by Todd Haight, promotional marketing specialist, Batavia Downs Casino

Batavia, NY — New York Bred Late Closers for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters headlined the Wednesday night (Sept. 15) program at Batavia Downs Casino.

Black Licorice made it two for two at the Downs this season when he scored a hard fought win in a quick 1:59.3 with regular reinsman Brian Mattison in town to drive for trainer Paul Kelley.

The Credit Winner-Bit O Candy gelding took over the lead down the stretch from the win machine Vagra (Doug Ackley), and held off a closing Wicked Style (Kevin Cummings) to win for the fifth time in his career for owner East Pond Stable.

Paul White photo

He’smyman narrowly held off Tobell to win a New York Bred Late Closing Trot at Batavia Downs Casino.

The second division of the evening went to the Malabar Man-Dancing Girl colt He’smyman for owners George Ducharme, Robert Guerrini and Paul Fontaine. Dash leading driver Jack Flanigen was in the sulky for trainer George Ducharme.

Flanigen powered He’smyman to the front and they were narrowly able to hold off the pocket sitting Tobell (Jim McNeight) by a neck in 2:01.3 to notch the colt’s sixth win of the season.

Trainer Sherri Holliday’s barn is really beginning to heat up. She scored with a trifecta of winners on Wednesday night including the $9,000 Mares Open for the second week in a row with Artistry In Rhythm in 1:55.4. Ken “Doc” Holliday was in the sulky. He is just four wins away from 5,000 lifetime.

New York Sire Stakes action continues on Friday night (Sept. 17) when the 3-year-old pacing fillies take center stage to compete for $73,245 in purse money, in two divisions, carded as races nine and 11.

In addition, Friday night’s program features three divisions of New York Bred Late Closers for the 3-year-old pacing fillies, worth over $13,000 each. Post time is 6:40 p.m. Racing programs can be downloaded free of charge at www.bataviadownscasino.com.