The summer/fall meet continued on Wednesday, September 9 at Batavia Downs with three divisions of New York Sire Stakes late closers for two-year-old colt and gelding pacers, each carrying a purse of $12,800.

Steel Rein was the fastest of the three divisional winners, going coast to coast in 1:58.2. William Bailey was in the sulky for trainer Ann Yurenka. The Teeth Of The Dog--Mindys Sister gelding had to withstand a serious challenge from Lislea Reardon (driven by John Stark, Jr.) around the last turn before going on to a one-length score. Steel Rein is now a three-time winner for owners Nancy Swede and New York Standardbreds LTD.

Talk To Tony, with Vernon Downs regular Jimmy Whittemore, did all the talking in the final late closer of the evening, as he held off odds-on favourite Park Lane Midnight and Stephane Bouchard to win by one length in 1:58.4, in wire-to-wire fashion. Talk To Tony, an Artiscape--Muggins Hanover gelding, is owned by Jay Sears and John Campagnuolo. Ray Van Dreason does the conditioning. The win was Talk To Tonys third of the season.

Favourite Bullville Player kicked off the late closers, as he was put right on the lead by Stephane Bouchard and they never had an anxious moment, winning by a comfortable three lengths in 2:00.2. Breeder Crevani Farms owns the Bettors Delight--Bullville Gabettie gelding. Steve Crevani is the trainer. The victory was Bullville Player's third of the 2009 campaign.

NYSS late closers continue Wednesday, September 16, as the two-year-old trotting fillies will be in town.

(With files from Batavia)