Batavia, NY --- Trond Smedshammer stole the show, taking three of the four New York Sire Stake divisions that were part of an all stakes evening program during the Labor Day doubleheader at Batavia Downs Casino.
The second half of the twin bill featured four New York Sire Stake events for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, four $30,000 Late Closer finals for sophomores and four $8,000 County Fair finals. Over $296,000 in New York Sires Stakes money was up for grabs.
Trainer/driver Smedshammer guided Purple Haze Stable’s Dejarmbro and I’m The Answer to popular victories.
Dejarmbro ($2.10), the Downs freshman track record holder, took command at the opening quarter and never had an anxious moment in his $36,405 division, as he cruised to a 3-1/4 length score in 1:57.2. The Credit Winner-Armbro Déjà Vu colt notched his eighth win of the season and raised his 2011 earnings to $574,223. Racing fans can look for him to be back in the entries on Saturday.
“We want to race him on Saturday night in the Canadian Trotting Classic eliminations (at Mohawk),” Smedshammer said. “But we needed to race him here tonight if we want to make the Night of Champions (October 1 at Saratoga Raceway).
I’m The Answer gave Smedshammer the hat trick when he guided the speedy Credit Winner-Southwind Flanders gelding to a 3-3/4 length score in 1:56.3, the fastest of the four divisions. I’m The Answer led off the gate and drew away down the stretch after Surface Tension (Dan Daley) made a costly break approaching the top of the stretch. In 12 starts this season, I’m The Answer has won seven times and has earned $164,285.
Bristles Winner and catch driver Smedshammer kicked off the NYSS action when they trotted to a 1-1/4 length score in 1:59 for owner John Carver and trainer Tony Alagna.
Keenan made it eight wins in a row and maintains his lead in point standings for the Saratoga Raceway Night of Champions finals when he trotted to a much the best, gate-to-wire, 5-3/4 length win in 1:56.4 in his $36,405 division. Jeff Gregory was in the sulky for the Remmens, owner Ray and trainer Larry. Keenan (Credit Winner-Lookout Victory) raised his season’s earnings to $201,552 and now has won 11 of his 16 starts.
“He leaves the gate so fast and just does things so easy,” Jeff Gregory said.
Gregory acknowledged the finals could be something special.
“There’s some really good (trotting) colts this year.”
Monday night’s Late Closer final winners were:
Colt and Gelding Pace--Bettor’s Reward (Bettor's Delight-Romancing), owner Fortunate One LLC, trainer Peter Arrigenna, driver Chris Page, 1:54.4
Filly Pace--Tiamo (Artiscape-Incredible Sharon), owner George Zitone, trainer Eldo Leonelli, driver Stephane Bouchard, 1:56.4
Colt and Gelding Trot--Cash Poor (Cash Hall-Meadow Gal), owner Kellogg Racing, trainer/driver John Stark, Jr., 2:00.1
Filly Trot--Hit Girl (Credit Winner-Val Lee), owner Crossing Paths Farm, trainer Matthew Butcher, Jr., driver Jeff Gregory, 2:00.2
The County Fair final winners were:
2-year-old Pace--Wright Road (Pan Cartwright-For The Road), owner Tina Rockwell, trainer Tommy Garcia, driver Billy Dobson, 1:59.1
2-year-old Trot--Enough Cash (Cash Hal-Fashionablefilly), co-owners Doug and Tyra Ackley, trainer/driver Doug Ackley, 2:03.4
3-year-old Trot--Cabo (Dream Vacation-Dusty Girl), c