from Batavia Downs Media Relations

Batavia, NY — When Tim Bojarski, president of the Upstate NY Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, orders the name plate for the trophy ceremony on the Night of Distinction for Batavia Downs’ 2011 Trainer of the Year, he may have to order several copies, as with nine race dates left in the summer-fall meet the trainer title is simply too close to call.

When racing resumes on Wednesday night (Nov. 16, post time 6:40 p.m.) John Mungillo and Alex Giuliani begin the new race week tied with 36 winners each. Right behind are the tandem of Bobbi Jo Martin and Jim Graham, each with 34 wins.

As of today, John Mungillo would be declared the winner with a 19.4 win percentage and a UTR of .293 over Giuliani who is currently winning at 14.5 percent and sports a UTR of .273.

As far as purse earnings are concerned, Graham’s $155,730 and Martin’s $149,890 are currently one-two.

“It’s going to be an exciting race to the finish line,” said Joe Zambito, longtime Batavia Downs race secretary. “It’s a testament to hard work that these trainers put in. I’m looking forward to our final nine days. As far the entry box goes, Giuliani seems to be entering the most horses right now but Mungillo has had some recent new additions to his barn.”

America’s oldest lighted harness races on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights through Dec. 3. For a list of the remaining promotions visit www.bataviadownscasino.com.