Bluffinner made his way back into the winner's circle in the top class at Saratoga Casino Hotel after winning Sunday (Sept. 8) afternoon's $20,270 Winners Over / Open Handicap Trot.

Trainer Jordan Derue was holding the lines as the pair lined up in post three on the car. As the car drew away and the field rounded the opening turn, Echo De Meautis Fr (Brett Beckwith) and Mystical Somolli (Phil Fluet) traded punches for the lead. Echo De Meautis Fr was the first to click the quarter in :28 from the outside, while Mystical Somolli maintained his position along the pylons in second. Gigfy (Alek Chartrand) shadowed Echo De Meautis Fr on the outside in third and Bluffinner stayed inside in fourth. The field straightened out in front of the stands for the first time at the :58.1 half with Echo De Meautis Fr on top along the rail. Bluffinner was left on the outside on a first over journey. 

By the 1:27.1 three-quarters, Bluffinner sprinted to the lead and took command of the timer. Derue and his student opened up on the field, dictating the featured trot with a 1:56.2 mile by nine lengths. Big Al M (Matty Athearn) zoomed from seventh to nab second and Echo De Meautis Fr saved show.

The seven-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner and the Donato Hanover mare Bluff won his sixth win of the season in 25 starts and his 29th career tally. Derue co-owns Bluffinner with Fbp Racing Stable LLC. He paid $4.70 to win as the bettors' choice.

Saratoga Casino Hotel resumes racing on Monday (Sept. 9) afternoon with a first post of 12 p.m.

(Saratoga Casino Hotel)