by Todd Haight, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — It’s the night before the 2007 Hambletonian and while some of the top 3-year-old trotters in the sport will be in New Jersey on Saturday, some extremely talented side-wheelers will do battle in New York Sires Stake action on Friday night (August 3) at Batavia Downs Gaming. A total of five Sires Stake divisions have been carded by Racing Secretary Joe Zambito, with total purses of over $160,000. Post time is 7:35 p.m.

Race four features the return of Batavia Downs track record holder Hitwiththeladies, who was voted District 8 and New York State Horse of the Year in 2006. The son of Giant Hit comes off a track record performance at Vernon Downs. He has 2007 earnings of over $97,000 and lifetime earnings of over $293,000. Last year’s Downs leading driver Jim Morrill, Jr. picks up the drive for owner-trainer Allan McCarty of Hamburg. When asked how his prize 3-year-old was doing, McCarty said “he’s just exploded in his last couple starts.”

In race six, Bet To Win should be a prohibitive favorite. The Larry Remmen trainee has really picked up his game as a 3-year-old with four wins in a row, including a win in the $153,125 Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon Downs back in May. With victories at Vernon, Monticello and Buffalo, and 2007 earnings of over $136,000, Bet To Win, a son of Credit Winner, is currently the points leader for the Night of Champions finals to be held in September. Jim Morrill, Jr. will do the teaming for owner John Lichtenberger of New Jersey.

Thrilling New York Sires Stake action also takes place in races two, eight and 10.

In addition to live harness racing Batavia Downs Gaming offers the best of simulcast action and video gaming. The gaming floor, which features 591 video gaming terminals, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily.