Long Live Rock (Rocknroll Hanover) prevailed in Saturday night’s Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel. A field of just five started in the $14,000 feature after a late scratch…but what a five it was. Reigning Pacer of the Year Artful Way and invader Luck Be Withyou served as formidable foes for the Rene Allard-trained Long Live Rock who wound up going off as the public’s even money favorite. Luck Be Withyou (Jim Devaux) powered out to the early lead and put up sizzling lap-one fractions of 26.2 and 55.1. His first challenge came from Long Live Rock who drew even with him around the final turn before the Allard trainee surged past to win in 1:51.1. Luck Be Withyou was the runner-up while Artful Way (Frank Coppola Jr) earned the show spot. The win was one of three on the night for driver Wally Hennessey who has been on a tear since returning to town this spring.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon with a matinee beginning at 12:15pm.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino
