by Todd Haight, marketing coordinator, Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — New York bred freshman colt and gelding trotters headline the Wednesday evening (Sept. 2) program at Batavia Downs Casino, as almost $170,000 in New York Sire Stakes money will on the line.

Sons of Conway Hall, Credit Winner and Malabar Man start out as the morning line favorites in each of the three divisions that carry a purse of $56,590 each.

Last year’s 2-year-old trotting sensation Donttellmywife established a new Downs track record when he cruised around America’s Oldest Lighted harness track in 1:59.3.

The third race starts off the stakes action. RC Serpent (Conway Hall-Dixie Crystal), already a three-time winner in his career, looks like the colt to beat. In his last three starts he’s won NYSS events at Monticello and Tioga and come up a nose short at Saratoga. Dan Daley is the trainer/driver. RC Serpent has earned $52,792 so far in five lifetime starts.

Another Conway Hall colt, Jackson Leebrook, a NYSS winner at Saratoga and Tioga, could have a say in the outcome if he is able to overcome his tricky outside post for trainer/driver John Stark, Jr.

The most contentious of the three divisions takes place in race six. Sons of Credit Winner, Malabar Man, Dream Vacation and Conway Hall figure to battle it out in this one.

Former Batavia Downs regular Ray Schnittker sends out the morning line favorite, Shaq Is Back. The Credit Winner-Vivica Hall colt has won at Tioga and Saratoga and was beaten a head last time out at Monticello. He’s already earned $46,999.

Kona, a Dream Vacation-Our Maggie Rose gelding, figures right there for driver Brad Kramer. Kona also comes off a second place finish at Monticello after winning earlier at Saratoga. He is trained by Rob Harmon.

Ultimate Athlete (Malabar Man-Classical Speed) comes off an impressive victory last time out at Monticello and could give a good account for trainer/driver John Stark, Jr.

Margarita Man, already a four-time winner with NYSS wins at Buffalo, Tioga and Saratoga, starts out as the favorite in race nine. The Malabar Man-Margarita Miss gelding has 2009 earnings of $51,368. Ray Schnittker is the trainer/driver.

Crazy Reminder (Malabar Man-Back On Track) should go another big trip from the rail for Stephane Bouchard and trainer Larry Remmen. In six lifetime starts Crazy Reminder has not been worse than second and has wins at Goshen and Buffalo.

A new wagering format will be in place on Wednesday night. Post time is 7:05 p.m. The Pick-4 wager will now have a 50-cent minimum while Superfecta wagering will be offered on all races with the exception of races one, two and seven.