Long Live Rock took on four foes in Saturday night’s $14,000 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel, and he came away victorious.
Reigning Pacer of the Year, Artful Way, and invader Luck Be Withyou served as formidable foes for the Rene Allard-trained Long Live Rock, who wound up going off as the public’s even-money favourite.
Luck Be Withyou (Jim Devaux) powered out to the early lead and put up sizzling lap-one fractions of :26.2 and :55.1. His first challenge came from Long Live Rock who drew even with him around the final turn before the Allard trainee surged past to win in 1:51.1. Luck Be Withyou was the runner-up while Artful Way (Frank Coppola, Jr.) earned the show spot.
The win was one of three on the night for driver Wally Hennessey who has been on a tear since returning to town this spring.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon with a matinee beginning at 12:15 p.m.
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)