Up Helly AA has put together a strong season at Saratoga Casino Hotel in 2025 and on Monday afternoon, the veteran trotter secured his fourth Open Trot victory of the year. Chris Long pilots Up Helly AA for trainer Jaymes McAssey, who had three winners on the matinee card. Long moved Up Helly AA out in the early going and landed him in the pocket behind the race’s co-favorite who cruised through a fast first half that went in 56.1. Heading to the three-quarter pole, Long was ready to roll and pulled the six-year-old gelding out of the two-hole before pouncing on the tiring leader and taking command just past three quarters that went in 1:25.3. Dismissed at odds of 9-1, Up Helly AA extended his lead around the final turn, and the chase was on. Rivals Immigrant Am S (Leon Bailey) and Platinum As (Jacob Cutting) closed quickly but they proved way too late to get to Up Helly AA who stopped the timer in 1:56 for his fourth Open Trot victory of the year and ninth win overall in ’25. Immigrant Am S was the runner-up in the feature for the third consecutive week while Platinum As rallied after making a break to finish third in the $18,500 Open for high-steppers. Up Helly AA gave his trainer one of his three winners on the day as McAssey’s Champain and Noble Wine each registered their third consecutive victories on the Monday card.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
