from Batavia Downs Media Relations
Batavia, NY — The first twin bill in over 20 years, featuring an all stakes evening program, highlighted by some of the top 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters the Empire state has to offer, should make for a Labor Day to remember at Batavia Downs Casino.
The rich 12-race night card, worth $296,920 in purse money for New York breds, goes off at 6:40 p.m. The 12-race matinee program kicks off at 1:15 p.m.
The evening program consists of four New York Sire Stake divisions worth $144,920, four Late Closer finals worth $30,000 each and four County Fair finals worth $8,000 each.
Headlining the superfecta of Sire Stakes race is Purple Haze Stables’ Dejarmbro, currently the Downs track record holder for freshman square gaiters. He makes his Downs return for trainer Trond Smedshammer, who will also steer the talented colt. In 10 starts this season the Credit Winner-Armbro Déjà Vu 3-year-old sports seven wins and earnings of $556,021. Dejarmbro comes off a narrow defeat in the $500,000 Colonial at Harrah’s Chester. He starts from post four (head number five) in the fourth race.
Another Credit Winner offspring, Keenan, figures to get all the attention in the sixth race. With 10 wins in 16 starts and $183,350 in earnings this year, the Larry Remmen trainee looks like a standout with regular driver Jeff Gregory in the bike. Keenan, who starts from post five, is the current points leader in the race to qualify for the Saratoga Raceway Night of Champions final.
Currently second in the NYSS point standings is the Credit Winner-Southwind Flanders gelding, I’m The Answer. He’ll go behind the starting gate from post two in the seventh race for owner Purple Haze Stables and trainer/driver Smedshammer. In 11 starts in 2011, I’m The Answer sports six wins and $146,433 in earnings. He comes off a second place to Keenan at Yonkers last time out.
The County Fair finals are carded as races one, two, nine and and 12. The Late Closer finals go off as races five, eight, 10 and 11.
Paddock room food specials include $1 hot dogs from noon until 4 p.m. and $1 sodas and draft beer from noon until 10 p.m. A delicious Chicken BBQ will be served for just $4.95, beginning at 4 p.m. The clubhouse will offer a lunch buffet for $7.95 from noon until 3 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Racing programs, courtesy of TrackMaster, can be downloaded at www.bataviadownscasino.com. Live streaming video is available at the same web address. Simply click on the “Live” and “Simulcast” link.