With no Open Pace on the docket, the $13,000 Winners-Over Pace was the feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Saturday night (April 2), and Mikibytheseaside took top honours while making his 2022 debut.
The Andy Sardella trainee came to the Spa last fall and rattled off victories in his first three local starts before taking the winter off. On Saturday, he was the 9-5 second choice in the wagering when driver Jay Randall pointed him out to the lead. Following a reasonable first half that went in :57.3, the four-year-old cruised through a third quarter in :27.3 while hounded first over by the favoured Oregon Trail. Mikibytheseaside put that rival away in the stretch and reported home a winner in 1:54 in his return. Oregon Trail was a game runner-up while Northern Rein (Leon Bailey) earned the show spot.
Mikibytheseaside paid $5.90 to win and led an exacta and triple that returned $19.20 and $240, respectively. The winner is owned by Mike and Bill Pozefsky of New York.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon (April 3) at Saratoga with a matinee that begins at 12 p.m. (EDT).
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)