Exarch becoming Open powerhouse

Exarch (Cantab Hall) has established himself as a formidable Open trotter at Saratoga Casino Hotel in recent weeks and on Monday afternoon, the six-year-old won the trotting harness racing feature for the second consecutive week.

Exarch was the runner-up two weeks ago (June 7) in his debut in the local Open and followed it up with a pocket-sitting score last Monday (June 14). In this week’s installment of the $14,000 Open, Exarch was assigned the outside post and blasted out at the start under the guidance of reinsman Jimmy Devaux.

Parked out in the early going, Devaux went pedal to the metal with Exarch who didn’t stop until he reached the top getting to the lead in a demanding first quarter of 27.1. Released at odds of 7-2 in an evenly bet featured race, Exarch cruised through a half in 56.3 before being confronted by millionaire trotter Cash Me Out (Phil Fluet) who took the leader to task. Those two slugged it out toe-to-toe throughout the entire final half before Exarch put him away in the final strides.

EXARCH REPLAY

Stopping the timer in 1:56.1, Exarch won for the fifth time this season and third time in the last five starts since moving to the stable of trainer John Gerow last month. The rising star among local trotters paid $9.60 to win and led an exacta with Cash Me Out second that came back $40.20. Brady Bunch (Steve Genois) closed to finish third and round out a $148.50 triple. Exarch is owned by the Fortune Valley Stable of Ballston Spa, NY.

Live racing continues on Tuesday afternoon at Saratoga. The carryover in the Jackpot Pick Six has climbed to $2,901. The Super High Five Jackpot is up to $4,982 and that wager takes place in the final race on every program. Both bets are 20 cent wagers. First post is set for Noon.

For full race results, click here.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Racetrack