Despite being assigned the outside post in Sunday's (May 19) $15,000 Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel, Bobs Hope got the last laugh as the 3-5 favourite, prevailing over Ulster in 1:55.3.
Defending Saratoga Trotter of the Year Ulster, who was making his 2019 debut and whom Jay Randall opted to drive over Bobs Hope, made it to the front and travelled uncontested through the first three-quarters of the mile in 1:56.2. Bobs Hope, who left to land in third, was revved up by Jimmy Devaux to challenge Ulster around the final turn. Those two squared off in the stretch before Bobs Hope got the better of Ulster. Freddie Mac (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) earned the show shpot.
Bobs Hope captured his fifth Open win in seven tries at Saratoga this season — the previous four with Randall in the bike. Amanda Kelley trains the seven-year-old Donato Hanover gelding for the Scheigert Racing Stable.
For Devaux, the featured win was one of four on the day after a grand slam on Saturday.
Live racing resumes on Wednesday afternoon (May 22) at Saratoga with a 12 noon first post. There will be a Pick-5 carryover of $2,644 on Wednesday with the Pick Five starting in the matinee’s first race.
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)