Traverse Seelster made his second ever trip to Saratoga Casino and Raceway on Friday night and the talented trotter moved his record to two-for-two in the local Open.
The Amber Buter-trained six-year-old had to contend with post eight for his second try in the $17,000 Open Trot. Leading driver Billy Dobson marched Traverse Seelster (sired by Angus Hall) out early and got away fourth. The 6-5 favourite then moved first over at the half-mile pole and battled rival Count Speed (Wally Hennessey) for almost an entire lap before putting him away around the final turn and drawing off to an open length victory in 1:55.2.
The victory was the ninth of the year and 30th lifetime for Traverse Seelster, who is owned by Keith Pippi of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Just Make Believe (Stephane Bouchard) was the runner up in the Open for the third consecutive week while Slugfest (Jay Randall) came on to finish third.
(Saratoga Raceway)