The Saratoga Casino Hotel did not have an Open Trot on its Sunday (June 2) docket, and thus the carded $12,500 Winners Over served as the afternoon feature.
The race’s favourite was Ulster, Saratoga’s 2018 Trotter of the Year, who was making just his third start of the season. The Amanda Facin trainee finished a strong second in his seasonal debut two weeks ago in the Open, but faded in his last start after having endured a difficult journey.
Ulster’s regular driver, Jay Randall, was at the helm once again on Sunday, as the veteran high-stepper cruised out to an easy lead. After having clicked off the opening half in :58.3, Ulster was approached by rival Mugshots Bro (driven by Jimmy Devaux), who rushed up first over to confront the favourite. The pair did battle for a half mile before Ulster put his competition away and recorded the win in 1:56.1.
Ulster, pictured victorious at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Sunday, June 2, 2019.
Mugshots Bro was a strong second while Triumphant’s Chip (Steve Genois) came on to finish third. Ulster was the 3-5 betting favourite on Sunday, and the son of Glidemaster led an exacta and triple that paid $11.60 and $45.60, respectively.
Live racing at Saratoga will resume on Wednesday afternoon with a 12:00 noon first post. There will be a carryover of $4,469 to the Pick Five pool on Wednesday, and the Pick Five will kick off in the matinee’s first race.
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)