Talking Tom (Artspeak) dropped and popped in Monday’s feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Perry Simser trainee, who has spent much of his last few seasons as an Open pacer at the Spa, finished second and third, respectively, in the two starts that led up to Monday’s try in the $13,000 feature for pacers. Leon Bailey piloted Talking Tom and flashed early speed with the eight-year-old who wound up getting the pocket ride following a retake to the front by the favored Henceforth (Jay Randall). Henceforth rattled off first-half fractions of 27.1 and 56.4 before seeing his lead shrink just a bit past three quarters in 1:25. Henceforth held strong in the stretch before getting passed late by Talking Tom who stopped the timer in 1:53.3 en route to recording his first victory of the season. Henceforth finished second while Ahi Sunshine (Aaron Byron) earned the show spot. Talking Tom is owned in partnership by Dennis Nye and trainer Perry Simser.
Live racing continues on Tuesday at Saratoga with a first post set for 12pm.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
