New York-bred freshman trotting colts and geldings headline the Wednesday, September 2 program at Batavia Downs, as almost $170,000 in New York Sire Stakes purses will on the line.
Sons of Conway Hall, Credit Winner and Malabar Man start out as the morning line favourites in each of the three divisions which each carry a purse of $56,590.
Last year's two-year-old trotting sensation Donttellmywife established a new Batavia track record when it cruised around the course in 1:59.3.
The third race will kick off the stakes action. RC Serpent (Conway Hall--Dixie Crystal), already a three-time winner in its career, looks like the colt to beat. In its last three starts it has won NYSS events at Monticello Raceway and Tioga Downs and came up a nose short at Saratoga Raceway. Dan Daley is the trainer/driver.
Another Conway Hall colt, Jackson Leebrook, a NYSS winner at Saratoga and Tioga, could have a say in the outcome if it is able to overcome its tricky outside post for trainer/driver John Stark, Jr.
The most contentious of the three divisions will take place in Race 6. Sons of Credit Winner, Malabar Man, Dream Vacation and Conway Hall figure to battle it out in this one.
Former Batavia Downs regular Ray Schnittker will send out the morning line favourite, Shaq Is Back. The Credit Winner--Vivica Hall colt has won at Tioga and Saratoga and was beaten a head last time out at Monticello.
Kona, a Dream Vacation--Our Maggie Rose gelding, figures right there for driver Brad Kramer. Kona also comes off a second place finish at Monticello after winning earlier at Saratoga. The gelding is trained by Rob Harmon.
Ultimate Athlete (Malabar Man--Classical Speed) comes off an impressive victory last time out at Monticello and could give a good account for trainer/driver John Stark, Jr.
Margarita Man, already a four-time winner with NYSS wins at Buffalo, Tioga and Saratoga, will start out as the favourite in Race 9. The Malabar Man--Margarita Miss gelding is trained and driven by Ray Schnittker.
Crazy Reminder (Malabar Man--Back On Track) should go another big trip from the rail for Stephane Bouchard and trainer Larry Remmen. In six lifetime starts, Crazy Reminder has not been worse than second and has wins at Goshen and Buffalo.
A new wagering format will be in place on Wednesday night. The Pick-4 wager will now have a 50-cent minimum, while superfecta wagering will be offered on all races with the exception of Races 1, 2 and 7.
First-race post time is 7:05 p.m.
(With files from Batavia)