Mugshots Bro (Jailhouse Jesse) won three consecutive installments of the Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel back in June. Trained by Lisa Zabielski, the seven year old trotter is enjoying a breakout season in 2019 but after going on a bit of a cold streak this summer Mugshots Bro dropped in class to record a victory in his last start (August 20th). Jimmy Devaux sat behind Mugshots Bro as he was back in Open company on Wednesday night. Dismissed at odds of 6-1, the Zabielski trainee powered out to the early lead in a fast first quarter clocked in 27.3. The favorite Wings Of Royalty (Shawn Gray) wound up second-over but after his cover faded so did his chances. Mugshots Bro had to hold off the challenge of invader Jericho (Jay Randall), who was closing up the passing lane, before stopping the timer in 1:56.1 for his fourth victory in the $15,000 Open Trot this season. Jericho finished second while Wings Of Royalty settled for the show spot. Mugshots Bro paid $14.20 to win and led an exacta and triple in the six-horse feature that returned $121 and $201.50, respectively. With the win, Mugshots Bro moved his career earnings to over the $200,000 mark.
Live racing resumes on Friday evening at the Spa with a first post time scheduled for 7:05pm.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino