Senor Fantastic (Tactical Landing) won the final of the “Bullet” Bob Memorial Trotting Series on Sunday (Dec 8). Margaret Spagnola trains the three-year-old gelding who was driven to the win by Matthew Athearn. Two leg series winner Storm Bringer (Brett Beckwith) had to settle for second-best in the final despite being the public’s even-money favorite. Senor Fantastic made his move towards the front-running favorite after three quarters in 1:30.4. The 9-5 second-choice cruised past the favorite in the stretch to score by a length and three quarters in a mile clocked in 2:01. Storm Bringer was the runner-up in the $21,400 Final while longshot Nicholas Blue Chip (Jimmy Devaux) earned the show spot.
The “Bullet” Bob Meyer Trotting Series began eight years ago in memory of race announcer Bob Meyer. Bob got his start calling races at Monticello in 1970. He took over as announcer at Yonkers Raceway in 1972 and called the races there through 1997. Bob first called races at Saratoga Raceway in 1987. He took over as full-time announcer at Saratoga from 2000 to 2005, after which he continued to fill-in. Bob, who last called the races at Saratoga on December 2, 2018, passed away in 2020.
Also on Sunday, Saratoga Casino Hotel recognized the leading trainer and driver of the meet. Mark Beckwith won the training title after recording the most wins in a season for any trainer at SCH. Brett Beckwith won his first local driving title by way of a win total that will approach the 300 mark.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
