Celia Bayama strikes again at Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Although she moved up in class, out in post and completely reversed racing strategies, Celia Bayama claimed her second straight win in the $9,500 fillies and mares pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Monday (Feb. 10) afternoon. 

Kyle Swift took Celia Bayama off the gate and tucked in fifth while Legal Jeopardy (Dave McNiehgt III) and Scenic Adventure (Kevin Cummings) battled to the quarter in :28 flat. Scenic Adventure finally took command, crossed over to the pegs and backed the half down to a more tempered :58.4. Swift had Celia Bayama out and rolling passing five-eighths and advanced on the backside in first-over fashion to draw even with Scenic Adventure at three-quarters in 1:29.

From there, Swift high-lined and bounced behind Celia Bayama all through the last turn, trying to coerce her to pass Scenic Adventure, which she did at the top of the stretch. As they headed for home, Celia Bayama paced hard to the line while turning back a late lunge by Legal Jeopardy in the passing lane to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:59.4. 

It was the 20th career victory for Celia Bayama ($12.60) who is owned by Barry Charles and trained by Chris Petrelli. 

Joe Chindano Jr., the Downs leading driver this meet, enhanced his lead on Monday after winning four more races during the card. Chindano won with Keystone Phoenix (1:59.2, $2.60), Kenobi (2:00.2, $4.50), Blue Madam (1:59.4, $14.20) and Heir of Southwest (2:00.4, $4.50). Chindano now has 33 wins for the winter meet and sits six victories ahead of Brett Beckwith who currently has 27.

Trainers Chris Petrelli and Candace Brandstatter-Hall each had two wins during the card to lead the conditioner colony on Monday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Feb. 13) at 3:00 p.m. with a $4,251 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race. There are only four more live racing dates in the 2025 winter meet, which concludes on Monday, February 24.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs