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Dec 19, 2017

The western New York “wonder from down under” Chumlee A, proved once again that he is the best pacer currently on the grounds as he led a fast :57 back half under heavy duress on a cold night to win the final $10,000 Open Handicap pacing feature of the meet at Batavia Downs on closing night (Dec. 16).

It took Chumlee A (Larry Stalbaum) over a quarter of a mile to get the lead as Don’tcallmefrancis (Billy Davis Jr.) played hardball on the front-end. But eventually the Aussie got there after a quick :28 second split before he put on the brakes to the half to get a short breather. Not content with the slowing pace, Focus Power (Drew Monti) pulled at the half and started one heck of a fight.

Drawing alongside Chumlee A, Focus Power pushed the issue as the two matched strides in a :28.1 third panel. Also pacing together around the far turn, Chumlee A’s lead was getting shorter but he continued to look strong on the point. Halfway down the lane the overland route had gotten to Focus Power but Don’tcallmefrancis, who had gotten the perfect two-hole trip the entire mile, popped into the passing lane and made a late bid. However Chumlee A had enough in the tank and hung on by a head in 1:54.2.

It was the second straight Open victory and fourth straight win at Batavia Downs and in northern hemisphere for Chumlee A ($3.60) who has been racing in the U.S. for just over a month. The 6-year-old gelded son of Somebeachsomewhere is owned by Mark Jakubik and Kim Asher, who also does the training.

It was a big night for trainer Kim Asher and driver Larry Stalbaum. Besides winning the...

For our IdaBet players, here are the Thursday Picks for Monticello. Happy Wagering!

1ST RACE: 1-5-3-4

2ND RACE: 3-7-1-5

3RD RACE: 3-5-6-4

4TH RACE: 1-4-5-8

5TH RACE: 2-6-5-1

6TH RACE: 2-7-3-4

7TH RACE: 2-1-3-4

8TH RACE: 4-2-3-6

For our IdaBet players, here are the Thursday Picks for Monticello. Happy Wagering!

1ST RACE: 5-1-2-6

2ND RACE: 5-3-2-7

3RD RACE: 6-5-1-7

4TH RACE: 4-1-5-6

5TH RACE: 4-2-3-1

6TH RACE: 5-1-4-2

7TH RACE: 3-1-5-4

8TH RACE: 1-7-6-4

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” SUNDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 17

Race 1: 2- Mortgage Bags – Made the ticket in both of her most recent races; could step-up and that that ticket this time around. 6- Busco Jazz – Patalan hands the lines to Merriman and looks for some results. 3- Jetomatt – Raced well last time out and could be tough again tonight. 4- Starry Skys – Could grab a piece of the action.

Race 2: 2- Power Rock – Draws well and could prevail with the right trip. 1- Tico Time – Could be tough from the rail. 5- Ace Of SharksLooks to be tough if he is completely over the sickness he had the last time he was scheduled to compete. 8- Hare Craft – Could add value to the exotics.

Race 3: 2- Schmatie – Drops in class and looks to start tonight’s Pick 5. 5- Robocall Hanover – Another class dropper that looks to be tough in here. 3- Umygeorgia Hanover – Could add value to the ticket.

Race 4: 3- Hooray For Willie – Drops top the level of his most recent victory and could be victorious again tonight. 5- Fort Commander – Another that looks to be tough in here. 4- Lion Image – One of several in here that could make the ticket. 7- Sure Thing – Has as good of a shot as any in here to complete the Superfecta.

Race 5: 5- Zoom On Romeo – Drops in class and could be victorious at this level of competition. 1- Windsun Stetson – Looks to be a major factor from the rail. 4- Warrior Call – One of several in here that could make the ticket. 6- Ewald Hanover – Could add value to the exotics.

Race 6: 3- Bowdie De Vie – Gets the top-call to start the Pick 3. 5- Deadheads Royalty – Has two wins in a row but is moving up in class. 4- Skyflex – Should not be overlooked as...