Im Sir Blake A made his local debut a winning one off a three-week layoff on Saturday night (June 11) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Trained by Erv Miller, the seven-year-old son of Alta Christiano N is in the midst of a career season that has seen him pile up more than $120,000 in earnings while competing primarily at Yonkers Raceway. Im Sir Blake A made his Spa debut in Saturday’s $16,000 Open Pace and was assigned the outside post in the five-horse feature.

Veteran Artful Way (Billy Dobson) cut the mile in the feature and was pushed to the limit by a first-over bid from the favoured Belmont Major N (Leon Bailey) while Im Sir Blake A followed his cover into the final turn for Shawn Gray. The invader powered up to take over the lead in the stretch and had enough left to withstand a late bid from Apex Seelster (Jimmy Devaux), who wound up second-best.

The winner paid $5.50 as the 8-5 second choice in the wagering. The exacta, with Apex Seelster, returned $17 while the triple, which was completed by Belmont Major N, came back $29.60.

Im Sir Blake A, who is owned by Douglas S & Douglas S Overhiser of Shorewood, Illinois, paced the mile in 1:51.2, a final time that serves as the fastest for any horse this season at Saratoga. 

Live harness racing continues on Sunday afternoon at the Spa with New York Sire Stakes action highlighting a 13-race card. First post time is set for 12 noon.

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)