Perfect drive gets Ahi Sunshine Open win

Despite the rainy weather, Ahi Sunshine (Sunshine Beach-Racey Miss) was still a shining star on the Saturday (March 2) evening harness racing card at Saratoga Casino Hotel, winning the $15,000 Winners Over/Open Handicap Pace from the pocket trip.

Matty Athearn and the Jackie Greene student left from the rail in the featured pace, settling into second behind Skyway Victor (Mitchell Cushing). Skyway Victor clicked out fractions in :28.1, :57, and 1:25 as Ahi Sunshine followed his path.

Favored Rocknroll Runa A (Larry Stalbaum) threw his name into the mix in the final turn and the trio battled down the stretch. With a :29 final panel, Ahi Sunshine sprinted to a 1-1/4 length victory in 1:54.1. Pacesetting Skyway Victor had to settle for second and Rocknroll Runa A took the show spot.

Janie Kellogg owns the four-year-old gelding. The victory was Ahi Sunshine’s second in four starts this year and ninth in 33 career starts. He is a career earner of $120,052. As the 5-1 third choice in the feature, Ahi Sunshine returned a $12.00 ticket to win.

AHI SUNSHINE REPLAY

Shawn Gray led all drivers with a triple on Saturday.

Saratoga Casino Hotel resumes racing on Sunday (March 3) afternoon with a first post of 12 p.m.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Jessica Hallett, for Saratoga Casino Hotel