Big Box Hanover (Uncle Peter) was one of the winningest horses in the Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel in 2022. The Larry Stalbaum-owned and trained high-stepper, who recorded another six-figure campaign last year, drew post eight for his most recent try against the track’s top trotters on Sunday’s matinee at the Spa. Big Box Hanover hit the board in his first three local tries this year including one victory in the Open but wound up as the longest shot on the board in the $17,000 dismissed at odds of 27-1 after making a break last week. Young reinsman Matt Athearn got away last with Big Box Hanover who remained the race’s back-marker until the 5/8 pole when the field bunched up after the first half went in a fast 56.2. The race was up for grabs heading to three quarters as the classy Stalbaum trainee continued to progress little by little. Big Box Hanover was still fifth at the top of the stretch but his tenacious pursuit didn’t end there and didn’t stop until he hit the wire first in 1:56.4 to spring the big upset. Dewey Arnold (Jimmy Devaux) dealt with traffic trouble throughout the mile and ended up as the runner-up to Big Box Hanover who paid $57.00 to win in the Open shocker. Dewey Arnold completed a $249.50 exacta while Yes (Brett Beckwith) finished third in his local debut to complete a $3,291 triple. The six year old Big Box Hanover moved over the half million dollar mark in lifetime earnings a few weeks ago and on Sunday recorded his 37th career win in 107 starts.
Live racing continues on Monday afternoon at Saratoga and will feature a carryover of $4,648 in the early Pick Five which begins in race one on the matinee card. First post time is noon.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Jessica Hallett
Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, New York
