Hunter Hill ends favorite’s winning run

With no Open Pace on the card, a $15,000 event for pacers stood as the harness racing feature on the Sunday matinee at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

A highly competitive race went the way of Hunter Hill (Somebeachsomewhere) and driver Aaron Byron who moved first-over on the favorite who came in riding a three-race win streak. First-half fractions of 27 and 55.4 took their toll on the weary leader and Hunter Hill powered right by approaching the three-quarter pole.

The Scott West-trained pacer surged into the lead just past a 1:24.4 panel before surging into a commanding lead around the final turn. Rival Little Willy (Jacob Cutting) followed the Hunter Hill cover and closed sharply in the stretch before coming up a half-length short in a mile clocked in 1:53.4.

Mr Huggins (Larry Stalbaum) came on to finish third. Hunter Hill, who is owned by his trainer Scott West, won for the sixth time of the year. He paid $17.86 to win in the upset. 

HUNTER HILL REPLAY

Live racing continues on Monday at Saratoga with a 12pm first post.    

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway