Ghostly Casper (Resolve) made his debut at Saratoga Casino Hotel a winning one on Monday afternoon. The Canadian invader was tasked with overcoming post position seven in a seven-horse $18,500 Open Trot and Jimmy Devaux got the call to sit behind the Sara Baillargeon-trained high-stepper. A six-figure earner in 2024, Ghostly Casper flashed early speed in his Spa debut and moved to the lead in a first quarter clocked in a fast 27.2. Devaux kept the five year old rolling as they coasted through a half in 56.3 before rattling off three-quarters in 1:25.3. Up Helly AA (Chris Long) was the first challenger to test Ghostly Casper but the bid was quickly thwarted by the invader who stopped the timer in 1:55.1 as a decisive two-length winner. Up Helly AA was the runner-up to the 2-5 betting favorite while pocket-sitter Send It In Hanover (Wally Hennessey) earned the show spot. Ghostly Casper’s win was his third of the season for owners Baillargeon, Davidson and Vena.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
