Rckaroundtheclock N ($2.90) completed a sweep of the Virginia O'Brien Memorial Pacing Series at Saratoga Casino Hotel and ran her North American record to eight wins in nine starts with a 1:55.4 win in Wednesday's $32,500 final.
Driver Greg Merton was forced to change tactics with the daughter of A Rocknroll Dance from post seven, as several leavers to her inside forced her to settle in midfield. After leader Clemmie Hanover (Brian Cross) backed the half down to :57.2, Rckaroundtheclock N made her move. She surged first-over to attack Clemmie Hanover, who fended off the favourite for a while before succumbing to the pressure around the final turn. As Rckaroundtheclock N took the lead, though, first-leg winner American Chance (Jimmy Devaux) tipped off cover to take her best shot. Those two went toe to toe in the stretch before Rckaroundtheclock N dug in to prevail. American Chance was the runner-up; Clemmie Hanover, a second-leg winner, earned third.
Amanda Kelley trains Rckaroundtheclock N, whose only defeat on North American soil came at Yonkers Raceway this spring, for the Scheigert Racing Stable.
Live racing at Saratoga takes place every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with first post set for 12 noon daily.
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)