by Todd Haight

Batavia, NY — A pair of $73,245 New York Sires Stake events and three late closers worth over $13,000, both for 3-year-old pacing fillies highlighted the Friday night (Sept.17) program at Batavia Downs Casino.

Paul White photo

Anndrovette, with Jim Morrill, Jr. in the bike, scored in 1:54.4.

Anndrovette, with Jim Morrill, Jr. in the bike may have stamped herself as the filly to beat in next week’s rich New York Night of Champions finals when she easily handled Hula’s Z Tam to kick off the NYSS festivities.

Leaving from post-two Morrill sent the Riverboat King – Easy Miss filly right to the front and they were able to stuff Hula’s Z Tam (Pat LaChance) in the two-hole.

Racing unchallenged throughout Anndrovette put up numbers of :28.1, :57.4, 1:26.3 and 1:54.4. Down the lane Hula’s Z Tam took her shot but wasn’t able to get close as Anndrovette had plenty left to register a three-quarter of a length win.

Mark Kesmodel trains and co-owns Anndrovette along with Joseph Davino and Jeffrey Bamond. The victory put her over the $208,000 mark in seasonal earnings. She’ll head to the Big Apple next week with four wins in a row.

“She had everything her own way,” Morrill said. “Post position made the difference tonight, but she’s unbelievable right now, that was just a training mile for her.”

Paul White photo

Galimony got plenty of respect from her six overmatched rivals en route to a two-length score in 1:55.

Two races later Morrill, Jr. would strike again with Galimony for trainer Linda Toscano and Stake Your Claim.

Drawing into the easier split Galimony got plenty of respect from her six overmatched rivals en route to a much the best two-length score. The fractions were :28.1, :58.2,1:27. and 1:55. Barks Like A Dog (Ray Schnittker) got away second and finished second best.

Galimony, Artiscape – Ideal Gal scored for the seventh time this season and raised her 2010 earnings to more than $360,000.

“She might be getting a little tired but she’s a very gutsy filly. Linda’s (trainer Linda Toscano) has done a great job with her all season long.” Morrill commented.

Friday’s three Late Closers winners were:
• Freedom Crossing (by Artiscape); co-owners Winbak Farm, Rebecca Williams/trainer Kevin Johnson/driver Jim Morrill, Jr.; 1:57.2
• Dandy Do Right ((by Sealed N Delivered) owner/trainer Harold Reddick Jr./driver Ray Fisher, Jr.; 1:59.4
• Aurora Borealus (by Bettor’s Delight); owner Fortunate One LLC. /trainer Peter Arrigenna/driver Tom Agosti; 1:58.

New York Sire Stake action continues on Saturday night with over $275,000 in stakes money up for grabs. The 3-year-old trotters will square off in four divisions while the 2-year-old trotting fillies will do battle in three divisions. The freshman filly trotting sensation Jezzy looks to make it a perfect 10 for 10 in the 6th race of the evening. Probable post time for her race is 7:55 pm. The action packed card gets underway at 6:40pm.