Bridge Works (Dejambro) became the fourth horse to go back to back in the Open Trot this season at Saratoga Casino Hotel when the Brett Derue trainee cruised to a wire-to-wire win on Monday afternoon. Acquired by Derue just two weeks ago, Bridge Works prevailed in his debut for new connections last week (Aug 2) when he pulled off a mild upset winning in 1:56.2 after a first-over journey. On Monday, Bridge Works wasted little time as his race’s 4-5 betting favorite as reinsman Wally Hennessey powered the five year old out to the early lead in the $14,000 feature. After coasting through a comfortable first half in 57.4, Bridge Works didn’t face much of a challenge in the final lap as he cruised to a nearly three-length victory in a career-best 1:55.1. Gettin Messi (Chris Long) was the runner-up to Bridge Works for the second consecutive Monday afternoon to complete a $20 exacta while longshot Bucketlist Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) finished third in a triple that paid $191. Bridge Works, who is owned by Picarazzi, Bullard, Petillo and his trainer Brett Derue, won for the sixth time of the season and has now piled up over $60,000 in earnings in 2021. The rising star adds his name to the list that consists of Gruden, Cash Me Out and Exarch as trotters to win the Open on at least two consecutive occasions. It was just another day at the office on Monday for Hennessey as the Hall of Fame driver piloted three winners on the card.
Live racing continues on Tuesday afternoon at Saratoga with a matinee at begins at noon.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino
