Press Release:
Batavia, NY --- The stakes season will continue on Friday night when 22 extremely talented 3-year-old New York-bred pacing fillies ship into Western New York to compete for almost $200,000 in New York Sire Stakes purses.
Back in 2007, the last time the sophomore pacing fillies were in town, Isabella Blue Chip established a new track record when she paced in 1:54.1.
“We have some awfully good fillies coming in,” Joe Zambito, Batavia Downs Racing Secretary said. “If the weather cooperates I wouldn’t be surprised if the track record was broken”
The first of three New York Sire Stakes divisions will kick-in race four.
The Dream Away--Western Dancer filly, Eagle Way, will start out as the 5-2 favorite. She’s currently the points leader in the race to the Sept. 26 Night of Champions, to be held at Vernon Downs. Eagle Way has Sire Stakes wins at Saratoga, Monticello and Yonkers. Jim Morrill, Jr., the leading driver on the New York Sire Stakes circuit this season, will pilot.
“I picked her over a few others in there,” Morrill said, “I have driven many throughout the years for Mark Ford, and I thought she was in a good spot. She’s really a good filly.”
Morrill will drive the 7-5 favorite in race eight, Witch Is Bettor. The Bettor’s Delight--Witch Hanover filly has season’s earnings of more than $109,000. She has two Sire Stakes wins at Yonkers and one at Tioga Downs this season. Bob Horowitz is the conditioner.
“I’m undefeated on her and have always had something left in the tank,” Morrill observed. “I’m expecting another big effort this evening."
Once again, Jim Morrill will drive the morning line favorite. This time he’ll sit behind the Bettor’s Delight--Summer Child, filly Indulge Me for trainer Ed Lohmeyer.
“She’s arguably the best New York-bred filly out there when she brings her best game,” Morrill said. “She was very good the night I won with her at Saratoga.”
Indulge Me has Sire Stake wins at Yonkers, Saratoga and Monticello.
Racing fans that wear their New York Sire Stakes baseball caps that were given out on July 31 will receive $2 in casino free play. The offer begins at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club and only patrons enrolled in the promotion on July 31 can take advantage of the offer.
This offer is also available on Sept. 2, when the 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters will be in town and on Sept. 4, when the glamour division, the 3-year-old pacing colts, make their way around America’s oldest lighted harness track
The first of 12 races on Friday night gets underway at 7:05.
