Flyhawk Thriller pulled off the upset in the Open Handicap Trot on Saturday night (March 26) at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

With no Sunday racing this week, there were co-features on the 13-race card as the $15,000 Open Handicap Trot joined the regular Saturday feature, the Open Handicap Pace. Both races were contested at a distance of 1-1/16 miles.

Flyhawk Thriller was dismissed at odds of 34-1 while starting from post four in the Open for high-steppers. Driver Jim Devaux moved the longshot into the pocket and tracked rival Waiting On A Woman (Jordan Derue) every step of the way. J A T O (Stephane Bouchard) brought a lengthy win streak into the Saturday co-feature and came charging up to challenge Waiting On A Woman. Flyhawk Thriller popped the pocket around the final turn before getting up to win by a half-length in 2:01.3. J A T O came on for second while Waiting On A Woman had to settle for the show spot.

Flyhawk Thriller returned $70.50 to win and led an exacta and triple that paid $229.50 and $2,080, respectively. The son of Cash Hall is trained by Bert Belanger for owners Lyse Belanger of Ballston Spa, New York and Mario Bourgea of Stanbridge East, Que.

Chris Marino trainee Spinarama prevailed in the co-featured Open Pace behind a strong effort on the front end, which saw him score in 1:59.3. Stephane Bouchard piloted Spinarama, who was the race’s 6-5 betting favourite. The Cams Card Shark gelding is owned by Michael Casalino Jr. of Freehold, New Jersey.

(With files from Saratoga Raceway)