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Thrilling stretch drives with close finishes were the order of the day at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 8) when the 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings visited the Genesee County oval to compete in the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for the $109,000 in available purses.

Thunder (Conway Hall-Cr Oh Suzanna) won the first $54,500 division with a big brush from behind.

JNR Express (Jim Morrill Jr.) cut a decent first quarter before slowing the half forcing Chip Chip Conway (Jim Taggart Jr.) to pull first up with Thunder (Kevin Cummings) following right behind. JNR Express and Chip Chip Conway hooked up and went at it toe to toe from the five eighths all around the last turn with Thunder drafting behind. Thunder tipped three deep at the head of the lane and ran down Chip Chip Conway in deep stretch to win in 1:58.3.

“I had to get after him to get him started; he was a little lazy. But he was good once he got started. He’s a nice going trotter” said Cummings after the race.

It was the second straight win and a new lifetime mark for Thunder ($9.60) who is owned by Crawford Farms Racing, Jeremy Day and the VIP Internet Stable. John Butenschoen trains the winner. Thunder was bred by Walnut Hall Limited.

Cavill Hanover (Muscle Mass-Cr Calendar Girl) took the second $54,500 split after a very hard fought battle to the wire.

Here are the Monticello picks  for our IdaBet players:

1ST RACE: 2-6-3-4

2ND RACE: 3-5-7-1

3RD RACE: 4-6-2-1

4TH RACE: 3-7-1-9

5TH RACE: 1-2-4-8

6TH RACE: 1-3-5-6

7TH RACE: 5-2-4-6

8TH RACE: 7-1-4-3

9TH RACE: 5-3-6-4

10TH RACE: 5-4-6-3

Happy wagering and thank you for choosing IdaBet.com!

Today’s “Lock” is at Northfield Park: Race 8 #2-Cam’s Fernando-Looking to go wire to wire in here with top driver Aaron Merriman.

Last lock ran 2nd. Howard’s record now stands at: 265 of 429 wins with 80 seconds and 26 thirds.

Good luck today and thank you for choosing IdaBet.com!

Pick 6 Carryover into Wednesdays card:  $91,748

Pick 6 Jackpot Carryover into Wednesdays card:  $40,149

Good luck and thank you for choosing IdaBet.com!

Northfield Track Announcer Ayers Ratliff’s free handicapping tips are provided for our IdaBet.com players.

Remember, due to their draw schedule, picks are made in advance and do not account for scratches or late driver changes.

From the “Ayers Above TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 7

Race 1: 3- Wegoferdaprize – Drops in class and looks to start the Daily Double. 2- Phat Stacks – Could do well upon coming to
Cleveland. 7- Cabo San Lukas – Could grab a piece of the action despite the poor post draw. 5- Sand Royal Blu – Should not be
overlooked as a legitimate contender in here.

Race 2: 4- Ha Ha – Could score in here with the right trip. 5- Autocorrect Hanover – Made the ticket last time out and could be
right there again tonight. 2- If You Want Fire – Draws well and should get a good trip. 9- Fancy Footwork – Should get a good
trip from the second tier.

Race 3: 4- Finish Line – Gets the top-call to start tonight’s Pick 5. 2- Stormont Park – Finished second last time out and could
be the runner-up again tonight. 7- Guth – Could add some value to the ticket.

Race 4: 4- Unix Hanover – Was a beaten favorite last time out but could prevail for his backers this time around.
2- Ilikeitrealhot – Draws well and should get a good trip. 5- Repeat Performance – Could add some value to the ticket. 7- SB
On My Honor – Has as good of a shot as any in here to complete the Superfecta.

Race 5: 1- Lake Of Gold – draws the rail and could prevail upon coming to Cleveland. 5- Kingofthereigns – Has the ability to
be prominently placed on this ticket. 9- K T War-Bates – Should get a good trip from the second tier. 7- Tanzanite Love – Could
grab a piece of the action despite the poor post draw.

Race 6: 6- Iwilldowhatido – Has as good of a shot as any in here to complete the Superfecta. 3- Steuben Gladiator – Another
that looks to have a...