by Jeff Rizzo, marketing intern, Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Batavia Downs hosted three divisions of New York Sire Stakes Late Closers for the 3-year-old trotting fillies on Monday (August 3). The Late Closer races began with a non-wagering event and continued in races four and 10 on the 12-race card, each with a purse in excess of $12,000.

Someway and driver-trainer Brian Cross took the first Late Closer contest of the night in a time of 2:03.2. Someway led wire-to-wire with little competition from the rest of the six-horse field. Someway is a filly by Conway Hall-Heaven Tonight.

“She raced well,” said the driver, trainer, and part owner Brian Cross after he posed in the winning photo with Someway.

Racing to victory in the second Late Closer event of the evening, and the fourth race on the card, was Princess Robyn with Brian Cross at the lines. The winning time in the $12,600 race was a swift 2:00.1.

Waltzing Bertie and Jack Flanigen put up all the numbers but Cross was able to get Princess Robyn up at the line to edge out Waltzing Bertie by a neck. Princess Robyn, a filly by Conway Hall-Peace N Harmony, is trained by part owner David Dziengiel. The winning mutuel price was $4.50.

Hitting the wire first in the last Late Closer race of the night, the tenth race on the card with a purse of $12,700, was the favorite Anikawiesahalee and Jay Randall. The time of this mile was 2:02.2.

Nowerland Collins and Brian Cross lead the way until the final turn for home when Anikawiesahalee took command and powered away to a three length score. Anikawiesahalee is a filly by Credit Winner-Sahalee. Michael Pozefsky owns her and Maureen Salino is the trainer. The winning mutuel price was $2.60.