Levine scores in both Saratoga features

Harness racing conditioner Gary Levine scored a double on Monday afternoon (Mar. 11) at Saratoga Casino Hotel as the former leading trainer saw a pair of his trainees score in $9,500 co-features. Levine, the 2020 training champ at the Spa, owns and trains U Bake The Cake (Cantab Hall) who was the even-money favorite in the wagering in his $9,500 featured trotting race on the Monday card.

Jimmy Devaux sat behind the five-year-old trotter who got a pocket trip before pulling the two-hole after the three-quarter pole and cruising past the leader to assume command in the stretch and stop the timer in 1:59.4.

U BAKE THE CAKE REPLAY

It was the second winner of the day for Levine whose Hashtag Watch Me (He’s Watching, Matt Athearn) sprung a mild upset in his $9,500 race for colt and gelding pacers.

The five-year-old had a pair of second place finishes in his first four local starts before drawing the rail on Monday. Athearn was aggressive in the early going with Hashtag Watch Me and retook the lead from the race’s favorite approaching the opening quarter and never relinquished that lead en route to a 1:57 score. Hashtag Watch Me paid $12.20 in the slight upset.

HASHTAG WATCH ME REPLAY

Levine’s pair of victories on Monday added to his bulky tally as he has gotten off to a strong start in the early portion of the 2024 campaign. Athearn piloted four winners on the Monday card while Devaux’s win behind U Bake The Cake was one of five on the day for the Spa’s three-time defending top driver.

Live racing continues on Tuesday afternoon with a matinee that begins at noon.

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

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway