Rocknroll Wildcats (World Of Rocknroll) has been on a tear of late at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The George Anthrop-trained pacer made his local debut five weeks ago. After drawing poorly and being a non-factor in his first start at the Spa, the four year old has been terrific ever since. Following a five length romp in a condition race last month, Rocknroll Wildcats made his debut in the Open Pace. The rising star finished second in his first two tries in the local Open heading into Saturday night’s start in the $19,500 feature. Jimmy Devaux got a pocket ride for Rocknroll Wildcats who sat the two-hole behind veteran Dancin Yankee (Mark Beckwith). The fractions were sizzling on a chilly night in the Spa City and after a first half in 55.2, Dancin Yankee checked in at three quarters in 1:23.1. All the while, Rocknroll Wildcats was biding his time and after popping the pocket around the final turn, he went right by. The victory, which came in 1:51.2, was the first in the Open in the young career of Rocknroll Wildcats who returned $8.80 to win in the mild upset. Dancin Yankee and the favored Artful Way (Frank Coppola Jr) finished in a dead heat for second. Devaux, whose hot streak continued on Saturday night when he piloted three winners, also drove Friday night’s Open winner as pacing mare One Over Par pulled off a shocker in the feature for distaffers, scoring at odds of 41-1.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon with a 12:15pm first post.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino
