Over a track rated 'sloppy' Reckless Rebel thrived as he claimed victory in the $20,000 final of the Holiday Pacing Series on Saturday, December 14 at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
Sent from the pylon post at odds of 9-1, Reckless Rebel sat pocket as Santanna One led the field through the first quarter. Entering the final three-eighths, driver Jimmy Devaux pulled Reckless Rebel from the pocket and rolled to the front around the final turn. Though tiring the George Merton-trained pacer held on to win in 1:56 with Blueberry Heaven finishing second and Santanna One took third.
Reckless Rebel paid $21.20 to win in the upset. The exacta paid $143.50 while the trifecta returned $199. Reckless Rebel, who is owned as well as trained by Merton, adds his name to the list of previous winners of the Holiday Pace which consists of Moveoutofmyway, Three Handbags and Nitro Glistening.
The $10,000 Holiday Pace Consolation went the way of Redhot Romeo, who toughed out a first-over journey to win in 1:59.1 with Dylan Huckabone-Miller at the controls.
Sunday, Dec. 15 is closing day for the 2019 racing season and will feature a twelve-race matinee that is set to kick off at 12 p.m. There will be a retirement ceremony for three 14-year-olds that takes place before the races begin on Sunday.
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)