TGs Divine Scene made his local debut a winning one on Saturday night in the $15,000 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.
The Ron Burke trainee utilized his terrific early speed to secure a pocket trip behind longshot Titus Seelster (Frank Coppola Jr.), who overcame post position eight within the first few strides of the 1-1/16 mile feature. Driver Larry Stalbaum popped the pocket with TGs Divine Scene after sitting through three-quarters of 1:22.4 and cruised past the leader to take over and draw away turning for home. The race’s favourite, Fan Of Terror (Stephane Bouchard), was bottled up throughout the race, but found late space to pace up the lane before coming up just shy of the 7-1 shot TGs Divine Scene, who returned $17 to win. The exacta with Fan Of Terror second came back $77.50 while the triple with longshot Titus Seelster in third paid $1,343.
The win, which came in 1:58 for the 1-1/16 distance after a mile in 1:50.3, was one of three on the night for Stalbaum, who has been regularly competing at the Spa since the start of the season last week.
(With files from Saratoga Raceway)