Sunday’s “Lock” is at Cal-Expo on race #11 with the #2-Lisplaced-won 5 of 6. Makes it 6 of 7 tonight.

Last Lock won again and the pick record is at 1056 of 1681 wins with 302 seconds and 113 thirds.

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Wednesday’s “Lock” stays at Northfield Park on race #13 with the #4-Quality Closer-just missed last out in 1:53-Wire to wire tonight- Aaron Merriman drives.

Last Lock was 2nd and the pick record is at 1053 of 1678 wins with 302 seconds and 113 thirds.

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The Meadows, in conjunction with the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association and the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program, will offer a $10,000 guaranteed early Pick 4 pool on Wednesday, February 22nd. The early Pick 4 covers races 1-4, begins at approximately 12:45pm ET

Thank you for placing your wagers at IdaBet.com!

Feb 21, 2023

Batavia featured Pop-Up Series finals

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

(Photos courtesy of McKenna Dziemian)

Four finals of the Western New York Pop-Up Series headlined the card at Batavia Downs on Monday (Feb. 20) with a total of $63,000 distributed between those events. 

In the $12,000 Trackmaster 70 pace, Ellieonthemove (Kevin Cummings) struck an early lead and maintained that position for the duration of the mile. After setting quarters of :29 :59.3 and 1:29.1, Ellieonthemove paced home on top by 1-¼ lengths in 1:59 flat. 

Ellieonthemove ($4.50) scored her first win of the year for owner Sidney Easton and trainer Tony Cummings. 

Next up was the $15,000 Trackmaster 74 pace and Bettor Country (Kevin Cummings) tripped-out to victory.

Kissinbythebeaches (Keith Kash Jr.) got the lead heading into turn two but led unchallenged for only a short time. Blazing Light (Kyle Cummings) pulled first up at three-eighths and Bettor Country was right on his back. Blazing Light had the lead passing the 1:27.3 three-quarters with Bettor Country still in pursuit. Down the lane, Bettor Country had more pace and won by a length in 1:57.3.

It was the second straight win for Bettor Country ($11.20) who is owned by Rocco Stebbins and trained by Joe Skowyra.

The $18,000 Trackmaster 78 pace produced an upset when Reggiano (Dave McNeight III) turned an early move into a 15-1 payoff.

Candy’s Desire (Kyle Cummings) was parked out to the quarter in 28 flat before claiming the front in the first turn. Almost immediately, Reggiano was tipped from third and rushed to the lead, cutting the half in :56.4. Reggiano continued to dictate the pace under duress but held off the pack to the top of the lane. There, Reggiano paced away clear by 1-¾ lengths in 1:55.2.

It was the second win of 2023 for Reggiano ($30.00) and owner/trainer Marc...

Tuesday’s “Lock” is at Northfield Park on race #3 with the #5-Big Sanchino: 5 2nd’s in a row-Wins Tonight;) Aaron Merriman drives.

Last Lock was off the board. The pick record is at 1053 of 1677 wins with 301 seconds and 113 thirds.

Remember to place your wagers on the pick at IdaBet.com!

HAPPY VALLEY SELECTIONS
(Wednesday, February 22, 2023)

Race 1: #4 M M Johnny, #1 Happy Tango, #9 Touch Faith, #7 Common Room
Race 2: #1 Happy Gathering, #3 Double Show, #4 Le Plus Vite, #11 Raging Blaze
Race 3: #4 Legion Of Merit, #6 Right As Rain, #2 Turin Warrior, #3 Rainbow Light
Race 4: #1 Savvy Delight, #4 E Brother, #5 Sight Hero, #7 Timestorm
Race 5: #9 River Views, #5 Packing Succeeder, #1 Viva Popcorn, #3 Lean Hero
Race 6: #12 General Ace, #1 Publicist, #2 Kokushi Musou, #3 Top Top Tea
Race 7: #5 High Cloud, #8 Flying On The Turf, #1 Compassion Super, #3 Mega Bonus
Race 8: #12 Faulds, #8 E Legend, #10 Silver Hammer, #3 Meaningful Star
Race 9: #12 Stormtrouper, #6 Nordic Dragon, #5 Mark The Moment, #3 Beauty Charge

Race 1: Fenwick Handicap (2nd Section)

4 M M Johnny is racing well and he deserves a first win. He has the right draw here which should see him receive the run of the race under an in-form Matthew Chadwick. #1 Happy Tango is closing in on another win. He’s found his mark and this grade suits him. Expect he rolls forward under Karis Teetan in a bid to make all and offset his wide draw. #9 Touch Faith has consistency on his side and pairs favourably with Zac Purton this time. #7 Common Room mixes his form but he should be able to make good use of the inside gate.

Race 2: Fenwick Handicap (1st Section)

1 Happy Gathering returns to Class 5. His last run in this grade returned a win earlier this season and he’s since been racing with plenty of merit up in class. He can take advantage of this dip with Hugh Bowman engaged. #3 Double Show has always been thereabouts without winning. Expecting another strong showing from him. #4 Le Plus Vite has shown he’s capable of winning, especially in this grade. He pairs favourably with Vincent Ho. #11 Raging Blaze tends to run well without winning. Expect he finishes fast as usual.

Race 3: Fleming...