Idealbeach Hanover prevailed in the local Open at Saratoga Casino Hotel for the first time on Saturday night (August 20) as the Rene Allard-trained pacer toughed out a first over journey.
Hall of Fame reinsman Wally Hennessey piloted the five-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere in the $15,000 Open Pace. After leaving for position, Hennessey moved Idealbeach Hanover first over on longshot leader Spinarama (Austin Siegelman). Idealbeach Hanover wore that one down, but the backfield was in motion late as the race’s favourite Givenupdreaming (Stephane Bouchard) and longshot Mc Rusty (Mark Beckwith) came charging at him in the final strides. Idealbeach Hanover held on to win in 1:52.4 while Givenupdreaming came up second-best and Mc Rusty earned the show spot.
Idealbeach Hanover, whose victory was his seventh of the season, paid $8.20 to win in the Saturday feature. The exacta returned $19 while the triple came back $132.50.
The winner is owned by Allard Racing Inc. and Maurice Houle of Varennes, Que.
The C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series, harness racing’s travelling roadshow, was on the move again on Saturday, stopping at Saratoga for two divisions on the betting card. When the dust had settled, Bob "the Headhunter" Hechkoff and “Yankee Joe” Lee each emerged victorious in their respective splits. Hechkoff won with Through The Night ($17.60) in 1:59.4 while Lee was triumphant with Hidden Identity ($3.50) in a 1:58.3 clocking.
(With files from Saratoga and Billings Series)