By The Book has really turned himself into a formidable Open trotter this season at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
The Scott Mongeon-trained high-stepper scored a decisive win on Sunday afternoon, March 10 in the $20,270 Open Handicap Trot to record his second feature score this season.
By The Book, a five-year-old son of Chapter Seven, was assigned post five for his Sunday try and utilized his improved post to flash early speed and make an easy lead. His regular driver, Jay Randall, got comfortable fractions for the 4-5 betting favourite, who cruised unopposed through a first half in :57.4 before opening up a big lead on pocket-sitting City Of Hope (Jimmy Devaux) past three-quarters in 1:27. By The Book’s second Open score this year came in 1:56.2 by five and a half lengths. City Of Hope was the longest shot on the board at odds of 44-1 but held strong to be second in the feature while Comeonover Hanover (Billy Dobson) closed to be third.
By The Book led an exacta and triple that paid $71 and $340.50, respectively.
The Open winner is owned in partnership by Charles Harrison, Frederick Barthelmas and Tina Murray, all of New York.
Live harness racing continues on Monday afternoon with a matinee that begins at noon.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)