Discus Hanover parlayed a pocket ride to victory on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 4) at Saratoga Casino Hotel to record his first ever win in the local Open Trot.

Jimmy Devaux piloted the Dave Dewhurst-trained high-stepper in the $20,270 feature and got a two-hole trip for the seven-year-old son of Credit Winner. Discus Hanover rode the coattails of favoured leader Comeonover Hanover (Billy Dobson), who carved out comfortable fractions in the Open. Discus Hanover found late life up the passing lane in the stretch to surge past the favourite and prevail in 1:57.2. Comeonover Hanover was the runner-up while Malibu Kid (Larry Stalbaum) earned the show spot in the season’s first trotting feature.

Discus Hanover, who paid $10.40 to win, is owned in partnership by Dewhurst and Philip Hale. The exacta and triple in the Open paid $22 and $71, respectively.

A 42-time career winner, Discus Hanover earned his first victory of the year following a pair of placings in the Batavia Downs Open ranks.

Live harness racing continues on Monday afternoon at Saratoga with a matinee that kicks off at noon. 

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)