Twisted Pretzel (Crazed) has been the most consistent trotter all year at Saratoga Casino Hotel and on Sunday, the Scott Mongeon trainee won for the eighth time in 2017. Starting from the outside post in the $14,500 Open Trot, Twisted Pretzel flashed some early speed and wound up situated in fourth in the early going. Jimmy Devaux moved the rising trotting star first over approaching the half and after he took over, Twisted Pretzel took off. Met with the late challenge of the favored Tirade Hanover (Bruce Aldrich Jr), Twisted Pretzel held firm and scored in 1:55.1. The final time served as a new lifetime mark for the seven year old and also matched the fastest time for any trotter this year at Saratoga. Tirade Hanover was a strong second in his local debut while Boli (Wally Hennessey) kept his “on the board” streak alive by finishing third. Twisted Pretzel was dismissed at odds of 9-1 and returned $21.20 to win. The exacta and triple came back $59.50 and $185, respectively.
Live racing resumes on Thursday afternoon at Saratoga with a 12:15pm first post.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino
