Joey Joe made his Saratoga Casino Hotel debut a winning one for new connections on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
The three-year-old Always A Virgin-Shes Special gelding made his first 13 career starts at Hoosier Park but was acquired after his Oct. 7 outing by Patrick Gregory and Ryan Nelson, who moved him to Saratoga.
On Wednesday, the youngster was the 1-5 favourite in the eighth race as he pursued his fourth consecutive victory. Aaron Byron got the catch-drive behind Joey Joe, who went to the front in the $14,085 conditioned event. After taking command at the quarter in :28.2, Joey Joe cruised unopposed through :58.1 and 1:26.4 middle fractions as rival Olympic Blaze (Matt Athearn) rode his coattails every step of the way. Joey Joe had little difficulty in the stretch, reporting home a 1-1/2-length winner in 1:55.4. Olympic Blaze was second, two lengths in front of Major Drama (Jim Devaux).
Joey Joe, trained by Nelson, improved to six-for-14 lifetime with the win, which boosted his bankroll to $34,331. He paid $2.60 to win.
Racing resumes at Saratoga on Sunday afternoon with a matinee that begins at noon.
(Saratoga Raceway)