Alluneedisfaith N recorded his first local Open victory at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Saturday (Sept. 17) in what was a huge night for driver Shawn Gray.

Alluneedisfaith N was a beaten favourite in his two Spa starts coming into Saturday’s try when he drew post six in the six-horse $16,000 Open Pace. The 5-2 second choice in the wagering, Alluneedisfaith N got away last and with fractions nothing close to blistering up front, the chances appeared bleak for the Alicia Gray trainee after the first half went in :56.4. The favourite carved the fractions while confronted by a first-over Optical Illusion N. Those two slugged it out as Alluneedisfaith N remained sixth and last at the three-quarter pole. Gray fanned the New Zealand import to the far outside around the final turn and the eight-year-old made the kind of move rarely seen when racing against top flight competition. The classy veteran powered past his rivals to score in 1:52.3 to register his first win in a local Open highlighted by a final quarter of :27.1.

Alluneedisfaith N paid $7.30 to win and led an exacta with Keystone Dakota second that returned $35.40. Optical Illusion N finished third and rounded a $156 triple. Gray’s win behind Alluneedisfaith N, who is owned by Doug Overhiser of Illinois, was one of four consecutive victories and five on the night in total for the veteran reinsman, who sits fourth in the driver standings for the season.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 18) at Saratoga with first post time set for 12 p.m. (EDT).

(Saratoga Casino Hotel)