Dabestleaderever (Cambest) scored in the $10,000 Perfect 10 Mini Series final on Saturday night (April 8) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
The Dolores Basilone trainee made his local debut last week while coming off back to back strong starts at Monticello Raceway. Following a third-place finish in the lone leg of the Mini Series, Dabestleaderever drew post two on Saturday for a race that would see sizzling first half fractions.
The final of the series for claimers at the $7,500 level or lower saw the fastest winner from last week set blistering fractions early. Partner (Stephane Bouchard) was pointed out to the early lead and got to the top in a :26.3 first quarter. Despite a bit of a second quarter back down, which led to a half in :56.1, Partner was softened enough that he tired late. Palms Beach (Dan Cappello Jr.), the other winner from the Mini Series last week, was the race’s favourite on Saturday night and he wound up first-over on Partner. Palms Beach was followed up by Dabestleaderever, who surged into the lead in the stretch before stopping the timer in 1:54.3 for his second win of the season. Palms Beach held on for second while longshot Auckland Flyer (Billy Dobson) came on for third. Partner had to settle for fourth.
Dabestleaderever paid $7.80 to win and started an exacta and triple that came back $32.60 and $794, respectively.
Dabestleaderever was driven to victory by Jimmy Devaux for owner Gregory Gardner.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga with a 12:15 p.m. first post.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)