Spaaaanzano won the $25,000 Winners Over/Open Handicap Trot at Saratoga Raceway for the second time this season, going coast-to-coast in 1:55.1 in the top class on Monday, Aug. 10.

Spaaaanzano, racing for trainer Jackie Greene, has split his time between Saratoga and Plainridge Racecourse in recent months. After getting a no-chance trip in his return start at Saratoga on July 27, the five-year-old son of Coraggioso-Grace N Charlie drew post four for his Monday try in the Open. 

Driver Jimmy Devaux wasted little time with the race’s 4-5 favourite, moving him out to the early lead where they travelled unopposed through :28.2 and :58 splits. Major danger Platinum As (Chris Long) got the pocket trip behind the favourite and tailed the leader through three-quarters in 1:27, but Spaaaanzano held off his late bid in a mile clocked in 1:55.1. Platinum As had to settle for second-best by a length, while last week’s Open winner Mocha Java (Jay Randall) came on for third. 

Spaaaanzano took the 20th win of his career from 65 starts, bringing his earnings to $1,006,330. The gelding is owned by Kellogg Racing Stables LLC. He paid $3.90 to win.

The win was one of four on the day for Devaux, who currently sits second in the drivers' standings behind Kyle Swift in what could amount to a battle for the title over the final months of the racing season. 

Live racing continues on Tuesday with a matinee scheduled to kick off at noon. The card features two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes.

(With files from Saratoga Raceway)