Bobs Hope & Jay Randall

Bobs Hope (Donato Hanover) has become the “host” of the Sunday matinees this season at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Amanda Kelley trainee returned to the Spa in March from a successful winter stint at Pompano in Florida. The seven year old former claimer put his immediate stamp on the Open Trot when he prevailed in his first start back at Saratoga, parlaying a pocket trip to victory at odds of 5-1. Ever since then, Bobs Hope hasn’t gone off anywhere close to 5-1 but he has just kept winning. On Sunday, he was the public’s even money favorite as he looked to score his third consecutive victory in the $15,000 local feature. Driver Jay Randall moved Bobs Hope out to the early lead and from that point on, it was smooth sailing. The rising trotting star cruised to a nearly three-length win in 1:56 for his fourth victory in the local Open and sixth overall this season. Longshot Windsun Missile (Brett Crawford) got the pocket ride to Bobs Hope and finished second while CR Blazin Beauty (Bruce Aldrich Jr) earned the show spot. Randall has been the regular driver for the Trotter of the Year at Saratoga in three of the last five seasons and may well be again as Bobs Hope has simply dominated the Open Trot in the early portion of 2019.

Live racing resumes on Wednesday afternoon with first post time set for 12:00 Noon.

 

Mike Sardella

Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino

PURCHASE RACE PHOTOS

Win photos can be purchased race nights at the photographer's booth in the lower clubhouse, or by calling 518-681-9351.

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