Matthew Athearn drove Big Box Hanover to victory in the $17,000 Winners Over/Open Handicap Trot on Sunday afternoon (May 28) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

As the gate pulled away into the turn, multiple challengers of the feature trot made a charge for the lead. When the field levelled out, Winning Legends had control of the tempo. Bettors’ choice Big Box Hanover was fourth as they reached the opening panel in :27.2. At the half in :57.4, Esa pulled first over and advanced with Big Box Hanover at his heels. Esa cleared the top before three-quarters in 1:25.4 while Big Box Hanover was still on the outside. Down the stretch, the Larry Stalbaum trainee faced pressure from Esa and a battling back Winning Legends. Big Box Hanover claimed victory in a half-length triumph in 1:55.2. Winning Legends was second and Esa finished third.

Owned by Larry Stalbaum, Big Box Hanover is very familiar with racing in the company of the top class at the Spa. The six-year-old son of Uncle Peter has 40 wins and earnings of $558,251. This season so far, Big Box Hanover has a record of 6-3-5 and earnings of $71,229 in 19 starts.

Racing at Saratoga Casino Hotel continues on Monday afternoon for a Memorial Day matinee card. First post is at 12 p.m. (EDT).

(Saratoga Casino Hotel)