By The Book (Chapter Seven) won his first career Open Trot on closing weekend of the 2023 meet at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Scott Mongeon trainee went coast-to-coast to wrap up his ’23 campaign before taking the winter off. On February 12th, the five-year-old made his return to the track with a strong closing third-place finish.
Jay Randall has been the regular reinsman for By The Book and in Sunday’s $15,000 feature, Randall moved the even-money favorite out to the early lead. The talented high-stepper enjoyed a hassle-free first half that went in 59.1 and looked comfortable every step of the way before reporting home a length and a quarter winner.
By The Book stopped the timer in 1:57.2 for his second victory in the local feature since coming to town last year. Longshot Malibu Kid (Larry Stalbaum) closed to finish second while City Of Hope (Jimmy Devaux) earned the show spot. By The Book is owned in partnership by Harrison, Barthelmas and Murray.
Live racing continues on Monday afternoon with a matinee set to begin at noon.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
