James Siegelman trainee wins local debut

Real Illusion (Real Desire) extended his win streak to three on Saturday night as the six year old harness racing pacer handled the step up into the Winners Over at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

The James Siegelman trainee prevailed in his local debut while competing in a $12,500 claiming race.

Last week, Real Illusion stepped up in company and again went wire to wire with Austin Siegelman in the sulky.

On Saturday night, the razor sharp pacer made his debut in the $13,000 feature and again powered out to the early lead. After posting fractions of 26.2 and 55.1 in the first half, Real Illusion had enough to hold off the late challenge from Someplace Special (Mark Beckwith) to win the 1 1/16 mile Winners Over pace in 1:59.2. Someplace Special was a close second to the race's even money betting favorite while longshot RU Ready To Rock (Bruce Aldrich Jr) earned the show spot.

For Real Illusion, it was the fourth victory of the season and the third in his three local tries. Billy Dobson was the Saturday evening sulky star at the Spa as he piloted five winners on the card.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga with a matinee set to kick off at 12:15pm.

Mike Sardella