Optical Illusion N continued to show his force at Saratoga Casino Hotel with a victory in the $14,500 Winners Over Pace on Saturday night (Feb. 11).
His regular driver, Chris Long, asked for a bit of early speed from the six-year-old, who found a spot mid-pack in the early going. The rising star came motoring home in the stretch while surging past his rivals to win in 1:53.3. With the would-be favourite taken out of the betting due to suffering broken equipment before the start, Optical Illusion N wound up as the 2-1 second choice in the wagering and paid $6.50 to win. The favoured Belmont Major N finished second while Stop Staring earned the show spot. Optical Illusion N is owned by Lisa and Kim Zabielski.
Optical Illusion N instantly became a force after coming to Saratoga Casino Hotel last year. Lisa Zabielski trains and co-owns the New Zealand import who had a breakthrough season in 2022, scoring 12 wins to pad earnings of more than $114,000. For his efforts, Optical Illusion N was named a nominee for Pacer of the Year at the Spa in his local rookie season.
Live racing resumes on Monday afternoon (Feb. 13) with a matinee beginning at 12 p.m. (EST).
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)