by Hank Nevins, for Batavia Downs

Batavia NY — The first of four New York Sire Stakes race cards at Batavia Downs this season is the highlight of Saturday’s (August 2) race schedule. A total of 43 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers will race in six divisions for more than $193,000 in total purses.

Race one features Spacehill, a Space Shuttle-Matts Life colt coming off a strong 1:56.4 score at Saratoga. He’ll be tough from the rail, but will have to be in top form to beat Hay Goodlooking (Art Major-Monique’s Legacy), fresh from a 1:56.2 win the same night at the “Spa.”

In race three, My Last Laugh (Sealed N Delivered-Fancy Creek Funny) with Stephane Bouchard in the bike, gets the nod while Rave On (Art Major-Gone Dancing), with a pair of top three finishes at Mohawk, will challenge.

Sea Suds (Riverboat King-TJ Run), with Jim Morrill, Jr. driving, heads a strong field in race four. Keep an eye on the Ray Schnittker-trained Bet The Town (Bettor’s Delight-Town Sweetheart), coming off a first place finish at Saratoga.

Race five should be a contest between Mixed Media (Art Major-CR Daniella) and Big Rock Star (Art Major-Musical Tone). Both horses had decent runs at Saratoga last week. Pump up the volume and expect Allmyrowdyfriends (Bettor’s Delight-Heatherjeankillean) to make some noise.

Diamond Stick Pin (Bettor’s Delight-Silksndiamonds) sticks out in race nine following a first place finish at Saratoga. Mr Vitti (Art Major-Jate’s Strait) with Mr. Morrill, Jr. in the bike will challenge.

Race 10 features Bull Rush (Bettor’s Delight-Red Hot Heather) as the horse to beat with Mr Express (Village Jove-Repartee) and Classical Art (Art Major-Dragon Beyond) looking strong.

Batavia Downs Gaming features 60 days of exciting harness racing through December 6.