The Wayfaring Man (Dragon Again) made his local debut a winning one on Saturday night in the evening’s $19,500 Open Pace. The Ron Burke trainee utilized his terrific early speed and situated himself in the pocket behind veteran Dancin Yankee (Mark Beckwith) who got a relatively easy lead in the Saturday feature. Dancin Yankee traveled unopposed in a first half clocked in 57 seconds but after checking in at three quarters in 1:25 was confronted by The Wayfaring Man who pocket pulled and cruised by the Saratoga track record holder en route to victory in 1:53.1. Dancin Yankee was the runner-up while continuing his pattern of finishing second or third every week in the Open Pace. Americanprimetime (Phil Fluet) earned the show spot. The Wayfaring Man, who was driven to victory by Bruce Aldrich Jr, paid $25.80 to win in his Saratoga debut.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon with a matinee beginning at 12:15pm.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino