Leaving from post position No. 4, he led through comfy fractions of :28.4, :58.4, 1:27.2 and 1:56.2. Batalj Launcher had three lengths on his rivals turning for home before defeating Lavec Dream (George Brennan) by a wrapped-up 2 1/2 lengths. Beach Nut Brand (Jeff Gregory), 2-1 choice Shutter Boy (Ryan Anderson) and Dennis (Stratton) completed the cashers.

For Batalj Launcher, a 10-year-old Tap In gelding co-owned by (trainer) Josh Green and Meadowbranch Racing, he returned $8.20 (third choice) for his ninth win in 29 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $36.40, with the triple returning $136..

The blind-draw Filly and Mare Open Pace saw Night's Kreeation go up and over the 2-5 fave OK Amelia (Bartlett), then open up.

Leaving from post No. 3, Night's Kreeation was content to sit third while the choice of the populace led through early intervals of :28.2 and :58.

Soft enough--in theory--but "Amelia" couldn't stall Night's Kreeation, out of third and to the lead before the 1:25.4 three-quarters. She then ran away, from two lengths entering the lane to 8 1/4 lengths at the wire, which she found in 1:54.1. Cheyenne Trish (Jim Meittinis), OK Amelia, Eagle Hilarious (Cat Manzi) and Western Graduate (Eric Abbatiello) rounded out the payees.

For Night's Kreeation, a 7-year-old daughter of Arturo owned by Triple P Racing and trained by Delvy Lopez, she returned $16.20 (third choice) for her fifth victory in 26 '09 tries. The exacta paid $49.40, with the triple returning $93.

The watch for Jim Pantaleano 5,000--albeit not nearly as exciting as the watch for Dow Jones 10,000--continues. Pantaleano both began and ended his evening with 4,999 career victories. He went 0-for-5, getting overtaken late with 4-5 Twin B Tiara in the 12th-race finale by Sherri on Ice (Bartlett).

Yonkers' regular five-night-per-week schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) remains in effect. First post for all racing programs--including Saturday night's Fall Harvest Festival--is 7:10 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.

Frank DRUCKER