by Todd Haight, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Popular pacer and track record holder Michael Scores made yet another appearance back in the winner’s circle, winning the $10,000 Open Handicap on Saturday night (September 1) at Batavia Downs Gaming.

It was his second trip to the winner’s circle this season in three tries and it wasn’t easy; in fact victory wasn’t assured until the last couple of strides.

Matt Hershey, a fast son of Life Sign, was in from Northfield for trainer Mickey Burke and reinsman Matt Kakaley. Sent right to the lead by Kakaley, Matt Hershey took advantage of post one to show the way going to the opening quarter in :28.2.

Michael Scores, who was assigned post eight by racing secretary Joe Zambito, had found the three hole early, but driver Kevin Cummings was not content with that spot and moved him to the outside around the paddock turn the first time.

Coming to the half, the stage was set for an epic last half duel and that’s exactly what happened.

Reaching the half in :56.4 and three-quarters in 1:25.2, Matt Hershey was still in the lead but was feeling pressure from the Batavia Downs all-age track record holder.

The two were virtually stride-for-stride as they came off the turn and turned down the lane with Michael Scores getting up late to win in 1:54.1, the fastest pacing mile of the meet. “Matt” held the second spot while Lady Coyote (Ken Holliday), the only mare in the race, finished a very respectable third.

For Michael Scores ($4.40) it was his eighth win this season and raised his 2007 earnings to over $60,000. He has earned over $440,000 lifetime. Owned in East Bethany, New York, by Sandra Compton, “Michael” is trained by Jim Compton.

Racing resumes on Labor Day

Batavia Downs will be presenting a special card of racing on Monday (September 3) when the historic track holds its annual Labor Day matinee. Post time will be 1:15 p.m.

Another tradition will take place on Labor Day and that will be the Drivers’ Bike race. Eight harness racing drivers sit on a different kind of bike, an 18 speed, and race a quarter-mile. The bikes are then given away after the race to fans that correctly select the winner. This year’s bike race will take place after the sixth race of the afternoon, at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Since 1983, Batavia Downs drivers have been taking part in this fun event as part of the Labor Day festivities.

A delicious chicken barbecue will also be available on Labor Day from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. in both the Paddock and upstairs Café for just $7.00.

In addition to live harness racing, Batavia Downs Gaming offers the best of simulcast action, fine food in the clubhouse, and video gaming. The gaming floor, which features 591 video gaming terminals, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily. For more information check out www.bataviadownsgaming.com.