Isle Coach wires field at Saratoga

Harness racing trainer Robyn Mangiardi and driver Chris Long continued a strong stretch on Monday afternoon (April 15) at Saratoga Casino Hotel when their Isle Coach (Corner Blitz – Madeira Island) went coast-to-coast in one of the co-features.

Mangiardi and Long teamed up for the win in the Sunday feature when their Free Willy Hanover scored his first ever score in the local Open Trot.

On Monday, Isle Coach drew the rail for his second local try as he competed in an $8,000 race for young pacers. Coming off a second-place finish in his Spa debut, Isle Coach controlled the action from start to finish en route to a 1:56.3 victory, his second in the 2024 campaign after spending the early portion of his season racing at Freehold Raceway.

The four-year-old gelding held off late bids from longshot Heir Of Southwest (Brett Crawford), who was the runner-up, and pocket-sitter Duck Dynasty (Mark Beckwith) who had to settle for the show spot.

ISLE COACH REPLAY

Mangiardi, who was voted as the Horsewoman of the Year at Saratoga in ’23, is off to another strong start to her campaign this year and followed up her first Open win with the Monday score with her newly acquired Isle Coach whom she owns.

Live racing continues at Saratoga 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