The red-hot stretch for conditioner Amanda Kelley continued on Tuesday afternoon (May 18) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

The meet’s second leading trainer saw her stable’s star Some Waratah A add yet another to his impressive win total for the season as the Aussie invader prevailed in Tuesday’s $14,000 Open Pace.

Some Waratah A moved his record to six for nine in 2021 as the talented pacer scored in 1:52.4 to register his third win in four starts in the local feature. Greg Merton was forced to change tactics with Some Waratah A this week in the Open as the race was filled with early speed. A horse who has thrived on the lead since coming to the U.S. this winter came from off the pace this week and had the benefit of being a closer in a race that went to the half in 55 seconds. Some Waratah A got a second-over trip and powered off his cover heading to the three-quarter pole before taking the lead in the stretch.

Some Waratah A was the Open’s 4-5 betting favourite as he bested invader Lachie Maguire N (Jimmy Devaux) and Artful Way (Billy Dobson) who finished second and third. The exacta and triple paid $43 and $156, respectively.

Some Waratah A was one of four winners on the card for his connections as owner the Scheigert Racing Stable of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Amanda Kelley and Greg Merton teamed up for a grand slam on the beautiful spring afternoon in the Spa City. In addition to the win in the Open, they scored victories with pacers Lake Charles, Franco Tristan N and Real Kid to continue their local hot streak.

Live harness racing continues on Wednesday afternoon at Saratoga with a first post time set for Noon.

(Saratoga)