Majestic Fire handles class hike in Open Trot

Majestic Fire (Majestic Son) moved up into the Open Trot on Sunday afternoon (Nov. 13) at Saratoga Casino Hotel following an eleven-length romp last weekend in his first start for trainer David Yates.

Majestic Fire posted a dazzling 1:55.3 last Sunday (Nov 6) but drew post six for Sunday’s try in the $16,000 feature. Luke Hanners piloted Majestic Fire to his impressive score and sat behind him once again this week. The young reinsman asked the seven-year-old trotter for early speed and when they couldn’t find an early landing spot drove on to the lead.

Majestic Fire posted fast fractions of :28 and :57 seconds in the first half before clicking off three-quarters in 1:25.3. Although he had built a big lead, Majestic Fire was under Hanners urging turning for home as he seemed to be tiring a bit.

The red-hot trotter had enough to hang on to win by a half a length in a mile clocked in 1:56 for his first Open Trot victory.

MAJESTIC FIRE REPLAY

Owned by Josh Cukerstein of Halfmoon, NY, Majestic Fire paid $9.50 in the mild Open upset and led an exacta with Grinder (Jimmy Devaux) second that returned $58. The favored Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) came on to finish third and complete a $184 triple. Majestic Fire gave Hanners one of his three winners on the Sunday card.

Live racing continues on Monday afternoon with a matinee starting at noon. There is a $2,967 carryover in the Pick Five which begins in the Monday opener. The Pick Five is a 50-cent wager.

For complete race results, click here.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway