Sent the 4-5 favourite, Gruden turned away all challengers to win the $10,000 featured trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Monday (March 8).
Driver Billy Dobson powered the eight-year-old son of Muscles Yankee to the point and enjoyed no challengers through lap one. But Manny L soon mounted a first-over challenge after the leader and turned up the pressure as the field passed three-quarters. Gruden rebuffed that challenge before drawing clear in the stretch to win in 1:58.1. Pocket-sitting INXS finished second at odds of 18-1 while Manny L earned the show spot.
Though Gruden paid just $3.80 to win, the exacta and triple in the race came back $29.80 and $99.50, respectively. Gruden is owned by Rick Dobson of Howell, MI.
Racing continues on Tuesday afternoon (March 9) at Saratoga, featuring the first installment of the Open Pace on the season. First-race post time on Tuesday is set for 12 p.m. (EST).
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)