Mikibytheseaside pounced on the pacesetter in the closing stages to snag the $15,000 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Saturday (June 4).
Yonkers invader Picard A set sizzling fractions on the front. And although Mikibytheseaside was part of the early speed tussle, he popped the pocket heading towards the three-quarter pole. The four-year-old son of Always B Miki ground the leader into submission turning for home before holding off a late charge from rival Belmont Major N in the stretch to record his first Open victory. Belmont Major N closed to finish second while the favored Points North earned the show spot.
Mikibytheseaside paid $16 to win in the mild upset and led an exacta and triple that came back $46.20 and $108, respectively. The winner is owned by Mike and Bill Pozefsky of NY who recorded double on the card as their Gokudo Hanover prevailed in a $9,350 event for claiming pacers.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon (June 5) at Saratoga with a first post set for 12 p.m. (EDT).
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)