Memorial Day weekend at Saratoga Casino Hotel kicked off with fans packed in the stands for the Saturday (May 27) evening card and St Lads Sterling stole the show, winning the $17,000 Winners Over/Open Handicap.
Jay Randall was in the bike for trainer Jackie Greene as he took the grey pacer to the gate at odds of 24-1 from post six. The pair got away sixth as top choices Century Endeavor and Optical Illusion N battled for the lead. After the opening panel in :26.1, Randall and St Lads Sterling were on the charge in search of the front. Through the half in :55.1 and three-quarters in 1:23.4, St Lads Sterling continued to power through towards the lead. Around the final turn, the son of Control The Moment met Belmont Major N eye-to-eye. After a stretch duel between Devaux and Randall, St Lads Sterling prevailed by a head in 1:53.2. Six Degrees was third.
Janie Kellogg and the Jackie Greene Stables LLC co-own the four-year-old career winner of $290,434. St Lads Sterling now boasts a record of 11-9-10 in 46 lifetime starts. He paid $49 to win.
Jim Devaux posted a driving triple on the card.
Racing at Saratoga Casino Hotel continues Sunday (May 28) afternoon with a 12 p.m. first post.
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)