If the opening night of action is any indication about the 2013 drivers' race at Batavia Downs, things probably will be up in the air until the final night.
The 72-day meet at Batavia Downs, now in its 67th season, started Monday evening, and after the nine-race card was completed, eight different drivers had found their way to the winner's circle.
But someone managed to take the lead after the first night, and that was 18-year-old provisional driver Drew Monti who managed to post a pair of victories. He scored with Carscot Review ($5.90) in the second race and Special News ($2.60) in the seventh to take the spotlight.
Batavia Downs Live Racing General Manager Todd Haight said of the first night, "We had a great crowd tonight. We distributed a large amount of free programs and our handle was about what we expected. Overall, considering all we've had to deal with to get the property ready for racing, I'm extremely pleased."
Racing action will return on Wednesday night with a 6:30 p.m. start. The feature will go off in the seventh race, as the fillies and mares will do battle in the Open for $8,500. The 2-1 morning-line favourite is Keep It Fair, who captured the Fillies and Mares Open last week at Buffalo Raceway by going wire-to-wire in 1:55.3 for driver Aaron Byron. Greg Merton, however, will take the reins Wednesday from Post 2.
Wednesday night also marks the return of 'Batavia Downs Live' on Time-Warner Cable in Rochester and surrounding areas on digital channel 98. Track announcer Joe Zambito and Ashley Holliday will co-host the 12-race card from start to finish.
(Batavia)