A late-closing event for New York-bred three-year-old trotting colts and geldings headlined the Wednesday, September 15 program at Batavia Downs.
Black Licorice made it two-for-two at Batavia this season, as he scored a hard-fought win in 1:59.3. His regular reinsman, Brian Mattison, was in town to drive for trainer Paul Kelley.
The Credit Winner--Bit O Candy gelding took over the lead down the stretch from the win machine Vagra (driven by Doug Ackley) and held off a closing Wicked Style (Kevin Cummings) to win for the fifth time in his career for owner East Pond Stable.
The second division of the evening went to the Malabar Man--Dancing Girl colt Hesmyman for owners George Ducharme, Robert Guerrini and Paul Fontaine. Dash-leading driver Jack Flanigen was in the sulky for trainer George Ducharme.
Flanigen powered Hesmyman to the front, and the duo was narrowly able to hold off the pocket-sitting Tobell (Jim McNeight) by a neck in 2:01.3. The victory was the colt's sixth win of the season.
Trainer Sherri Holliday's barn is really beginning to heat up. She scored with a trio of winners on Wednesday night, including the $9,000 Mares Open for the second week in a row with Artistry In Rhythm in 1:55.4. Ken 'Doc' Holliday was in the sulky. He is just four wins away from 5,000 lifetime.
New York Sire Stakes action will continue Friday, September 17 when the three-year-old pacing fillies take centre stage and compete for $73,245 in purse money -- in two divisions, carded as Race 9 and 11.
In addition, Friday night's program will feature three divisions of New York-bred Late Closers for the 3-year-old pacing fillies, worth over $13,000 each. First-race post time will be 6:40 p.m.
Racing programs can be downloaded free of charge at bataviadownscasino.com.
(Batavia)