Mar Nien A (Rock N Roll Heaven) prevailed in his first start for new connections last Saturday night (Sept 15th) when he parlayed a pocket trip to victory in 1:51.1 at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Amanda Kelley trainee moved up into the $15,000 Open Pace this weekend and despite the step up, was the public’s 1-5 betting favorite. Jay Randall sat behind the six year old Australian invader who had just four starts under his belt in the USA before his try in the Saturday Open. Randall sat back patiently with the big chalk in a first half that went in 55.3. Mar Nien A made his move heading to three quarters before tipping off the cover of rival Lachie Maguire N (Bruce Aldrich Jr) and powering past his rivals to draw away to win in 1:52 on a chilly evening in the Spa City. Lachie Maguire N was the Open’s runner-up while All Artist (Billy Dobson) earned the show spot. Mar Nien A was purchased by the Scheigert Racing Stable, LLC just a few weeks ago and the expensive investment is already beginning to pay dividends as the six year old gelding appears to be one that will be a force in the local Open moving forward. The 1-5 favorite led an exacta and triple in the feature that came back $14 and $40.20, respectively.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga with a 15-race card highlighted by eight New York Sire Stakes Excelsior Finals, each of which will go for a purse of $55,000. First post time is set for 12:15pm.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino
