Batavia: Thirsty Thursday, Fast Choice still perfect after NYSS victories

The New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old male pacers were at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 7), and both divisions were won by heavy favorites.

The first $52,500 split went to Thirsty Thursday (Huntsville-Tequila Monday), who equaled his lifetime mark with an impressive outing.

Thirsty Thursday (Matt Kakaley) took the lead from Courts On Fire (Greg Merton) passing the 28 4/5 quarter and never looked back from there. After getting to the half in 57 4/5, Thirsty Thursday faced challenges from Oogleville (Doug McNair) and Holt Hanover (Mark MacDonald) going to three-quarters, but he turned back both by the top of the lane. As they straightened for home, Thirsty Thursday was under Kakaley wraps and coasted home clean in 1:54 3/5.

Thirsty Thursday ($2.30) is now three-for-three lifetime for owners/breeders Flying A Racing Stable and Chuck Pompey. Travis Alexander trains the winning colt.

The second $52,500 flight went to Fast Choice (Courtly Choice-Fashion Guru), who also remained undefeated.

Fast Choice (Doug McNair) got away third as Groovin Will (Greg Merton) marched to the half in a very pedestrian 1:01. As the race advanced to the five-eighths, Fast Choice pulled first-over and cleared the front in a 28 2/5 third panel. From there, Fast Choice bolted home on top by two lengths in a 27 2/5 closer to win in 1:56 4/5.

It was the third straight win for Fast Choice ($3.40), who is owned by Ashley Bako and Randy Zane and trained by Jared Bako. Winbak Farm bred the winner.

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There were also three $20,000 Excelsior stakes on the card.

The first was won by Southpaw (American Ideal-Love You Bye) in 1:57 1/5 for driver/trainer/owner/breeder Jimmy Whittemore.

The second went to Digging For Gold (Huntsville-Gold Orchid N) in 1:56 3/5, driven by Tyler Buter for trainer George Ducharme, who co-owns with Jim Winske and Dr. Megan Moschgat. Bamq LLC. bred the winner.

The third was won by Invictus (Huntsville-Dark Force) in 1:56 4/5, driven by Jim Morrill jr. for trainer Roland Mallar and owner Jeffrey Nanna. James Crawford IV bred the winner.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 10) at 6 p.m.

--press release (Batavia)--