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Sep 17, 2018

For the second time in three weeks, Validus Deo laid claim to being the best pacer in western New York after winning the $10,000 Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 15).

The starter released the field and they all hit the pylons in draw order going into the first turn. Halfway up the backside, Bugatti (Ron Beback Jr.) pulled to advance but Valudis Deo (Kevin Cummings) swooped three-deep around him and took the lead by the quarter in a tepid :28 and at that point, the race was won.

Validus Deo motored down to the half in :55.4 and three-quarters in 1:24 flat as Whosurpapa (Billy Davis Jr.) tried to challenge first-over but didn’t have any answers once out there. Rounding the last turn Cummings got more aggressive with his drive, knowing the pocket-sitting Barry Hanover (Shawn McDonough) was ready to pounce. As that situation unfolded, Validus Deo was up to the challenge and maintained his lead to the wire in 1:52.2, which was a new seasonal mark for the winner.

Validus Deo ($5.70) registered his ninth win of the year and 35th of his career for trainer/driver Kevin Cummings who co-owns the winner with Matthew Rosiek and Robert Johnson.

The $9,000 Open II was won by Upfront Countryboy (Billy Davis Jr.) who got away last before sliding up to fourth along the pylons past the half and shaking loose three-deep at the top of the stretch to pull away and win by a length in 1:52.4.

It was the 11th win of the year for Upfront Countryboy ($17.40) who is owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser Jr.

The fastest mile of the night was orchestrated by Lucan Hanover (John Cummings Jr.) who went wire to wire in 1:52 in an upper level condition race. The very classy $1.1 million earner Lucan Hanover ($5.10) took up residency at...

Due to heavy rain in the forecast, the 12-race card from Plainridge Park Casino that was scheduled for tomorrow, September 18, has been moved to Wednesday, September 19.  First post time is 2:00pm ET.

Attached is an updated live calendar that reflects this change.

Thank you for playing at IdaBet.com!

2018 Plainridge Live Calendar

Yonkers Raceway is altering its September racing dates.

In preparation for the Saturday, Sept. 22^nd, New York Night of Champions, the Raceway shall be dark Friday night, Sept. 21^st. This was necessitated by the use the paddock as a detention area for the Night of Champions participants.

The make up the date, Yonkers is racing Wednesday, Sept. 26^th, with a usual night post of 6:50 PM.

            We apologize for the late notice and appreciate everyone’s cooperation.

FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

Thank you for your continued support of Yonkers Raceway and IdaBet.com!

Sep 17, 2018

Trials for rich Alex Picov Futurity headline huge Monday racing card

It is the championship season for Ontario Quarter Horse racing and the action heats up Monday afternoon.

Two trials for the $75,000 Alex Picov Futurity (final is on Oct. 8), one of the most prestigious races for juveniles in Canada, have attracted fields of nine and 10 tackling 400 yards.

MILDRED DIDRICKSON, a filly named for the remarkable track and field Olympian and champion golfer, is one of the major players in the first trial which is race 2. Owned by Milena Kwiecien and trained by Ajax Downs’ leading conditioner Jason Pascoe, the filly was a trial winner at Canterbury Downs in Minnesota and is making her Ajax debut. Her stablemate STRIPPER DUST, winner of the Bonus Futurity Stakes here on July 15 is also an exciting entrant.

The second trial, going as race 3 is headed by Erik and Joyce Lehtinen’s SHE’S SIZZLING, an Ontario-bred who began her career in the U.S. and has two wins from four starts.

Monday’s card has also lured reigning Horse of the Year COUNTRY BOY 123 who is entered in the 250-yard Sprint Series. Unbeaten in five starts in 2018, Country Boy 123 is prepping for the important Alex Picov Memorial Championship and this will be the shortest distance the 5-year-old has ever attempted.

Happy wagering and thank you for choosing IdaBet.com!

(Photo below is STRIPPER DUST, an exciting 2-year-old filly who is one of the favourites in the first Trial for the Alex...