Twisted Pretzel (Crazed) won his first career Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Sunday afternoon. The Scott Mongeon-trained seven year old came into the race off back to back victories and was assigned post position two in the $13,000 feature. Invader J A T O (Stephane Bouchard) moved out to the early lead and held that advantage until turning for home. That’s when Twisted Pretzel stepped on the gas and powered past J A T O en route to his sixth win of the season. Jimmy Devaux piloted the trotter to each of his three most recent scores. The race’s favorite Boli (Wally Hennessey) came flying in the stretch but was too late to get the job done and had to settle for second while J A T O held to settle for third. Twisted Pretzel, whose win came in 1:55.3, paid $19.60 in the upset. The exacta and triple came back $74.50 and $207, respectively.
Live racing resumes on Thursday with a matinee set to begin at 12:15pm.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino
