With no Open Pace on the Saturday evening card at Saratoga Casino Hotel, the $14,500 Winners Over was the feature. The race featured an open draw and no clear-cut favorite. Isaac, a five year old son of American Ideal, drew the rail for his return from Plainridge Park where he scored an impressive victory in 1:51.3 on August 3rd. On Saturday, driver Shawn Gray was aggressive with Isaac and after relinquishing the lead in the early going wasted little time in retaking the top spot in a first quarter that went in 27 seconds.
After rattling off a half in 55.1, Isaac was tested throughout the second lap before prevailing by a length. The fourth win of the season for Isaac came in 1:53 for the Alicia Gray trainee. Longshot Six Degrees (Jimmy Devaux) came from the back of the pack to finish second and complete a $70 exacta while Black Hawk Joe A (Matt Athearn) closed to be third for the second consecutive week. Isaac, who paid $6.40 to win, is owned by Amy Cable of Vernon Center, NY.
The Grays secured a double on Saturday when their Battlefield (Sweet Lou) prevailed for the second straight week in a $9,500 event for young pacers. The three year old Battlefield was heavily backed at odds of 1-9 in his 1:55.1 victory which was his fifth in six local starts. Battlefield is owned by Doug Overhiser of New Smyrna Beach, FL.
Live racing continues on Sunday evening at Saratoga with a first post time of 6:45pm.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Jessica Hallett
Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, New York