by Todd Haight, promotional marketing specialist, Batavia Downs Casino

Batavia, NY — Two New York Sire Stakes events worth $73,245 each and three NY Bred Late Closers worth more than $13,000 each, all for 3-year-old pacing fillies, headline ‘Ladies Nght’ on Friday (Sept. 17) at Batavia Downs Casino.

With the rich Yonkers Night of Champions quickly approaching these races will serve as a prep for most of the fillies entered. Seven of the current top eight NYSS points leaders will be competing at the Downs.

The two NYSS divisions are carded as races nine and 11. The late closers will be contested on races four, six and 12.

The much improved Anndrovette and the ultra consistent Hula’s Z Tam figure to put on quite a show in the evening’s ninth race.

Anndrovette, a Riverboat King filly, has been sensational since going on Lasix, winning by large margins at Monticello, Yonkers and Vernon in her last three starts. Trainer Mark Kesmodel will hand over the lines to Jim Morrill, Jr.

Defending NYSS champion Hula’s Z Tam, the current points leader in the division, heads to Western New York off a 1:55.4 qualifying win at Freehold, going out first time Lasix with trainer Patrick Lachance in the sulky. The daughter of Bettor’s Delight has bankrolled over $559,000 during her stellar 16-race career in which she’s a 12-time winner.

Both Laugh Away, currently on the bubble in eighth place in the point standings, and Love and Honor, currently tenth, will try to secure a seat at the final table.

Two races later, Galimony, currently third in the point standings behind Anndrovette, appears to have drawn in the easier split. Once again Jim Morrill, Jr. will be in the bike for trainer Linda Toscano. The Artiscape filly has won ten times during her brilliant 18-race career and sports earnings just shy of $400,000.

Barks Like A Dog, currently ninth in the standings, and Lindy’s Bandita, currently 12th, are both on the outside looking in and will be desperately seeking points to make the $200,000 Yonkers final.

Post time is 6:40 p.m.