Itsallaboutfaith N sprung the upset in the $21,429 Open Handicap Pace on Sunday, March 9 at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
The eight-year-old Captaintreacherous-Veste gelding wasted little time powering out to the early lead under the guidance of reinsman Shawn Gray. Itsalltheaboutfaith N sizzled through a first quarter in :26.4 before backing down the pace through a half in 57 seconds. The competition was stiff in the Ope,n but whenever tested, Itsallaboutfaith N had the answers. The Gareth Dowse-trained pacer kept his rivals at bay past the 1:25.3 three-quarters mark and scored by more than two lengths in 1:54.3 to surprise at odds of 16-1. Invader Jett Star A (Ron Cushing) toughed it out first-over and held on to finish second while 2025 Open stalwart and post eight assignee The Good Doctor (Brett Beckwith) closed to earn the show spot.
The victory was the third in five seasonal starts for Itsallaboutfaith N, whose first two wins in 2025 occurred while competing in the Open at Batavia Downs. The 23-time career winner is owned by P T Stable of Brick, New Jersey.
Itsallaboutfaith N rewarded his faithful following with a $34 win payout and led an exacta and triple that returned $164.50 and $768 (on $2 wagers), respectively.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)