by Todd Haight, promotional marketing specialist, Batavia Downs Casino

Batavia, NY — Freshman colt and gelding trotters competed in four Late Closers, worth more than $13,000 each, as the New York Sire Stake season came to a close on Tuesday night (Sept. 21) at Batavia Downs Casino. However before it ended trainer/driver Ray Schnittker would get his picture taken three more times.

Brian Cross guided Nowerland Coldcash (Cash Hall-El Paso Gal) to a victory for owner-trainer Jody Weidman in the first Late Closer of the evening, a non-wagering event. His final time of 2:01.4 was a new lifetime mark.

From that point on it was all Schnittker.

Thor Blue Chip (Credit Winner-Armonica Hanover) got the Schnittker barn on the board as he cruised to a much the best 6-1/2 length win in 2:04 for Thor Stables in another non-wagering event.

Paul White photo

Ray Schnittker drove All In Tad to a 2:01 score, one of his three Late Closer victories.

Schnittker brushed All In Tad to the lead at the half and the Conway Hall–Trapezius gelding notched his second win of the season in the fastest of the four divisions, when he trotted to a 2:01 score over favored Winona (John Cummings, Jr.).

Hellogottagobuhbye (Dream Vacation-Ty`s Triumph) went from fifth to first to give the Schnittker barn the hat trick. They defeated longshot Pistachio (Jim McNeight) in 2:04.1.

The 2010 stakes season at America’s oldest lighted harness track concludes on October 16, with the annual Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace, won last year by Foiled Again.

Kevin Cummings also had a hot hand on Tuesday night, driving home four winners. The 40–year-old reinsman is approaching 3,000 lifetime wins.

Ken Holliday went winless and remains at 4,998 in his quest for 5,000 wins.

Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Post time is 6:40 p.m. There is one matinee left during the summer-fall meet. That takes place on Columbus Day, October 11, with a 1:15 p.m. post.