Esa was a shining star for the John Hallett Racing Stable on Sunday (May 7) at Saratoga Casino Hotel after winning the $17,000 Open Handicap Trot in 1:55.3.
The seven-horse feature division was filled with a hefty set of competitors and Esa went to the gate at odds of 24-1, the longest shot on the board. As the gate said go, Winning Legends, Xcuseme and Dewey Arnold were the first in contention for the top spots on the rail. Esa and Luke Hanners followed in fourth as they passed the opening panel in :27.4. Hanners pulled Esa early and they kept pressing on the outer flow through the half in :57.1 and three-quarters in 1:25.4. Around the final turn, Esa was a head in front of Winning Legends. He continued to roll forward, winning by two lengths. Winning Legends was second and Delayed Hanover got up for third.
Esa is a seven-year-old son of E L Titan and the Andover Hall mare Christiana Hanover. Co-owned by Ronald Prohm and John Hallett, Esa has moved his seasonal record to 6-3-1 in 17 starts with $71,741 earned. It was his 23rd win and lifted his career earnings to $290,373. John Hallett also trains the winner. He paid $51 to win.
Saratoga Harness continues racing on Monday, May 8 with a first post at 12 p.m. (EDT).
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)