Batavia Downs has announced that some changes will accompany the opening of the track's 64th season of live harness racing in the heart of Western New York

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Pacers and trotters will meet at America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track for 72 exciting dates of racing, beginning Monday, July 26.

The 2010 season features a new first-race post time of 6:40 p.m. for all evening races. Three matinees will take place on August 29, September 6 and October 11, each with first-race post times of 1:15 p.m. For all racing promotional giveaways and handicapping contests, patrons may begin swiping their Player’s Club cards at 5:00 p.m. at Players Club.

“The new 6:40 post time is designed to be more convenient for our patrons,” said Michael D. Kane, vice president of operations and live racing at Batavia Downs. “The new time should also increase the nightly handle, especially in the early races,” he added.

New Wagering Menu

New for the 2010 season is a Pick 6 wager on Races 7-12 with a $2 minimum The Pick 6 will start out with a guaranteed pool of $1,000. Based on past popularity of Batavia Downs Casino’s annual Pick 6 Contest, the new nightly Pick 6 wager is sure to be a hit with race fans.

“We are excited about the new Pick 6 and believe it will be a nice addition for our patrons,” Kane remarked as he discussed the addition of the first pari-mutuel Pick 6 being offered in 64 seasons at Batavia Downs.

Also new this season is a fourth Daily Double. The Late Late Daily Double for races 10-11 has been added to the wagering menu. This will be in addition to the previous Early Daily Double (Races 1 and 2), Mid Daily Double (Races 4 and 5), and the Late Daily Double (Races 8 and 9).

(Batavia)