Fresh off a dynamic 1:55 win in his local debut, Gruden lived up to favoured billing in Tuesday's (July 24) $12,000 Winners Over trotting feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel, as he scored a repeat win for trainer Rene Allard.
Leading driver Billy Dobson moved Gruden out to the early lead, but had to pay a bit of a stiff price to get to the top. Parked at the start, Gruden crossed over to cut the mile after guiding the way through a first quarter of :27 seconds. The big favourite had little difficultly opening up a big lead, but was beginning to tire a pair of dangers in Silent Pine (Bruce Cooper) and Entranced (Dan Cappello Jr.) made steady progress towards the leader. Gruden had enough to hang on and win in 1:56, while Silent Pine came up second best. Entranced earned the show spot.
Live racing continues on Wednesday evening at Saratoga with a 7:05 p.m. first post.
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)