Hunter Hill powered first-over to upset at 7-1 in a competitive $21,127 conditioned feature for pacers on the Sunday, Nov. 23 matinee at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
Aaron Byron moved Hunter Hill first-over from fourth nearing the third turn to march on the favoured Red Blooded (Brett Beckwith), who made two moves to the lead through first-half fractions of :27 and :55.4. The early expenditure took its toll on the leader, and Hunter Hill powered right by him at three-quarters in 1:24.4. The Scott West-trained pacer surged into the lead entering the last turn, then held off the closing Little Willy (Jacob Cutting) and Mr Huggins (Larry Stalbaum) by a half-length in 1:53.4. Little Willy took second over Mr Huggins.
Hunter Hill, owned by West of Rockwood, Ont., won for the sixth time of the season in 34 tries. The eight-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere-Ali Blue is now 35-for-190 lifetime. He paid $17.86 to win in the upset.
Live racing continues at Saratoga on Monday with a noon first post.
(With files from Saratoga Raceway)