Moonshine Kisses catapulted from last to first in taking the $16,000 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Saturday night (Oct. 22).
Moonshine Kisses, starting from the outermost post, got away last in the six-horse Open. The fractions were quick up front as they went to the half in :56.3, and when the favoured Alluneedisfaith N revved the engine, Moonshine Kisses followed. Alluneedisfaith N was the even-money favourite in the feature, having finished first or second in six of his seven starts since moving to the stable of Alicia Gray in early August. That one powered up into contention while Moonshine Kisses tipped off his cover around the final and paced fastest of all in the stretch. He surged past his rivals to score his second local Open win of the month coming on to get it in 1:53.
The six-year-old, who is owned by the Kellogg Racing Stables of Queensbury, New York, secured his seventh victory of the season in just 15 tries. Alluneedisfaith N lengthened his streak of finishing first or second when he was the runner-up Saturday to Moonshine Kisses completing a $13.80 exacta. Talking Tom finished third in a $56.50 triple. Jay Randall was the winning driver behind Moonshine Kisses.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 23) at Saratoga with a first post set for 12 p.m. (EDT).
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)