Exactly 30 years ago, on the first Saturday night of September, Niatross graced Batavia Downs. On Saturday, September 4, Hes Gorgeous and Joey The Czar promise to give their best Niatross impersonations when the glamour division of the New York Sire Stakes rolls into town.
A field of 22 three-year-old, New York-bred pacing colts and geldings will square off in three divisions, worth a total of $149,076 in NYSS purse money.
Last year, OK Braveheart, with Jim Morrill, Jr., established a new track record for three-year-old males when he won in a blistering 1:52.2. That mark could be safe however with unseasonably cool temperatures forecasted thanks to Hurricane Earl.
Hes Gorgeous, currently the points leader for the Yonkers night of champions final, should make short work of his rivals starting from the rail in the second race. Morrill drives for trainer Linda Toscano. The Art Major--So Ravishing colt is a five-time winner this season.
The razor-sharp Joey The Czar, also having drawn the rail, is listed at 1-5 on the morning line by racing secretary Joe Zambito. The Bruce Saunders trainee was a 1:51.3 winner at Tioga Downs last time out after having equalled the all-age record of 1:51 at Saratoga two starts back. He's already won eight times in 2010. Morrill has gotten the return call on the Art Major--Razmataz Hanover colt in Race 5.
In addition to great NYSS action, Saturday is Hall of Fame night. John Schroeder, Jeff Gregory and Clint Galbraith will be inducted into the Batavia Downs Hall of Fame, and, yes, Batavia will be showing Niatross’ World Record performance set at Batavia, 30 years ago.
Racing programs can be downloaded free of charge at bataviadownscasino.com.
(Batavia)