by Todd Haight, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — On Friday night a “Sharp Lady” won the featured event of the evening, then on Saturday night (November 17) it was won by a razor sharp gelding. For the second time in his last three starts, Pembroke Cushy got home first in the $9,000 Open Handicap Pace at Batavia Downs Gaming. Pembroke Cushy has now won four of his last five starts.

Paul White photo

Pembroke Cushy was a 1:55.2 winner in the Saturday feature.

Flashing a brilliant turn of speed heading to the three-quarters, Pembroke Cushy blew right by leader Rockysbreezy (Jim McNeight) en route to a 3-1/2 length win, pacing the mile in 1:55.2, which included a back half of :56.2. Not a bad mile considering light snow was falling on and off at the Western New York oval.

2007 dash leading driver Keith Kash, Jr., who also trains the 5-year-old son of Neutralize for owner William Varney, drove Pembroke Cushy ($4.50).

“It was a tough first-over trip but he was good tonight,” the 28-year-old Kash said in the winner’s circle.

Rockysbreezybuddy finished a clear second while Road Knight and Jack Flanigen wound up third in the weekly pacing feature. Last week’s winner You Bet Your Glass gapped cover and was not a factor.

Reinsman Keith Kash, Jr. padded his lead in the driver-trainer standings with a huge night on Saturday. Not only did he win the featured event of the evening, but he also took the opener with Art’s Showcase for trainer Donald Rapone and won with two horses he trains, Hard Candy Xmas in the fifth and J D’s Dragon in the seventh. The victory was J D’s Dragon’s 16th of the season, just three wins away from the North American leaders, Swanee and GE’s Justin.

Ron Beback, Jr. had a driving/training double on the Saturday night program and also won with a horse he trains during the Saturday matinee card.

Dangerous Duo

The 2007 summer-fall meet is heading down the homestretch with only six racing programs remaining. Handicappers may want to pay close attention to what is quickly developing into a very “Dangerous Duo.”

This past weekend, Josh Marks drove nine horses for trainer Laurie Patistas and the results were remarkable: six wins, one second and two thirds.

They struck twice on the Friday night card with Official Business and Polichon Angus; once on the Saturday afternoon program with the quickly improving Chautaqua Beatrice; and three times on Saturday night with The Littledictator, Only You and Ira’s Noble Boy.

Racing resumes on Wednesday night

A pair of conditioned/optional claimers, one for the trotters and one for the pacers, highlight the night before Thanksgiving racing program.

The first of 11 gets underway at 7:05 p.m.

Pick-6 contest carryover jackpot now $3,000!

The carryover jackpot for the Pick-6 contest on Wednesday night, November 21, is now $3,000. The free Pick-6 contest is sponsored in part by the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association.

The Pick-6 contest requires racing fans to select the winners of races four through nine on the Wednesday Batavia Downs program. The contest is open to all Players Club members. There is no charge to become a Players Club Member. Sign up to play begins at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club. All entries must be in by the start of the fourth race. If no one gets all six winners correct the pool increases each week until it is hit.

If the Pick-6 goes unhit on Wednesday, then the entire pool must be given away to the person or persons selecting the most winners when the contest ends on Saturday afternoon, December 1. The carryover jackpot on closing day would be $3,500. The meet ends with a day-night doubleheader.

In addition to live harness racing, Batavia Downs Gaming offers the best of simulcast action on Wednesday through Sunday, fine food in the clubhouse and video gaming. The gaming floor, which features 591 video gaming terminals, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, from Sunday through Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information visit www.bataviadownsgaming.com.