Gigfy stepped up to the plate and scored in his move up into the $14,000 Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Monday (May 3).
Driver Alek Chartrand moved Gigfy to the early lead, but gave way to millionaire trotter Cash Me Out heading to the quarter in order to get a pocket trip. With the tempo tepid in lap one, the race did not set up for closers, leaving Cash Me Out and Gigfy to decide the victor in deep stretch. Gigfy surged in the passing lane and got up in time to record his first-ever win the Open Trot, stopping the timer in 1:58.2 to edge Cash Me Out. Gruden, the race’s favourite, closed to be finish third.
Gigfy paid $11.20 to win in the mild upset and led an exacta and triple that paid $46 and $142.50, respectively. It was the fourth win in 11 tries in 2021 for Gigfy, who is owned by Gerald D’Alessandro of Ocala, Fla. and Bridgette Mattison of Watervliet, N.Y.
Live racing continues in front of the fans starting at 12 p.m. (EDT) on Tuesday (May 4).
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)