season. Duval Street has a pair of 1:50.2 victories; one at the Meadows in a 7-½ length romp and one at Mohegan Sun Pocono. He finished third in his last two starts, which were both NYSS events, behind Thunder Hunter Joe and Storm The Court, neither of which are entered here this week. His versatility allows him to either leave or race from behind, giving him a big advantage if the inside speed develops early.

Regular driver Jason Bartlett is back behind Duval Street for trainer Ed Hart and they will start from post three.

There are also three $20,000 NYSS Excelsior divisions on the program and those splits will be contested in races six, seven and eight. The NYSS main event is carded as race 10.

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.

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — The Batavia Downs spotlight shone brightly on Joe Chindano Jr. Saturday night (Aug. 5) as he trained and drove the winners of both weekly features while producing one record breaking performance in the process.

First in the $15,000 Open I trot, Chindano won with Dewanslittlelorie, who was the lone mare in the race that showed up the boys as she went gate to wire in track record time.

Dewanslittlelorie had little trouble grabbing the lead from post two and cruised in command to the quarter in :28 flat. As Con Air Hall (Jim Morrill Jr.) tracked from the garden spot, Johnny Boy (Kevin Cummings) mounted an outside attack from fourth at the half and pushed the three-quarters to 1:25.3. But that didn’t put a crimp in Dewanslittlelorie’s plans as she rebuffed the challenge before she rounded the last turn. Dewanslittlelorie entered the lane comfortably on top and stretched out to a 2-¼ length margin of victory in 1:55.2.

The winning time established a new Batavia Downs track record for an aged trotting mare (1:56.1).

It was the third win in the last four starts and the fifth win overall this year for Dewanslittlelorie ($5.30) who is owned by Fox Racing and RBH Ventures.

Then in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace, Chindano lit up the board with Villiam, who brushed late to victory in a thrilling finish.

Villiam got away seventh and trailed the leading Mark Witha K (Todd Cummings) by 11-¼ lengths at the quarter. While Out On Bail (Jim Morrill Jr.) followed closely in second, Mark Witha K paced sharply on the point to the half where Rally Your Crew (Denny Bucceri) made a first-over bid with Villiam following loosely behind in the breeze. Rally Your Crew’s bid fell apart midway up the backstretch, forcing Villiam three-deep before the three-quarters. As the group passed that station, Mark Witha K was still in command by over a length while Out On Bail tipped out, forcing Villiam three-deep again. Heading for the line, Mark Witha K was still the one to catch and Villiam was the one to do it, as he flew down the track and tripped the beam first in 1:54.3 in a seasonal best effort.

It was also the fifth win of the year for Villiam ($20.20) and owner Anthony Evgenikos.

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

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Tuesday (Aug. 8) at 6 p.m., there will be a $1,662 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race. Also on Tuesday, the New York Sire Stakes will be back in town featuring the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings going one division for a hefty purse of $119,800.

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

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Two divisions of New York Sire Stake 2-year-old pacing fillies convened at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 2) to claim their share of the $110,100 in purses up for grabs and both victories were achieved by very slim margins.

The first group lined up for a purse of $54,100 with Hunting Hula (Huntsville-Hula’s Z Tam) pulling off the upset with her first lifetime win.

Delightville (Matt Kakaley) took the lead off the gate while the short field of four hit the pylons in post position order. After Delightville cut fractions of :28.4 and :58.2, Camerican (Jordan Stratton) made a first-over move from third midway up the backstretch and was loosely followed by Hunting Hula (Pat Lachance) who had trailed the whole way. As the fillies motored through the last turn, Camerican drew even with Delightville while Hunting Hula was still two lengths behind. But when the group straightened out for home, Hunting Hula came barreling down the middle of the stretch and passed the field at the wire by a nose in 1:55.3, which was a lifetime mark.

Hunting Hula ($19.00) is owned by It’s All Good Racing and is trained by Bruce Lauer. Pat Lachance and Z Tam Stable bred Hunting Hula.

The second field of five vied for $56,000 and So Well Dressed (So Surreal-Gotmyreddressontnit) was the best at the line.

So Well Dressed (Jim Morrill Jr.) took no prisoners as he seated Blue Point (Jason Bartlett) going to the quarter to maintain a lead he would never relinquish. The top two fillies broke away from the field by two lengths as So Well Dressed cut quarters of :28.2, :58.3 and 1:27.4. At three-quarters, Bronx Barista (Mark Macdonald) got in gear and made her way to third on the outside until the top of the stretch. That is where So Well Dressed saw Blue Point tip into the passing lane and flashed late speed. Blue Point was closing fast but So Well Dressed continued to dig in and got the job done by a neck in 1:55.4, which was also a new lifetime mark.

It was the third NYSS win of the year for So Well Dressed ($5.00) who is owned by Janice Connor, who also bred the winner, and Robert Lovett. Chuck Conner Jr. was the winning trainer.

Morrill had a natural hat trick in races 11, 12 and 13.

There were also four $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Ideal Skies (American Ideal-No Clouds Bluechip) in 1:58.3 for driver/trainer Alex Chartrand and owner United Process Control. The second went to Mighty Mackie (Courtly Choice-Linden Beauty) in 1:57 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Jenny Melander and owner Exceed Stable. The third was won by A Few Choice Words (Courtly Choice-Top Choice Hanover) in 1:56.3 for driver Matt Kakaley, trainer Blake Macintosh and owner Clancy Farms. And the fourth went to Drama Club (American Ideal-Real Drama) in 1:57 for driver Matt Kakaley and owner/trainer Mary Nelson.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 5) at 6 p.m. there will be a $1,337 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

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

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Overcoming an untimely break that may have cost him his third straight win last week, Boston Rocks (Boston Red Rocks-Scirocco Sarah) got back on track and proved to be the best 2-year-old pacing colt this week after winning the $106,300 New York Sire Stakes at Batavia Downs on Tuesday night (Aug. 1).

Jason Bartlet left four-deep into the first turn with Boston Rocks and continued to take air up the backside before crossing over before the quarter. Immediately, Avenger Force (Matt Kakaley) took the lead from him and tripped the timer in :28 flat. These two pulled away from the field by two lengths heading to the half. It was there that Howlenthehills (Kyle Cummings) joined the fray as they spun through turn three.

Avenger Force and Howlenthehills paced side by side to three-quarters while Boston Rocks continued to trip-out along the pylons. In the turn, Howlenthehills bid fell apart, giving a clear lane for Boston Rocks to make his move in the lane. Bartlett tipped Boston Rocks and he came flying at Avenger Force and paced right by him to take the lead and the win by a length in 1:54.3.

Boston Rocks ($10.60) third win of the year was a huge payday of $53,150 and it pushed his lifetime earnings to $125,685 for owners/breeders Peter Blood and Rick Berks. Mike Deters was the winning trainer.

Bartlett ended the night with a driving hat trick.

There were also three $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Heave Away (American Ideal-Use Your Noodle) in 1:56.3 for driver Drew Monti, trainer Stephen Doyle and owner Walter Walker. The second went to Escape To America (American Ideal-Flirtiscape) in 1:55.4 for driver Jason Bartlett, trainer Debbie Daguet and owners John Darrah and Lawrence Keethe. And the third was won by Spectacular Plus (Huntsville-Spectaculardelight) in 1:56.1 for driver Kevin Cummings and trainer Gary Messenger who co-owns with Ken Weckstein.

Cummings had a grand slam in the sulky Tuesday.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 2) at 6 p.m. there will be a $861 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 15th race.

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

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — For the second consecutive day, the New York Sire Stakes will set up shop at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 2) when the 2-year-old pacing fillies come to town. There are two divisions sporting short and evenly matched fields that will go postward for a total of $110,100 in purses.

The first group will compete for $54,100 and feature three morning line co-favorites.

Camerican (American Ideal-Camille) is the top points and earnings filly of this division and comes in off a big effort in a NYSS event at Yonkers Raceway where she took her lifetime mark of 1:55.2. She has two wins and two seconds in four lifetime starts and has flashed some good finishing speed for trainer Ron Burke. Jordan Stratton is in the bike, starting from post three.

Similarly, Delightville (Huntsville-D D Delightful) has also won in a lifetime best of 1:55.3 at Yonkers last week and has two wins this year as well, justifying her co-favorite status here. Matt Kakaley will steer for Travis Alexander from post one.

Also in the mix is Peace Talks (American Ideal-Triple V Hanover) who got her initial career win at Yonkers last week while easily pulling away by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:56. She has not missed the board in three starts and drew well for this start with post two. Jason Bartlett will drive for trainer Chris Ryder.

The second division is a five-horse field with a purse of $56,000.

Bronx Barista (Huntsville-Apricot Sour) started her year with two wins before a disappointing finish in her last outing at Yonkers, where she finished a distant sixth. The filly qualified at the Meadowlands three days later in a sparkling 1:52.1 mile with a fast last quarter of :26.4. This will be her third start in the last eight days. Mark Macdonald will drive from post four for trainer Ray Schnittker.

Blue Point (Huntsville-Amber Blue Chip) has a win and two seconds this year, all in NYSS action, with her only board miss after an unfortunate break three starts ago. That seemed to be an anomaly as she has since taken a lifetime mark of 1:54.3 at Saratoga. Blue Point is sure to get a lot of consideration here as Jason Bartlett will steer from post five for trainer Ed Hart.

So Well Dressed (So Surreal-Gotmyreddressontnit) currently sits second for both points and earnings in this division behind Camerican, after winning her first two NYSS events of the year. She has not had the best racing luck since then but still finished an impressive third in her last outing. She drew post two and driver Jim Morrill Jr. will steer for trainer Chuck Connor Jr.

There are also four $20,000 NYSS Excelsior divisions on the program and those splits are in races six, seven, eight and nine. The NYSS races are carded as races 10 and 11. Post time for the first race on Tuesday is 6 p.m.

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Wins were coming fast and furious for three top horsemen at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (July 29) and some impressive performances were put in by the horses they scored with.

Driver Kevin Cummings had a natural grand slam, winning races six, seven, eight and nine that included both $15,000 Open I features.

In the top trot, Cummings drove Special Prosecutor from post four and traded leads with Dewanslittlelorie (Joe Chindano Jr.) to the quarter before settling in second behind that one at the quarter. Special Prosecutor took the pocket trip to three-quarters and made his move in the last turn. Cummings tipped Special Prosecutor on Dewanslittlelorie and grabbed the front at the top of the stretch. From there he trotted strong through the lane and held of a fast-closing Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) to win by one-half length in 1:57.1.

The first start since June 3rd for Special Prosecutor ($7.80) turned into his fifth win of the year for owners Philip Hale and David Dewhurst, who also trains the winner.

Then Cummings took the feature pace with The Longest Yard who finished in impressive style. After getting away six off the gate, Cummings followed early cover from Idealthecards (Kyle Cummings) who was out and rolling past the three-eighths. The top four maintained their positions around turn two and until halfway up the backstretch where The Longest Yard swung three-wide as they approached three-quarters and cleared before they got to the final bend. Cummings then let The Longest Yard roll into the stretch and he pulled away by 4-½ lengths in 1:53.2.

It was the second win of the year for The Longest Yard ($7.90) who was recently acquired by current owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith was the winning trainer.

Cummings completed his consecutive four-bagger with Johnny Boy (1:58.4, $9.10) and Stranger Things (1:55.2, $2.60).

Torcello and Smith saw a total of four from their stable win during the evening. Besides The Longest Yard they added Johnny Boy, Sportskeeper (1:55.2, $3.00) and Ys Lotus (1:53.4, $5.40).

Jim Morrill Jr. also had a hot hand on the lines as he drove four winners on the card as well. He had pictures taken with Da Boogie Man (1:58, $4.40), Northern Sportsman (1:56, $3.70) and the aforementioned Sportskeeper and Ys Lotus.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Tuesday (Aug. 1) at 6 p.m. there will be a $432 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race. Tuesday also features the New York Sire Stakes and Excelsior 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings who will be on hand to compete for a total purse of $166,300.

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

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — For the second time in less a week, the New York Sire Stakes will return to Batavia Downs on Tuesday (Aug. 1) with one seven-horse field and this time, featuring 2-year-old male pacers who will go behind the gate to vie for a purse of $106,300.

The group features an undefeated gelding named Darius (Huntsville-Miss Sowo) who is a perfect three-for-three in his very short career. Darius started out in Excelsior company and after easily winning there, advanced to the next level and won two consecutive NYSS events while dropping his lifetime mark in each outing to its current 1:54.4 status. Going into this race, Darius sits second in points and earnings in his division of the NYSS and heads into this race full of momentum.

Mark Macdonald will steer from post one for trainer Ray Schnittker.

The Travis Alexander-trained entry of Avenger Force (Huntsville-Apple Delight) and Howlenthehills (American Ideal-Arielle Lynn) will also be a formidable duo in this contest.

Avenger Force finished second to Huntingforchrome in 1:53 at Saratoga Raceway last week after cutting the mile, which was the fastest of the two divisions. The week prior at Monticello, Avenger Force won his NYSS split despite being parked out the last half while also having broken equipment. With Matt Kakaley back up, Avenger Force is going to be a player for sure from post five.

Howlenthehills has yet to win in his career, but was a game third behind Darius and Boston Rocks in his last effort. Having drawn a favorable starting position from post two, Howlenthehills should be in the mix throughout the entire race for driver Marcus Miller.

Boston Rocks (Boston Red Rocks-Scirocco Sarah) is the overall leader among all his peers in this NYSS division this year for both points and earnings and was undefeated by a large margin going into last week’s race where he was finally bested by Darius. But that came after Boston Rocks made a break at the start of the race and had a lot of ground to make up as a result, and still flashed a very fast :27.2 final panel. He will be looking to make amends here for his miscue of last week despite having drawn post seven.

Jason Bartlett is back in the bike for trainer Mike Deters.

There are also three $20,000 NYSS Excelsior divisions on the card and all are full fields of eight that should provide some excellent betting opportunities.

The Excelsior splits are in races four, five and six and the NYSS main event is in race seven. Post time for the first race on Tuesday is 6 p.m.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — A select group of six 2-year-old New York Sire Stake colt and gelding trotters were on hand at Batavia Downs on opening day Monday (July 26) in a single division vying for a $106,300 purse and when the dust had settled, Bargain (Chapter Seven-Batoutahill) came away with the biggest check.

Titan Your Chip (Mark Macdonald) got the jump off the gate to grab the early lead. However Bargain (James McDonald) also left and was motoring up the rim to the quarter and overtook the front just past that station. With horses in single file, Bargain trotted to the half in 1:00 when Chaplind (Trond Smedshammer) made a first-over move from third and was on the attack.

Chaplind drew close to Bargain at three-quarters and was almost even at the top of the stretch and that’s where his bid failed. But the passing lane opened for the pocket-sitting Titan Your Chip and he came barreling down the lane towards the leader. Titan Your Chip was gaining ground all the way to the line, but Bargain stayed in control under minimal urging and trotted to victory in 1:59.3.

It was the third win in four lifetime starts for Bargain ($2.80) who is owned by Christinatakter&Anderberg, Nancy Takter and Jaf Racing, Joe Sbrocco and R A W Equine. Nancy Takter trains the winner who was bred by Steve Stewart and Michael Andrew.

There were also three $20,000 Excelsior series races on the card and all three were won in gate to wire fashion.

Woweress (Crazy Wow-Chaperess) scored a 7-¾ length victory in 1:58.2 to claim his first lifetime win for driver Frank Affrunti. Woweress ($7.20) is trained by Geroge Ducharme for owner/breeder Purple Haze Stable.

Then Tobern (Crazy Wow-Bertaux) simply jogged by an 18-length margin to match his lifetime mark in his fourth win of the year for driver/trainer/owner John Stark Jr. Tobern ($2.40), who remains unbeaten lifetime, was bred by Bernard White and Kristie Leigh Farm.

Finally, Voss Blue Chip (E L Titan-Angelita Hanover) led every step of the way en route to a three-quarter length win in 2:02, which was his initial career victory. Jim Morrill Jr. drove Voss Blue Chip ($4.60) for trainer Jared Bako, who co-owns the gelding with Lady I Racing and Blue Chip Bloodstock, who also bred the winner.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (July 29) at 6 p.m.

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

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — The New York Sire Stakes will be on hand at Batavia Downs for opening night of the 2023 summer/fall season on Wednesday (July 26) when seven 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings line up for a big payday of $106,300. With only a handful of starts among this relatively even group, it could be anyone’s race to win as these fast developing freshmen can throw a big mile at any time from week to week.

The oddsmaker’s choice is the two-for-one entry of Bargain (Chapter Seven-Batoutahill) and Keep Asking (Chapter Seven-Sensibility).

Bargain has two wins and a second in three starts this year while showing versatility over three different size tracks. One of those wins was a victory in the $77,300 NYSS at Yonkers in his first career outing in 1:59.1. The following week he lowered his lifetime mark of 1:56.4 at the Meadowlands, closing in :27.3 in the $20,000 event. His current earnings of $62,525 have him listed as the sixth richest 2-year-old male trotter in North America and he is poised to add to that total in this race. Bargain likes the front-end and leaving from post four, should definitely be in charge of this group from the start.

James McDonald will steer Bargain for trainer Nancy Takter.

Keep Asking has yet to win in two starts but recovered nicely after an early break in his first start to finish second in the NYSS at Yonkers and then bounced back with a fourth place, 1:56 clocking at Tioga Downs where he was parked for the better part of the mile. Post seven may be a tough task.

Jim Morrill Jr. will be in the bike behind Keep Asking for trainer George Ducharme.

A big threat will be looming from Situationship (Chapter Seven-Meegan Hall) who made a big three-wide move at three-quarters last week in the NYSS at Tioga, where he finished second in 1:55.1 off a :28.4 final quarter. Situationship has displayed extreme closing speed in two 2-year-old non-betting events this year at Meadowlands and will be stalking the leader in the last stages of this race.

Trainer Ake Svanstedt will also be driving Situationship.

There are also three $20,000 Excelsior divisions in races two, four and six.

Post time for the first race is 6 p.m. The races can be viewed free and live at the Batavia Downs Facebook page and free full past performance programs can always be downloaded for every live race card from the Batavia Downs website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the live racing tab.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs