Nuttin But Finesse drew the rail for his successful try in Saturday’s installment of the $16,000 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
Luke Hanners has been the regular reinsman for the Janice Connor-trained pacer, who is in the midst of a career year. The 2021 campaign could be considered the breakout season for Nuttin But Finesse, who won seven times last year en route to nearly $50,000 in earnings.
On Saturday, the four-year-old son of Art Major took advantage of his inside post and cut the mile in the feature. Setting first half fractions of :27.1 and :55.4, Nuttin But Finesse continued to set a fast pace clicking off three-quarters in 1:23.1 while confronted by rival Moonshine Kisses (Billy Dobson), who took to the first-over path to try and reel in the leader. Nuttin But Finesse added “Open winner” to his growing resume as he held strong in the stretch to prevail in 1:51. The clocking not only served as a new lifetime mark for the Connor trainee but also made him the fastest pacer thus far this season at Saratoga. Moonshine Kisses toughed it out to be second while pocket-sitter Mach Le More A (Leon Bailey) earned the show spot.
Nuttin But Finesse was the race’s 8-5 betting favourite and led an exacta and triple that paid $32 and $116, respectively.
Hanners became the fifth different driver to the win the last five installments of the Open Pace this summer. The young reinsman piloted three winners on the Saturday card.
The victory for Nuttin But Finesse was his seventh in 13 starts this year, lifting his seasonal earnings over $55,000. Connor also co-owns the winner with John Stronka, Scott McGee and Robert Lovett.
Live racing continues on Sunday evening at Saratoga with New York Sire Stakes action taking center stage. First post time for Sunday’s card is set for 6:45 p.m.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)