from Harness Publicists across North America

Wednesday’s (July 29) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Ocean Downs, Batavia Downs and Saratoga Raceway.

Nanticoke Snazz and Juanita win in Hal Belote Memorial

Berlin, MD — The Hal Belote Memorial Trotting Series kicked off Wednesday evening with races in two divisions. The memorial is held in honor of Hal Belote, an accomplished driver and trotting trainer, who died in an on-track accident on May 15, 2006 at Harrington Raceway in Delaware.

In the first division race, gelding Nanticoke Snazz pushed away late to win by two lengths. Loge Snazzy sired the 5-year-old who is trained by Les Givens. Brandon Givens drove the horse to the wire in 2:00. It was the second win on the year for Nanticoke Snazz ($4.00).

“She’s trained at my stable so I know a little about her,” said driver Brandon Givens. “She didn’t race until she was three and then she began to perform real well. She’s just a really well mannered mare who never makes a break and doesn’t get tired.”

Winning the second division of the Hal Belote Memorial opening leg was 4-year-old Juanita ($2.20). Les Givens had handy work in both memorial races as he is also Juanita’s trainer. From the start, Juanita made a determined sprint from the five hole to the front of the pack and that’s where she stayed the rest of the way. The mare took the finish line in 2:00.

“We were unsure of how she would react because she hasn’t raced in three weeks,” relayed driver Jim Morand. “But she did well right from the start. We’re giving her trainer (Les Givens) an opportunity to race her next week so that should be interesting.”

Les Givens’ son, Brandon Givens, won career race number 999 Wednesday evening. He began the night at 997, but moved up with victories behind Do The West ($3.60) and Nanticoke Snazz ($4.00).

— Ozi Menakaya

Cummings scores four times at Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Kevin Cummings was out driving in full force on Wednesday night at Batavia Downs Casino, driving home four winners, including scoring in the $9,000 Open Handicap Pace for fillies and mares with Bet The Ranch.

Bet The Ranch was put on the lead by Cummings and never had an anxious moment once making the front past the quarter, en route to a 1-1/2 length score in 1:57.2. Behind for the place was 28-1 Memphis Glow, driven by Jimmy Whisman, rounding out the $19.80 exacta. In for the show was R Bs Rocket.

Bet The Ranch is a 4-year-old mare by Bettor’s Delight. Edwin Gold and Conrad Zurich are the owners. Jessica Okusko trains her. The winning $2 mutuel price was $2.80.

— Jeff Rizzo

Misty Impact wins again at Saratoga

Saratoga Springs, NY — Misty Impact has certainly made an impact since coming to Saratoga in June and on Wednesday night extended her win streak to four.

The trotter came up third best in her local debut back on June 26 and since that night she hasn’t lost. After rattling off successive wins in the $10,000 claiming/condition, she was claimed by trainer-driver Jay Randall. Misty Impact was up into the $15,000 claiming/condition post claim and on Wednesday wired the field in 2:00 to record her fourth straight win and second for her new connections.

— Mike Sardella