Big Box Hanover continued to get closer to becoming a millionaire on Monday afternoon at Saratoga Casino Hotel as the veteran trotter went wire-to-wire in the matinee’s feature. After finishing third in three consecutive installments of the $18,000 Open Trot, Big Box Hanover was dismissed at odds of 7-1 on Monday when he flashed early speed to make the front in 27.2. Tracked in the pocket by the favored But Why (Jimmy Devaux), Big Box Hanover traveled relatively unopposed in a half in 56.4 and three quarters in 1:26 before facing a two-pronged challenge in the stretch. But Why tried to reel in the leader while Dealin With Dewey (Aaron Byron) charged up on the outside in the payoff path. The chase of both rivals proved to be futile as Big Box Hanover lasted on the lead in 1:55.1 to record his fourth win of the season and the 65th in his illustrious career. Billy Dobson piloted the nine-year-old for owner-trainer Larry Stalbaum who saw the career earnings for his barn’s trotting star to move over the $960,000 mark. Stalbaum’s stable featured another winner on the matinee card as well. Stalbaum’s Makeorbreakzaz S (Nuncio) prevailed in his U.S. debut on Monday scoring in 1:55.4 to complete the training double. Dobson, who piloted the winner of the Open, tallied four wins on the Monday matinee in what was the biggest day of the season thus far for the multiple Saratoga driving champion.
Live racing continues on Tuesday with a 14-race card that is set to begin at 12pm.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
