Saratoga Casino Hotel's defending Pacer of the Year Crockets Cullen N ($5.10) found his way back to the winner's circle in Sunday's (June 28) co-featured $8,500 Open Pace, while Gemologist ($4.40) made every pole a winning one in the day's $8,500 Open Trot.
Crockets Cullen N reeled off 10 straight wins in Open company at the Spa, capped by the season's first top-level pace in February. After some lacklustre miles prior to the shutdown of harness racing in North America, Crockets Cullen made his return last week, but faded on the front to finish fifth. This week, the veteran son of Christian Cullen drew the rail, and trainer-driver Larry Stalbaum worked out a pocket trip behind favourite Hudson Phil. In the final eighth of a mile, Crockets Cullen N vacated the pocket and reeled in Hudson Phil, prevailing in 1:52.3. Deetzy finished third.
In the trotting feature, Gemologist went coast to coast for owner-trainer-driver Jordan Derue. Starting from post 4, Derue marched the five-year-old son of Cantab Hall to the early lead. Despite having to move quickly to a :27.4 first quarter, Gemologist had plenty left in the tank to score in 1:56.4, his first win in Open company at the Spa. Volare and Waiting On A Woman rounded out the top three finishers.
Live racing at Saratoga resumes on Thursday afternoon (July 2), with a 12 noon start to the matinee.
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)