Kingpin Hanover and driver Jim Devaux toughed out a first-over victory in the $22,222 Open Handicap Trot on Tuesday, April 22 at Saratoga Casino Hotel. 

Jody Riedel trains the five-year-old E L Titan gelding, who was making just his third start of the season following a win in a lower level condition race. 

Drawing post five in his return to the Open, Kingpin Hanover wound up first-over in a race that had In A Tiny Way (Aaron Byron) brushing to the lead after a first half that went in 1:00.2. Yucatan Party Man (Jordan Derue) had been posting the first-half fractions when he was confronted and subsequently bypassed by In A Tiny Way as the feature’s lone lady took command until being challenged by Kingpin Hanover in the final quarter of the mile. Kingpin Hanover reigned supreme as he stopped the timer in 1:57.3 following a strong back-half while grinding it out first-over. In A Tiny Way was the runner-up while Yucatan Party Man held third. 

Kingpin Hanover, who was backed by the betting public as the 5-2 favourite, paid $7.90 to win. 

He is owned by Super Mile of Blasdell, New York.

Live harness racing continues on Wednesday, April 23 at Saratoga with a first post time set for 12 p.m. There is a Pick 5 carryover of $4,508 USD featured on the Wednesday card with the Pick 5 beginning in the afternoon’s first race. 

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)