The Larry Stalbaum stable featured a pair of new members on Wednesday afternoon at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Stalbaum, the Trainer and Horseman of the Year at Saratoga in 2021, went two-for-two with his new trainees on Wednesday as pacer Hezthecaptain and trotter Set The Bar each recorded victories. Hezthecaptain came to town off a career-best win at Hoosier Park and drew the rail for his Spa debut. The 3-5 betting favorite got away fifth from the rail and Stalbaum moved him first over. Hezthecaptain ground the leader into submission around the final turn before drawing clear to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:57.4 to score in his local debut in the $10,000 pace for colts and geldings.
Stalbaum’s Set The Bar prevailed in his first Spa try as the sophomore was one of two even-money choices in his $10,000 event for young trotters. Set The Bar popped the pocket past the three-quarter pole before overpowering the competition and drawing away to win in 1:58. Set The Bar debuted for Stalbaum off of a second-place finish in the Fair Final at Pocono Downs just two weeks ago. Eric Prevost owns both Hezthecaptain and Set The Bar who comprised the Stalbaum Wednesday double.
Live racing resumes on Sunday with a first post time of 12pm. The matinee’s first race will feature a Pick Five carryover of $2,734. There is a $16,940 carryover in the Super High 5.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
