Starznheaven was the Two Year Old Pacer of the Year at Saratoga back in 2014 when the freshman had a strong first season. Fast forward to 2018 and the-now six year old is a formidable Open pacer. After moving to the Jim Nickerson stable last month, Starznheaven (Rock N Roll Heaven) has simply become a monster. With wins against top flight competition at Plainridge, Tioga and Scarborough in recent weeks, Starznheaven was riding a five race win streak when he started from post four in Saturday’s $14,500 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel. With fractions of 26.4 and 55.2 being set in the first half, Starznheaven moved first over approaching the half and powered past the leader heading to three quarters. Jimmy Devaux stayed after the rejuvenated pacer who dug-in in the stretch even when confronted by major danger Somewhere Fancy (Billy Dobson). Starznheaven toughed it out to prevail in 1:51.1 to record his sixth consecutive victory. Somewhere Fancy was the runner-up while Somewhere In L A (Mark Beckwith) came from last to finish third. Starznheaven pulled off the upset while dismissed at odds of 8-1. Paying $19.60 to win, Starznheaven started an exacta and triple that returned $58 and $223.50, respectively. The Open score was one of five winners on the night for reinsman Jimmy Devaux.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon with a matinee starting at 12:15pm.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino
