Up Helly Aa (Armbro Barrister) moved his career earnings to over the $300,000 mark after prevailing in the season’s first Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Jaymes McAssey trains Up Helly Aa who was one of the nominees for Trotter of the Year in 2025 at the Spa. On Tuesday, Up Helly Aa powered out early before yielding to the favored Ordained (Larry Stalbaum) in a first quarter that went in 28.1. The 6-5 favorite Ordained rattled off a half in 57.4 before seeing Up Helly Aa pocket-pull and cruise right by in the backstretch. Chris Long mildly urged Up Helly Aa as he drew away to take a lead of close to six lengths before stopping the timer in 1:56.1 to record the victory in his first start of the ’26 campaign. Ordained, though overpowered by Up Helly Aa, held strong to be a clear second-place finisher while Memorynimagination (Matt Athearn) closed to be third. Up Helly Aa paid $9.72 to win in the mild upset in the $16,500 Open. The seven year old trotter is owned by Ian Fromowitz. McAssey scored a training double on Tuesday when his Send It In Hanover went back-to-back with Up Helly Aa on the card.
Live racing resumes on Saturday with a first post time of 12pm.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
