Heavily-favoured The African and driver Billy Dobson survived a first-over journey to capture Thursday’s $9,300 main event at Saratoga Raceway.

The African got away fourth in the early stages of the contest, while Way To Go Girl shot to the top and sliced out panels of :28.4, :59.3 and 1:29.1. The African came first-over on the way to the half, and he continued to chip away for the remainder of the contest. A :30.2 closing quarter was just enough to earn The African the win by a half-length margin over Its A Lucky Deal in 2:00.1. Third prize was earned by Camp Speedy.

Trainer David Dewhurst co-owns the four-year-old son of Crazed-Cest Chez with Philip Hale of New Hartford, NY. It was the first triumph of the season – and the 12th to date – for the career winner of $49,541.