On Saturday evening (July 9), Lake Charles again found himself on top in the $16,000 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Lake Charles powered out from post 5 on Saturday to make the lead but was quickly confronted by the race’s favourite, whose attempted quarter move was rebuffed. The five-year-old Lake Charles sizzled through a first half in :55.1 before being met with the challenge of Apex Seelster, who hit the board in all four of his local starts heading into Saturday’s try in the feature. Lake Charles drew clear again in the stretch before hanging on to win in 1:52. Apex Seelster was a strong runner-up while longshot American Zest A came on to finish third.

Lake Charles paid $8.40 to win and led an exacta and triple that returned $42.20 and $435.50, respectively. The victory was the fifth in Open company at the Spa this season for Lake Charles who matched pacing mare Chasethecloudsaway as the winningest Open horses in the 2022 campaign. Saturday’s winner is owned by Scheigert&Alliesracing LLC of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon (July 10) at Saratoga and will feature a Pick 5 carryover of $1,374 with the Pick 5 beginning in the matinee’s first race. Post time is set for 12 p.m. (EDT).

(Saratoga Casino Hotel)