By The Book continued to establish himself atop the Open ranks at Saratoga Casino Hotel, completing a training double for Scott Mongeon on the Sunday, March 17 card.
By The Book drew post eight for his try in the $20,270 Open Trot and driver Jay Randall took the 2-1 betting favourite to the back of the pack in the early stages. The patience didn’t last long as the veteran reinsman made an early move in the backstretch with By The Book, who went from last to first by the time the field made its way around the paddock turn for the first time. After settling in on the front-end, By The Book was confronted by a Enhance Yourcalm N (Mitchell Cushing) whose bid was thwarted after By The Book clicked off three-quarters in 1:28. Randall then asked the favourite for his best and the talented high-stepper powered away from his rivals to win by more than four lengths in a mile clocked in 1:57.3. By The Book became the first trotter to win the Open three times thus far this season.
The longest shot on the board, Powerscourt (Mickey McGivern), finished second at odds of 40-1 to complete a hefty $307 exacta, while Comeonover Hanover (Billy Dobson) continued his stretch of being a weekly factor in the Open by finishing third once again. The trifecta paid $1,081 for a $2 wager.
By The Book is owned by the team of Charles Harrison, Frederick Barthelmas and Tina Murray, all of New York.
Live harness racing continues on Monday, March 18 with a matinee that has a noon first post.
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)