Idealbeach Hanover (Somebeachsomewhere) prevailed in the local Open at Saratoga Casino Hotel for the first time on Saturday night as the Rene Allard-trained pacer toughed out a first over journey. Hall of Fame reinsman Wally Hennessey piloted the five year old in the $15,000 Open Pace and after leaving for position moved Idealbeach Hanover first over on longshot leader Spinarama (Austin Siegelman). Idealbeach Hanover wore that one down but the backfield was in motion late as the race’s favorite Givenupdreaming (Stephane Bouchard) and longshot Mc Rusty (Mark Beckwith) came charging at him in the final strides. Idealbeach Hanover held on to win in 1:52.4 while Givenupdreaming came up second best and Mc Rusty earned the show spot. Idealbeach Hanover, whose victory was his seventh of the season, paid $8.20 to win in the Saturday feature. The exacta returned $19 while the triple came back $132.50.
Live racing resumes on Tuesday night at Saratoga with a 7:05pm first post.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino
