Big Box Hanover (Uncle Peter) has been one of the top forces in the Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel for the past few seasons. On Monday, the Larry Stalbaum trainee was at it again and went coast-to-coast to record his fourth victory in the local Open in 2025 and eighth win of the season overall. Flashing early speed in the $18,500 feature, Big Box Hanover cruised to the top and tapped the brakes early on. After moving to the front in 28 seconds, the eight year old slowed things down to reach the half in 58.4 while travelling unopposed. The favored But Why (Jimmy Devaux) powered up on the outside to give the leader his first test after checking in at three quarters in 1:27.4. That pair brought its battle into the stretch where they were joined by Up Helly AA (Chris Long) who got the two-hole trip behind Big Box Hanover who held off the pocket-sitter to score in 1:56.2. Up Helly AA was the runner-up while But Why earned the show spot for the third consecutive week in the Open. Leon Bailey piloted the winner for owner/trainer Larry Stalbaum who saw his Big Box Hanover win for the 60th time in his career en route to more than $890,000 in earnings. The winner went off at odds of 6-1.
Live racing continues on Tuesday with a matinee that begins at 12pm.
