Statesman N would not be denied

Statesman N (Christian Cullen) had to settle for second best as the betting public's favorite in last Saturday night's $17,500 feature at Saratoga Casino and Raceway but this week, the Ron Burke-trained eight year old would not be denied.

Statesman N, who came from off the pace in last week's 'Winners Over' pacing feature, moved out to the early lead for driver Jim Morrill Jr on the foggy Saturday night in Saratoga. Once he got to the lead, the 1-5 favorite would not be denied and hit the wire first in 1:54.3.

Classic Gent (Stephane Bouchard) sat the pocket to the winner and held strong in the stretch to finish second while longshot JK Panache (Jim Devaux) earned the show spot.

While Statesman N was the feature winner, it was Mickey Hanover (Billy Dobson) who put up the fastest time of the young season at the Spa with a sensational victory that came in 1:52.4.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon with a matinee beginning at 12:45pm.

Mike Sardella