Memorynimagination (Father Patrick) became the second trotter to win the Open three times in the 2026 season at Saratoga Casino Hotel when on Monday, the Jimmy Nickerson trainee went coast-to-coast. The five-year-old high-stepper drew the best post he’s had thus far this year and left from the four-hole in the $16,500 Open Trot. Matt Athearn is the regular driver for Memorynimagination who traveled unopposed in a first half that went in 57.4. By The Book (Jay Randall) rode the coattails of the leader throughout getting the pocket ride just as he did two weeks ago in the Open when he was the runner-up. Memorynimagination bumped up his lead after checking-in at the three quarters in 1:26.3 and Athearn was just a passenger in the stretch before the Nickerson trainee reported home a two-length winner in 1:55. By The Book finished second in the feature while Ordained (Larry Stalbaum) earned the show spot. Memorynimagination’s win was his third in the Open this year as he looks to follow up a ’25 campaign in which he earned more than $140,000. The 4-5 betting favorite on Monday is owned by Joseph Trice. Memorynimagination joins Platinum As as three-time winners in the Open Trot in 2026.
Live racing continues on Tuesday with a matinee that’s set to begin at 12pm.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
