from Batavia Downs Media Relations

Batavia, NY — The first of three $1,000 handicapping contests kicks off this Saturday (August 20) at Batavia Downs Casino. The other two contest dates are scheduled for September 17 and October 15.

“Over the years, the turnouts for the contests have grown,” said Todd Haight, General Manager of Live Racing at the track. “We’re coming off a huge Saturday night (50 cent hot dog night) and we expect to be as busy this Saturday.”

The only requirement to participate in the handicapping contest is to be a Players Club member. Players Club is free to sign up for.

The contest sign-up begins at 5 p.m. at Players Club (directly at the top of the escalators on the gaming floor). Patrons have until first-race post time (6:40 p.m.) to deposit their contest forms in the entry box located next to Players Club.

Handicappers must select a horse from the first nine Batavia Downs races. Points are awarded in a win-place-show fashion. If your horse wins, you earn five points. A second-place finish is worth three points. Third is worth one. There are also two “best bets” that are worth double points.

The winner of each contest receives $500 in cash, second place is worth $250, third is $125, fourth earns $75 and fifth is worth $50. In the event of a tie, the total $2.00 tote board win mutuel price of your winning horses will be used.

For more information visit www.bataviadownscasino.com.

Final Pick-4 guarantee

The third and final $5,000 guaranteed Pick-4 pool of the season at Batavia Downs Casino also takes place on Saturday.

The Pick-4 pool guarantee is part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program.

The Pick-4, which offers a 50 cent minimum wager, begins on the second race. Approximate post time for the second race is 6:57 p.m. Program pages for the Pick-4 races will be available at www.bataviadownscasino.com. Live streaming video is also available at the same website address. Simply click on the “Live racing” section and then on “streaming video link.”

America’s oldest lighted harness track is currently racing every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. Post time is 6:40 p.m. The first matinee of the season takes place on August 28.