The Stretch Drive

         We're back in action with some Friday night racing at Batavia Downs.  Looks like the boys may be watching from the balcony once again, we just couldn't resist.  So make sure you're following along on Twitter, @StretchDriving, and FB at The Stretch Drive.  Mike and PC studied the program and came up with their picks for night.  We have another competitive 13 race card highlighted by the Open Pacers tonight, with PT at 5pm.   Batavia Downs - Friday, 7-31 -    PC's Picks                     Mike's Picks R1.     1-3-4                              1-3-2 R2.     2-1-4-3                         2-4-3-7 R3.     3-6-5-1                ...

         Last night was the first day of racing back at Batavia Downs, and with no fans allowed in attendance, The Stretch Drive crew made the best of it.  We booked a room with a balcony view of the track, and let me tell you, it was well worth it.  As you saw from pictures on our social media, it was a great view of the races and we had a blast.  We highly recommend getting together with some buddies and getting yourself a suite for a night of racing, and we'll be doing it again.        - Race 7 - Pace - Fillies and Mares Open I - $10,000          Ray Fisher Jr. left with Lady London out of the 4 hole, as did Jim Morrill Jr. and HP Sissy from the 6 hole.  HP Sissy lead to the opening quarter in 27.2 and the half in 56.3.  That's when Mcneight pulled Julio's Girl first over.  Julio's Girl (16-1) drew even with HP Sissy at the top of the stretch and powered passed for the win in 1:54...

         The Stretch Drive crew is thrilled to be covering Batavia Downs opening night this Wednesday, July 29th.  Even though no fans are able to attend live racing, we may or may not have managed to book a room at the Batavia Downs Hotel, with a balcony view of the races.  We'll be doing some live coverage and updates from the room so make sure to be following along with us.  We're excited for another great season of racing at Batavia.  With names like Billy Davis Jr. and Jim Morrill Jr. in the bike, and trainers like Maria Rice and Sabrina Shaw, it should be be an extremely competitive season once again.  Opening night will feature the Fillies and Mares: Open I Pace, and the Open I Trot, both going for a purse of $10,000.  Mike and PC have their selections ready for opening night.  Here's to a successful night of wagering, let's all get the money.   PC's Picks           ...

         What a night of racing we had on Saturday.  It was the final card of the season for Buffalo Raceway, and Meadowlands had an incredible night, featuring The Meadowlands Pace.  We had all systems go in our simulcast center last night watching every race we could.  At Buffalo, Kevin Cummings had himself a night, leading all drivers with three wins, including taking home the AA Open HDCP with Percy's Z Tam. - Race 2 - Pace - Class AB HDCP - $10,000          On a hot night when the front end seemed to be very strong, David Mcneight III left out of the 4 hole with Utah Beach.  They got to the front at the 1/4 in 28.1.  Arch O Matic and Kevin Cummings had the rail and got away second.  Utah Beach got to the half in 56.2 and it appeared to be a two horse race.  Around the final turn, Cummings pulled Arch O Matic to the outside and battled Utah Beach down the stretch, but Utah Beach held on for the win ...

         The boys are back for our final edition of picks for Buffalo Raceway.  Saturday night is the last night of racing for this meet, and we're sad to see it end.  But with everything that's been going on, we can't wait for racing to return to Batavia Downs.  Hopefully the pandemic is over soon and we can all get to the Downs for some live racing.  We'd like to thank everyone who has followed our new adventure, "The Stretch Drive".  We hope that we were able to help you make a little money, and along the way made you laugh.  That's what we're all about here, having a good time.  We plan to continue to cover NYSS and Batavia Downs when they start.  Here's the picks for Buffalo Raceway, Sat., 7-18. PC's Picks                           Mike's Picks Race 1.        2-3-1            ...

         Buffalo Raceway completed their final Wednesday night of racing and now we only have one more day of racing, this Saturday.  Then the horses move on to "The Stretch Drive" home track, Batavia Downs.  The guys were back in the simulcast center to watch and wager on Buffalo, along with a few other tracks as usual.          David Mcneight III continued to stay hot with another three wins in the bike, leading all drivers on Wednesday night.  "Triple Sticks" won the 7th race, Fillies and Mares A - Open HDCP. - Race 7 - Pace - FM A- Open HDCP - $11,500          Mcneight III and Julio's Girl drew the rail in a real good field of fillies and mares and went off 15-1.  Blacknsweet Adda A had the 2 hole and would go off the betting favorite at 7-5.  Kevin Cummings left with Blacknsweet Adda A and put Julio's Girl in the 2 hole going to the 1/4 in 28.1.  Morrill pulled HP Sissy first ov...

          This is the last Wednesday night of racing at Buffalo Raceway for the meet.  Saturday will be the final race night and soon they'll be back to Batavia Downs again.  We can't wait, and we sure hope we'll be able to watch some live racing at some point.  Wednesday is another 13 race card, and the picks are live.  Here we go. PC's Picks                       Mike's Picks Race 1.     2-1-6                                   1-2-6 Race 2.     1-4-2                                   1-3-5 Race 3.     3-6-2-1                                3-2-6-7 Race ...

        The rainy weather and track conditions made for some interesting results at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night.  It was a combination of some chalks and some long shots getting up for big wins.  Let's cover a couple of the better races from the card. - Race 5 - Pace - Class A - $10,000          Thor De Vie was coming off back to back wins in Class C and B and had the rail Saturday night.  The betting public really liked this one again sending him off at 2-5.  Billy Davis Jr. left out of the 3 hole with Sizzling Summer but Thor De Vie went back to the front in 28.4.  Dave McNeight III cut all the fractions with Thor De Vie getting to the half in 59, and the 3/4 in 1:28.1.  Kevin Cummings pulled Utah Beach first up and applied some pressure but Thor paced away to win by a length in 1:57.2.  Trainer, Jim Graham really has this one in form.  - Race 7 - Pace - Class AA - Open HDCP - $11,500 ...

        It's Saturday again, and the boys are back to give out our picks for Buffalo Raceway.  We have another great looking 13 race card, featuring the Class AA - Open Hdcp.  We'll be watching and wagering in our simulcast center.  Hopefully we'll make some money together along with all of you.     Sat., 7-11        PC's Picks        Mike's Picks         Race 1  1-3-6  2-1-7  Race 2  2-4-1  2-1-4   Race 3  6-3-4-5  1-4-3-6   Race 4  4-5-1-3  2-1-4-3   Race 5  1-6-4  1-6-2   Race 6  3-4-7-2  4-1-5-2   Race 7  5-4-6  4-1-6   Race 8  1-3-4-5  3-1-4-2   Race 9  2-1-4-5  4-2-1-5  Race 10  6-4-5-1  6-1-5-3   Race 11  1-2-5  2-1-3   Race 12  3-6-1  6-1-3   Race 13  1-8-2-6  5-1-2-3 Best Bets P...

        On Thursday afternoon, Vernon Downs hosted the NYSS 3 YO Colts and Geldings.  We got another chance to watch these amazing 3 year old pacers duel it out on the big track.   - Race 6 - Pace - NYSS 3 YO Colts and Geldings - 1st Division -  - $56,000          Brian Sears and Raegan Blue Chip left from the 6 hole and got to the lead at the 1/4 in 26.  Splash Brother got away 4th from the 4 hole,  pulled first over and cleared the lead just after the half in 55 seconds.  Tyler Buter never looked back and Splash Brother pulled away down the stretch to win by about four lengths in 1:49.  That's a new track record for 3 year old geldings.  One hell of a performance.  Splash Brother paid $5.10 for the win while beating the favorite JK Last Chance, who finished third. - Race 9 - Pace - NYSS 3 YO Colts and Geldings - 2nd Division -   - $57,000          Blan...

        The crew was back in our simulcast center again Wednesday night, watching Buffalo Raceway, along with a couple other tracks in between races.  We had a few winners, and there was some great races for us to cover today, starting with the opener of the 13 race card.  - Race 1 - Pace - FM A - OPEN HDCP - $11,500          Gia's Surreal and John Cummings Jr. had won two Opens in row going into last nights race, so they were assigned the 6 hole.  It didn't matter much as Gia managed to win for the third straight week.  Blacknsweet Adda A and Kevin Cummings had the rail and Kevin cut this mile going to the half in 57.1.  Jr. and Gia didn't press out of the gate and got away last.  Down the backside, Jr. pulled, went three wide around the last turn and battled down the stretch to get the win by a head over Blacknsweet Adda A.  Gia's Surreal paid $5.30. - Race 11 - Trot - A - OPEN HDCP - $11,500  ...

        The NYSS are at Vernon Downs today.  Post time is 4pm, and we have the 3 YO Colts and Geldings putting on a show.  PC and Mike have the picks ready for the eight Stakes races, so let's get to the winners.  Good luck to everyone racing today at Vernon. **Picking NYSS races only**  Thurs, 7-9        PC's Picks         Mike's Picks        Race 1  1-7-5-3  7-2-1-3   Race 2  4-3-8-1  4-3-2-8   Race 3  2-3-6-5  2-3-5-7   Race 4  4-3-5-1  4-3-5-9  Race 5  4-5-1-7  5-1-4-7   Race 6  3-4-6-5  6-4-3-7   Race 7  2-6-3-7  2-3-4-7   Race 9  1-7-3-2  1-2-5-7 Brought to you by: Zambistro Restaurant Zambistro.com UNIVETUSA

                   We have some early action today with NYSS races at Saratoga at noon.  This week is filled with NYSS races so we're doing our best trying to keep up.  No video today, so here's the guys picks.  Let's get the money!  Wed, 7-8        PC's Picks        Mike's Picks        Race 1  6-3-5-2  6-5-3-2   Race 2  6-5-4-3  6-3-4-1   Race 3  5-2-4-3  5-2-4-1   Race 4  5-7-2-4  2-7-5-4   Race 5  7-8-5-6  8-7-4-6   Race 6  2-4-5-6  5-4-2-6  Race 7  3-5-2-4  2-5-3-1  Race 8  7-5-6-2  7-5-4-6   Race 9  3-2-5  3-2-5

        The heat in Western NY may be getting to us here at The Stretch Drive.  We spent the afternoon poolside again and discussed the 13 race card on Wednesday at Buffalo.  Later on we shot one of our better selection shows and had a lot of fun doing it.  So hang in there with us for this one.  Mike and PC are ready to release the picks.  See the picks here, and watch the video too!!  Wed, 7-8        PC's Picks        Mike's Picks        Race 1  1-2-3  6-3-1   Race 2  1-4-6  4-1-5   Race 3  1-2-4-6  6-3-5-1   Race 4  7-3-8-1  7-3-4-8   Race 5  1-2-6  1-2-5   Race 6  1-5-3-7  1-5-3-7   Race 7  1-4-6  6-4-1   Race 8  4-1-2-3  1-3-2-5   Race 9  1-7-4-3  1-4-3-2   Race 10  1-4-6-5  1-6-4-5   Race 11  4-2-5  4-5-3 ...

        NYSS racing is really ramping up this week as we have racing Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  Today we'll just be doing blog picks for the races at Yonkers Raceway.  We will be back with a video show for Thursday races at Vernon Downs.  PC and Mike have a lot of reading to do, but let's get started with their selections for today, Tuesday, 7-7 at Yonkers. **Picking Stakes Races Only**  Tues, 7-7        PC's Picks        Mike's Picks         Race 1  6-4-1  6-1-4   Race 2  1-5-2-6  1-5-3-2  Race 3  1-2-5  2-5-4   Race 4  2-4-5-1  4-5-2-1   Race 5  1-4-2  3-2-7   Race 6  6-4-3-1  3-6-4-5   Race 8  1-5-7-2  1-2-4-7         And as always, make sure to check out our great sponsors. Zambistro Restaurant  Medina, NY  Zambistro.com UNIVETUSA 716-923-...

        Vernon Downs hosted the New York Sire Stakes on Saturday, July 4th.  The first 10 races on the card were all Stakes races and there was some great action on the track.  It really is something special to see all these awesome drivers at one track on the same day.  Let's highlight a couple races and then we'll see how Mike and PC did picking. - Race 6 - Trot - Empire Breeders Classic 3 YO Colts and Geldings - 1st Division - $97,750 Hobbs left from the 5 hole and Jason Bartlett went to the quarter in 27.2 before the 1A, Barn Holden took the lead.  Hobbs was content to sit the two hole trip while the 2, Take The Credit applied all the pressure going first over.  Bartlett pulled Hobbs at the 3/4 pole and got up for the win over Take The Credit.  Hobbs was a nice price, going off 7-1 for the upset victory.   - Race 10 - Trot - Empire Breeders Classic 3 YO Fillies  - $207,250 Brian Sears and Hypnotic Am left casually...

          Buffalo had another nice 13 race card for us on Saturday, July 4th.  The crew watched some races and celebrated the Holiday with a few cocktails.  There's nothin like a nice bonfire on July 4th.  And apparently David Mcneight III felt like celebrating on the track as he lead all drivers with four winners on the night, starting with race 3. - Race 3 - PACE - CLASS AA - $11,000          Billy Davis Jr. left off the rail with China Dream and Triple Sticks Mcneight left out of the 3 hole with Black Is Back.  Mcneight had to settle for the pocket trip as China Dream cut this one again.  China got to the half in 58 and 3/4 pole in 1:27.  Mcneight pulled Black Is Back to the outside at the top of the stretch and got by China Dream to win by a head at the wire.  Black Is Back went off the favorite and paid $3.90. - Race 7 - PACE - CLASS A - $10,000          This one got i...

                   The fellas at "The Stretch Drive" are on double duty today.  We had to study Buffalo and Vernon (NYSS) for Saturday, July 4th.  Mike and PC did work, and our videos have been released.  Here's to hoping for some fireworks and some big winners.  Cheers!! Buffalo  Sat, 7-4        PC's Picks         Mike's Picks         Race 1  5-1-6  5-2-1   Race 2  3-2-6  2-4-3   Race 3  5-1-3-4  3-1-4-5   Race 4  2-1-5-4  1-5-4-3   Race 5  2-1-8  1-2-4   Race 6  5-1-4-7  4-1-2-5   Race 7  1-2-4  1-4-2   Race 8  4-1-2-3  4-1-2-6   Race 9  6-1-2-4  2-1-6-3   Race 10 .  4-1-2-3  4-2-1-5  Race 11  5-1-7  3-1-7   Race 12  5-6-8  5-1-2   Race 13  3-1-5-6  3-1-6-...

             It was a very interesting night of gambling from Yonkers Raceway last night.  Yonkers hosted the 3 Year Old Fillies and the NYSS.  There was some very good racing, with a few surprises and a couple chalks.  The interesting part has to do more with our selections, which I'll explain after we cover a couple race highlights. - Race 6 - 3 YO FILLIES **1ST DIVISION** - $51,300          The 4, Merga Hanover went to the front early and got to the quarter in a quick 26.2.  Joe Bongiorno pulled the favorite, So Rude, first over and cleared the lead just passed the half in a wicked 54.2.  So Rude lead the rest of the way and held on to win over Racine Bell in 1:53.  So Rude, trained by Jennifer Bongiorno paid $2.70 for the win.   - Race 7 - 3 YO FILLIES **2ND DIVISION** - $52,200          Andrew McCarthy and Hen Party left around the 1 and went wire to wir...

        "The Stretch Drive" crew was in the lab again last night, watching Buffalo Raceway along with a few other tracks.  We had some more exciting racing at Buffalo and our cappers had a pretty good night overall.  Ray Fisher Jr. and Drew Monti both had stellar nights in the bike, winning three races each to lead all drivers.   - Race 1 - FM OPEN - $11,500          The 4, Gia's Surreal went off the even money favorite with John Cummings Jr. and got away 4th on the rail.  Fisher Jr. put Lady London right on the front and went to the half in 57.  JC Jr. pulled Gia second over just before the half and got up for the win over Hey Kobe by a head in 1:54.2.  Gia's Surreal paid $4.60.   - Race 12 - CLASS A-AA HDCP - $10,000          In race 12, Victoria Swan had the rail, and went off the big favorite at 3-5.  Monti put this one right on the front and rated the mile ve...

        Tonight, at Yonkers Raceway, the 3 year old fillies will take over the track.  Once again it looks like we'll have some very good NYSS races to watch and wager on.  Mike and PC have their picks ready roll.  Let's all make some money.   Yonkers Raceway **Picking NYSS races only**  Thurs, 7-2        PC's Picks        Mike's Picks        Race 1  1-4-3  4-1-2   Race 2  4-3-1-2  3-4-2-6   Race 3  1-4-6  1-6-2   Race 5  1-5-7  5-7-1   Race 6  6-3-1  6-1-3   Race 7  3-2-1  3-2-6   Race 8  2-5-6  2-6-1