Crockets Cullen N returned to the track following a layoff prompted by sickness and posted a 1:52.2 victory in the $20,000 Open Handicap Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Saturday, Dec. 1.
Leaving from assigned post four, driver Larry Stalbaum took the lead with ease before yielding for the pocket as Artful Way brushed to command. Stalking the pacesetter through the mile, Stalbaum popped pocket at the head of the stretch and slid past Artful Way to snag victory. Artful Way settled for second while Lachie Maguire N took third.
The son of Christian Cullen returned $930 to win and led an exacta and trifecta that returned $48.80 and $207 respectively. The win was one of three on the card for Stalbaum who also won the $16,050 Winners Over with Chumlee A and a conditional race with Osundland who came from off the pace to prevail.
Live racing continues on Sunday, Dec. 2 at Saratoga with a first post time set for 12:15 p.m.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)