A pocket ride poised Uncle Jord A for a stretch-drive bid to grab the $17,000 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Saturday night (July 15).

Driver Shawn Gray asked the Rock N Roll Heaven veteran for early speed from post five and landed briefly on the lead before yielding to rival St Lads Sterling approaching the opening quarter. Uncle Jord A rode the coattails of the leader through a first half of :55.4, and that leading pair was joined by Talking Tom in the stretch for a three-horse battle to the wire. Uncle Jord A began to impose his will midway through the lane as he overpowered St Lads Sterling late in the game before drawing off to win decisively in 1:52.2. Talking Tom closed sharply to finish second while St Lads Sterling had to settle for third.

Uncle Jord A paid $13.80 to win in the mild upset and led an exacta and triple that came back $72.50 and $213.50, respectively.

The victory in the Open was the third on the season for the eight-year-old, who is owned by Doug Overhiser of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. A picture of consistency this season, Uncle Jord A has now hit the board in nine of his 12 starts in the Saratoga Open in 2023.

Live harness racing continues at Saratoga on Sunday evening with a 13-race card set to kick off at 6:45 p.m. (EDT).

(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)