Sent the 8-5 favourite, Gruden took the pocket spot and capitalized off the trip to take the $12,000 Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Monday (April 5).

Gigfy cut the mile, parking a rival to a first half in :56.2. All the while, Gruden was in behind the dueling leaders. And when he got clearance after three-quarters in 1:26, Gruden popped the pocket and cruised past Gigfy before drawing away in the stretch. Billy Dobson piloted Gruden to the better than four-length victory in the feature.

Gruden paid $5.40 to win and led an exacta with Gigfy second that came back $26.00. Stone In Love made a break behind the gate but rallied late to finish third and complete a $69.50 triple.

The win for Gruden was one of two on the day for his connections. Owner Rick Dobson, of Howell, MI, had a double as his Lazzaro was a repeat winner earlier in the card in a $6,600 trotting event for Krist with leading driver Billy Dobson in the sulky.

Live racing continues on Tuesday afternoon (April 6) at Saratoga with a first post time set for 12 p.m. (EDT).

(Saratoga Casino Hotel)