Frisco Bay N sprung a big-time upset in the first Winners Over/Open Handicap Pace of the season at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Sunday, Feb. 1.
The opening-day card featured 14 races for a cold February matinee that was highlighted by the longshot victory of the Jackie Greene-trained Frisco Bay N. Jacob Cutting sat behind the six-year-old, who was dismissed at odds of 34-1, and marched him out to the early lead. Frisco Bay N posted fractions of :26.4 and :56.1 in the first half before being confronted by the pocket-pulling Vanderbilt N (Ron Cushing).
That gelding, the 1-5 favourite, pressed Frisco Bay N to three-quarters in 1:25.1. Those two pacers brought their battle to the stretch, and the longshot would not be denied as Frisco Bay N recorded his first career Open victory in 1:54, besting Vanderbilt N by a head. The Good Doctor (Kyle Swift), a nominee for Pacer of the Year at the Spa in 2025, closed to finish third in his seasonal debut.
Frisco Bay N is owned by Kellogg Racing Stables LLC of Queensbury, N.Y. The six-year-old son of Downbytheseaside-Idealistic is now 11-for-46 lifetime with $153,565 in earnings. He returned $71.84 to his backers.
Trainer Bryson Dunning took the early lead in the standings with three upset winners on opening day. His victorious trainees were Getheshowontheroad ($20.04), Bayside Mavrick ($50.74), and Rebellious ($21.20). Dunning is coming off a career year of 97 victories and $787,250 in earnings. He also won his first training title as he topped the leaderboard at Shenandoah Downs in the spring.
There was an accident in the fourth race on the afternoon involving Idiosyncratic, driven by Jim Devaux, and Ilikemebettor A, driven by Matt Athearn. Idiosyncratic was racing on the outside in sixth on the final turn when he fell, and Ilikemebettor A, who was on the inside, hit his wheel, resulting in both reinsman being unseated. Ilikemebettor A stayed up and paced to the line without a driver. Updates on the horses and drivers involved will be posted when available.
Live harness racing at Saratoga continues on Monday with a noon first post.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)