Im The Muscle motored to a career-best mile when winning the $15,000 Open Trot on Sunday, June 30 at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

The Rene Allard trainee took control with Billy Dobson in the bike past the half, moving around Ulster to clear command. Im The Muscle gained separation rounding the final turn and spun for the finish in progress to a 1:54.3 win over Cartier Volo charging for second and Cash Me Out taking third.

After enjoying an 11-win campaign in 2018, Im The Muscle’s Sunday victory was just his second in 11 tries this year. Sent the race’s even-money favourite, Im The Muscle led an exacta and triple that paid $29.60 and $166.50. Dobson piloted three winners on Sunday’s matinee card.

Live racing resumes on Wednesday with a special 5 p.m. first post. It is Saratoga Casino Hotel's annual Independence Day celebration with fireworks at the conclusion of the 12-race card. There are four series finals on Wednesday’s program contested for purses of $15,000 and $20,000.

(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)