by Brian J. Mazurek, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Back when Batavia Downs opened its season on July 22, there wasn’t a clear-cut favorite to win the driver’s title. With nearly four months of racing in the books and just 11 programs left, the quest for the championship is basically still up in the air.

Batavia Downs photo

Shawn McDonough leads all drivers at Batavia Downs during the 2013 summer-fall meet.

Shawn McDonough, a provisional 22-year-old driver, has been in front for the past three months after taking over from early leader Greg Merton. McDonough’s lead has been quite comfortable until recently as defending Buffalo Raceway champion Ray Fisher, Jr. started to cut into the lead. Should McDonough hold onto his lead, he could be the first provisional driver to ever win a title at any track.

Going into this weekend’s action, McDonough is on top of the leaderboard with 82 victories while Fisher has 72. Ron Beback, Jr. has been on fire of late as well and sits in third place with 70 wins, still with a shot at the title.

“I’m happy to be in the position I’m at,” McDonough said. “But I know Ray and Ronnie can win races in bunches so the title probably won’t be decided until closing night.”

On the trainer’s side, John Mungillo has been the leader since opening night but his huge advantage has evaporated as well. Mungillo has 58 wins in 2013 at Batavia Downs but JD Perrin is still within reach with 50 wins.

It’s safe to say that nothing will be decided until the ‘Night of Distinction’ awards ceremony, sponsored by the Upstate New York Harness Writer’s Association, is held on closing night, Dec. 7.

There should be some great races among the drivers and trainers until then to see who brings home the hardware.