Horses that start from the rail on half-mile tracks tend to be backed well at the wagering windows. That was not the case on Sunday (July 19), as a Post 1 starter went off at the longest odds on the board and paid $149 to win.
Driver Robert Sparling Jr. was aboard Albergetty in Sunday’s fourth contest at Dresden Raceway. It’s safe to say that the 11-year-old son of Albert Albert didn’t get much love on the tote board, as the veteran of 229 career races was sent off at 73-1 – the longest shot on the board.
Sparling brought the gelding up to the wings for the dash and was able to nestle into the two-hole after the field made its charge off the wings. Sparling and Albergetty sat through the fractions (:28.2, :58, 1:27.1) before they gave the leader (Blackbird Singing, driven by Nick Steward) all they could muster.
The margin of victory wasn’t much – just a head – but Albergetty and Sparling got the job done, as they upended the apple cart in 1:57.2 for Ingersoll-based owner/trainer Doug Walter. Albergetty paid $149.50 for the upset victory.
The win was part of a three-bagger for Sparling. Andy Moore and Garrett Rooney each scored driving doubles on the program.
Kid’s Day In The Books
Dresden hosted its Kid’s Day event on Sunday under scorching hot temperatures. With the humidex included, the temperature on Sunday at Dresden was 43 degrees Fahrenheit.
A release from the track states that clowns painted children’s faces and made balloon animals Also, all of the kids in attendance received free popsicles and t-shirts.
The overall handle for the card was $13,538, for a two-day total of $23,807.
To view the harness racing results for Sunday at Dresden, click the following link: Sunday Results – Dresden Raceway.
(With files from Dresden Raceway)