Hudson Phil, by Shanghai Phil, made his return to the Saratoga Casino Hotel winner’s circle on Tuesday afternoon, an area is has been very familiar with over the course of the last few years.

The Jackie Greene-trained five-year-old rattled off eight Open Pace victories in 2019, the second most of any horse at 'the Spa' last season.

Recently, Hudson Phil has spent much of his time competing out of town, but the standout pacer raced Tuesday at Saratoga and went off at odds of 5-2. Fresh off of a stint at Yonkers Raceway and the Meadowlands Racetrack, Hudson Phil flashed early speed on Tuesday with driver Shawn Gray and found an early spot with him in the first quarter, which was clocked in :26.2. Hudson Phil wasn’t on the inside for very long, as he moved first-over at the leader after the :55.4 half.

Hudson Phil, pictured victorious at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.

Working hard on the outside in the :28 third quarter, Hudson Phil took the lead turning for home and narrowly held off the stretch threat from Funknwaffles and driver Billy Dobson, who came up just inches shy at the wire. Crockets Cullen N (who was driven by Larry Stalbaum) followed the cover of Hudson Phil and finished third in the mile, which was clocked in 1:53.2.

The win was third of the season for Hudson Phil and just the second in the local Open Pace. He paid $7.70 to win and led an exacta with Funknwaffles second that returned $23.20. The triple with Crockets Cullen N third paid $49.80.

Hudson Phil is owned by the Kellogg Racing Stables of Queensbury, NY.

Live racing at Saratoga will continue on Wednesday with first post at 7:15 p.m. New York Sire Stakes action will be featured, as three-year-old trotting fillies will take centre stage and will be highlighted by a $156,600 showdown for the ladies.

(Saratoga Casino Hotel)