Drawing the rail and dismissed in the wagering at 28-1, Up Helly Aa and driver Billy Dobson delivered a massive upset to take the $21,918 Open Handicap Trot on Monday, June 30 at Saratoga Raceway.

In a race that had early speed result in a first quarter of :27.2 and a half in :57.1, Up Helly Aa moved to the outside past three-quarters while approaching the race’s co-favourite Duke Lavictoire (Wally Hennessey), who had spent the majority of the mile parked out before clearing at the 1:27 three-quarter pole. Up Helly Aa cruised past Duke Lavictoire in the stretch en route to a score in 1:57.4 to record his second Open win of the year. Ramborain (Dan Daley) got away last but progressed well in the final half before coming on to finish second while Duke Lavictoire held on for third. 

Up Helly Aa paid $58.50 to win in the upset and led an exacta and triple that returned $307.50 and $2,546, respectively. 

Trained by Jaymes Mcassey, the six-year-old gelded son of Armbro Barrister-Burnt With Finesse is owned by Ian Fromowitz of Richmond Hill, Ont. 

The Monday sulky star was Jacob Cutting, who piloted a career-high six winners on the 14-race card to lead all drivers for the day. Cutting drove a pair of winners for trainer Melissa Beckwith, Mighty Deo ($6.20) and Bondsman ($8.10), and two for Barry White, Refiner ($6.30) and Osodevious ($2.90). He also won with Urban Kemp ($28.80) for John Hallett and Coventry Hall ($8.30) for Joseph Skowyra.

Live harness racing continues on Tuesday, July 1 with a matinee that begins at 12 p.m. 

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)